Meet Drew Duncan

I’m Drew Duncan, and I’m running for Kalamazoo City Commission to bring practical leadership and deep community commitment to city government. My work has always been grounded in real-world experience—not from behind a desk, but alongside people, on the ground, solving problems and building coalitions.

Though I wasn’t born here, I chose Kalamazoo. I chose it because I saw a city full of potential—a place with a vibrant community, creative energy, and people worth fighting for. I’ve worked across cities in the Midwest, and I know what it takes to build trust, drive policy change, and deliver results. I believe in leadership that listens, acts, and makes space for those too often left out of the conversation.

Over the last decade, I’ve worn many hats in political and civic life—campaign manager, field organizer, marketing strategist, speechwriter, policy advocate. But no matter the title, my work has always focused on the same goal: helping people get access to what they need to live, work, and thrive.

I’ve worked with people from congress to the classroom building strategy, coordinating volunteer operations, and shaping messaging that speaks to people’s real concerns. I’ve also worked behind the scenes in government, serving on South Bend’s Common Council committees for Neighborhood Development, Budget, and Community Relations. These roles gave me firsthand experience with how policy decisions shape lives, block by block.

As a former Chair of the NAACP Political Action Committee and a member of Indiana’s State Redistricting Commission, I’ve stood up for equitable representation, fair housing, and civil rights. I know how to navigate bureaucracy without becoming part of it—and I know how to use my voice to amplify the voices of others.

Community Driven Leadership

Track Record of Action

In every role I’ve taken on, I’ve fought for the issues that matter most:

  • Affordable Housing & Shelter Access: I’ve actively supported the development of a low-barrier shelter here in Kalamazoo and have advocated for zoning reform and tenant protections to ensure everyone has a safe place to live.

  • Public Safety with Community Trust: I believe safety starts with stability. That’s why I support investing not just in law enforcement, but also in mental health response, neighborhood infrastructure, and violence prevention programs that reduce harm before it happens.

  • Equitable Economic Development: My background in workforce development means I’ve helped both businesses grow and job-seekers find real opportunity. I support policies that remove barriers for local entrepreneurs, attract responsible investment, and ensure resources reach underserved communities.

Why I’m Running

I’m not here to play politics—I’m here to lead. I believe government should be efficient, transparent, and rooted in the people it serves. Collaboration should outweigh ideology. Solutions should be tailored to Kalamazoo—not imported from some national playbook. And progress shouldn’t leave anyone behind.

This campaign is about doing the work. It’s about building a city where housing is a right, safety is shared, and opportunity belongs to everyone. I’ve done this work in other cities, and now I want to do it for the city I call home.

If you believe Kalamazoo deserves leadership that shows up, listens hard, and never stops fighting for a better future—I’m ready.

Let’s do this together.