KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A coalition of Kalamazoo-area parents, early childhood educators, small business owners, and community leaders Tuesday announced the launch of “Yes for Families,” a campaign supporting a proposed millage designed to establish a dedicated, long-term local funding stream for child care in Kalamazoo County.
If approved by voters on the August primary ballot, supporters say the millage would help lower out-of-pocket costs for families, stabilize and expand the child care workforce, and increase access to quality care across the county.
Organizers say the campaign brings together community members who note the lack of affordable, reliable child care as one of the region’s most pressing economic and family challenges. They say Kalamazoo County parents currently pay some of the highest child care costs in Michigan, and many providers struggle with chronic underfunding that threatens program stability and staff retention.
“Child care is not a luxury — it’s essential infrastructure for our families, our businesses, and our future,” said Jen Stroven, early childhood advocate and Yes for Families Campaign Manager. “This measure will give our community the chance to invest in a solution that keeps parents in the workforce, keeps child care providers’ doors open, and gives every child in Kalamazoo County a strong start. We’re proud to lead this campaign alongside so many neighbors who believe we can do better together.”
The proposed child care millage is a 0.5 mill property tax that would fund dedicated services and programs for Kalamazoo County residents with young children and their caregivers. If approved by voters, the millage would cost average households about $50 per year and run for 8 years, from 2027 through 2034.
The campaign will host a community launch party on Sunday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. at the Milham Park Southern Pavilion, 607 East Kilgore Road, Kalamazoo.
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