In a move that was unimaginable until recently, the city of Kalamazoo is considering creating a new staff position focused on cannabis businesses.
The Kalamazoo City Commission will vote on a recommendation to create the position at its July 18 business meeting. If approved, the city would add one full-time equivalent (FTE) staff position: business and special projects coordinator, with a focus on the cannabis industry.
Kalamazoo approved rules to allow adult-use cannabis businesses within the city limits in May 2020, and businesses began opening their doors to customers later that year.
The need for a full-time staff person has become evident as the industry continues to grow, according to the recommendation presented to the city commission.
In 2022, the city has 21 cannabis businesses with 40 licenses. In 2023, there will be 22 potential new businesses with 36 potential new licenses. That could add up to a possible new total of 41 potential businesses with 76 potential licenses that all require annual renewal, the city said.
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