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 acquisitions, highlights early wins in Washington Heights, and invites builders into a growing local pipeline.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek Housing Strategy
Calhoun County Land Bank Authority

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

BC CIty Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

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 Guzzo, community development manager, detail how councils work, what they decide, and how to join.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek website

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

The BC City Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

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, infill, and accessory dwelling units, and why public input shapes every choice.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek Housing Strategy

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

BC CIty Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

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, the plan, the tools, and how neighbors can help us improve are part of the discussion.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek website

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

The BC City Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

In this episode of the BC City Connection, Mayor Mark Behnke, City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin and Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing reflect on a year of change in Battle Creek and share plans to turn that transition into momentum.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek
Battle Creek City Commission
Battle Creek City Manager

BC CIty Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Battle Creek’s outdoor sirens are being modernized for targeted, reliable severe weather alerts. Also, learn why monthly tests are important.

In this episode of BC City Connection, Bret White from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) explains upgrades, vendor support, and how residents can get fast phone alerts and even join CERT.

Episode Resources
Outdoor Warning Siren Activation Project
Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program
Subscribe to Battle Creek City Alerts
Subscribe to Calhoun County Emergency Notifications

BC CIty Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

In her first visit to the BC City Connection podcast, Battle Creek City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin discusses her background, what drew her to Battle Creek and the challenges and successes she sees in the Cereal City.

Zimmerlin joined the City of Battle Creek after a 5-year stint as city manager in the Cincinnati suburb of Springdale, Ohio.

Episode Resources
City Manager's Office Battle Creek

BC City Connection is produced by Livemic Communications.

Since 2018, the City of Battle Creek has been selected to receive the Michigan Medicaid CHIP Lead Hazard Control Community Development Grant. Fiscal year 2026 is included.

The grant was approved for a total of $1,345,000.

In this episode of BC City Connection, Battle Creek Lead Programs Coordinator Emily Arntz discusses how the funds help families reduce the risk of exposure to lead paint - especially for children.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek Lead Safe Program
Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Homes
City of Battle Creek Minor Home Repair Program
City of Battle Creek Community Development
Community Action Battle Creek

BC City Connection is produced by Livemic Communications.