This time on the BC CIty Connection housing focus, Darcy Schmitt and Krista Trout-Edwards share how the city and the Calhoun County Land Bank align land, zoning, and neighborhood input to turn vacant parcels into infill homes. The discussion maps the shift in...
The 2018 Battle Creek Housing Master Plan gathered a lot of data to direct policy and decision making in the city. Now, eight years later, it's time to revisit the topic and see how things have changed. Darcy Schmitt from the City of Battle Creek talks to...
On this episode of BC City Connection: Exploring how Neighborhood Planning Councils (NPCs) give Battle Creek residents a structured voice on policing, code, planning, and development, and why diverse, new members are vital. CommissionerJessica Lacosse and Helen...
Over the course of 2026, the BC CIty Connection will include some conversations specifically focused on housing in the city. In the first of those episodes, Planning Supervisor Darcy Schmitt lays out how Battle Creek tackles the housing shortage with mixed-use zoning,...
This time on BC City Connection, a discussion outlining how Battle Creek is building an accessible digital city that meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards and puts residents first. From language-ready alerts to a content-first website overhaul,...
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Chair Derek King looks back at the work of 2025, a transitional and tough budget year, and ahead at the opportunities in 2026 which include several road projects and renovations at the jail. Episode Resources Calhoun County Board...
Battle Creek has a new Direct Primary Care office offering a new model for those needing health care services. Dr. Behram Elami talks to Community Matters about what Direct Primary Care is and how it differs from more conventional health care providers and helps...
From new a reimagining of the Beckley Road corridor, changes with the WK Kellogg Company and hiring of a new City Manager, it was a year of transition for Battle Creek. Mayor Mark Behnke, new City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin and Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing talk to...
Rep. Steve Frisbie looks back at his first full year in office in the Michigan House of Representatives, including the struggle to pass the state budget as well as the current attempt to cut up to $645M in work project funds. Frisbie also looks ahead to 2026,...
It's a longstanding tradition in Battle Creek: The annual Christmas parade – a gift to the community by the Harper Creek Optimist Club. Folks line the streets on a Saturday in November (typically the Saturday before Thanksgiving) to watch the procession of...