AI Steering Committee
2025-12-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit)
The Van Buren County AI Steering Committee is a board-appointed group responsible for overseeing all policy-related activities involving artificial intelligence within the county. Its primary purpose is to provide governance, ensure ethical and effective AI adoption, and guide the development of standards that align with county goals, legal requirements, and public trust. The committee works closely with the AI Task Force and the Digital Information Department to review proposals, assess risks, and recommend county-wide policies and strategies for responsible AI use.

Christmas Eve
2025-12-24
The county is closed all day for Christmas Eve.

Christmas
2025-12-25
The county is closed all day for Christmas.

New Years Eve
2025-12-31
The county is closed all day for New Years Eve.

New Year's Day
2026-01-01
Van Buren County will be closed on New Year’s Day.

New Years Day
2026-01-01

Special Board of Commissioners Meeting
2026-01-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
Special Board Meeting to review the 2026 Van Buren County Facilities Master Plan.

Public Hearing: Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan: 2026-2030
2026-01-13 12:50 - 13:00 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2026-01-19
The county is closed all day for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Delayed Start – Closed Until 10:30 AM on Tuesday 1/20/2026
2026-01-20 00:00 - 10:30
All VBC Courts, Administration, and other non-essential government offices/facilities will not open until 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 20th due to weather conditions.

Land Preservation Board Meeting January 2026
2026-01-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Human Services West, 57418 CR 681, Hartford, 49057, United States
Join us on Zoom at Meeting ID: 964 916 3255 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Please click here to view the agenda in a new tab.

Full Closure – 2026-01-27T21:03:48.120Z
2026-01-27 00:00 - 16:00
Van Buren County will close early today at 4pm due to inclement weather.

Full Closure – 2026-01-27T21:06:57.452Z
2026-01-27 00:00 - 16:00
Van Buren County will close at 4pm, Jan 27, 2026, due to inclement weather.

Parks and Rec Commission January Special Meeting
2026-01-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
We will be recommending the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for approval to the Board of Commissioners for their meeting later that day.
This meeting will also serve as our Annual Meeting, during which we will:

Elect officers, and
Set the 2026 meeting schedule.

Documents
Agenda Packet
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Programs Report

Planning Commission Meeting
2026-01-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
A brief overview of what’s on the agenda:

Election of officers and confirmation of the 2026 meeting schedule
Discussion of proposed bylaw amendments
Review of a South Haven Charter Township zoning text and map amendment
Review of the Van Buren County Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2026–2030)

Click here to view the full agenda packet
This plan was prepared by the Parks and Recreation Commission with assistance from the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and outlines countywide recreation goals, priorities, and needs for the next five years. The Planning Commission’s review and feedback will help inform the plan as it moves forward to the Board of Commissioners for consideration.

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 10, 2026
2026-02-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
Click here for the Agenda PDF.
Just a quick reminder that we will be holding our next Parks and Recreation meeting this Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Chambers.
As we discussed in January, we will focus on upcoming 2026 grant opportunities and how they may align with current Parks priorities.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) for the 2026 cycle continues to favor projects that:

Improve or expand trails and trail connections, including water access
Provide public access to natural resources, especially lakes and rivers
Have a regional benefit, serving more than just one community
Incorporate accessibility improvements, particularly projects that go beyond minimum ADA standards
Demonstrate strong public support and readiness

The intent is to discuss how existing or potential Parks projects may fit well within those priorities and to get early direction from the Commission before moving too far down any one path.
We’ll also touch briefly on the County Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program. As part of that discussion, staff would like to talk about the signage project as a potential candidate, particularly as it relates to improving visibility, wayfinding, and overall functionality of County facilities. This grant program places value on practical capital improvements that enhance usability, accessibility, and long-term benefit, which aligns well with the goals of the signage effort.
This will be an informational discussion, with the goal of gathering Commission feedback and helping shape next steps.

President's Day
2026-02-16
Van Buren County will be closed to observe President’s Day.

Planning Commission Annual Meeting
2026-02-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
This meeting includes the Commission’s required annual actions, including election of officers and adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule. The Commission will also continue discussion of the proposed bylaw amendments.
Under new business, the Commission will receive a zoning text and map amendment request from South Haven Charter Township and will receive the Arlington Township Draft Master Plan (linked in the agenda) for review. Because the January meeting was cancelled, our comments will no longer be within their formal review period, but any feedback can still be forwarded for their general information.
Feb 25 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Packet

Easter Sunday
2026-04-05
Public transit is closed for Easter Sunday.

Public Transit Annual Refresher Training Day
2026-04-10
In order to comply with training requirements, Van Buren Public Transit will be closed Friday, April 10, 2026,
to hold its Annual Refresher Training for staff. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Services will resume as scheduled the following day.

Public Hearing: BRA Plan - SoHa Drift Lofts
2026-04-30 12:50 - 13:50 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
Public hearing to discuss the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) Plan for the SoHa Drift Lofts project.
Click here for the full public hearing notice.

Committee of the Whole Meeting
2026-04-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
Rescheduled from 4/28/2026.
The Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 1:00 PM unless otherwise noted. The Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting is where all presentations and new request will be presented to the Van Buren County Commissioners for initial consent. All items approved at the COW will move to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) next regularly scheduled meeting, approximately 2 week later, for final approval and resolution. Some items will not require a resolution and will only be approved or denied by motion.
Attending a Meeting
You can attend these public meetings in person, via Zoom, or watch on YouTube Live:
In Person: Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Second Floor, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Zoom: Use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89123577829, or enter meeting ID 891 2357 7829 in your Zoom app.
YouTube Live Streaming: Watch recordings on YouTube Live Streaming.

Board of Commissioners Meeting
2026-04-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
Rescheduled from 4/28/2026.
The Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting begins immediately after adjournment of the Committee of the Whole meeting (CoW) and is held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month unless otherwise noted. Items that came before the previous Committee of the Whole meeting will be reviewed for final decision. Items approved at the BOC will generate a resolution, some items will not require a resolution and will only be approved or denied by motion.
Attending a Meeting
You can attend these public meetings in person, via Zoom, or watch on YouTube Live:
In Person: Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Second Floor, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Zoom: Use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89123577829, or enter meeting ID 891 2357 7829 in your Zoom app.
YouTube Live Streaming: Watch recordings on YouTube Live Streaming

Electronics Recycling Event
2026-05-05 13:00 - 17:00 | Porter Township Hall, 88040 M-40 Highway, Lawton, MI, 49065, United States
Recycling Collection Events in Van Buren County
Van Buren County partners with the Van Buren Conservation District (VBCD) to bring affordable, convenient recycling collection events to residents throughout the county. These events make it easier to responsibly dispose of items that don’t belong in your regular trash or recycling bin.
Electronics Recycling Events
In addition to Recycle Roundups, VBCD offers electronics-only collection opportunities throughout the year in two formats:
One-Day Events — Staff will be on-site to answer questions and help you unload. These afternoon events run from 1:00–5:00 PM and travel to different communities across the county.

Date
Location

May 5, 2026
Porter Township Hall, 88040 M-40 Hwy, Lawton

June 10, 2026
Bangor Fire Department, 417 W. Arlington St., Bangor

July 8, 2026
Hartford Public Library, 12 Church Street, Hartford

August 6, 2026
Gobles City Park, Downtown Gobles

Transfer Station Host Days — VBCD’s electronics recycling trailer rotates through local waste and recycling centers throughout the year. Electronics recycling at these locations is open to all Van Buren County residents and landowners. Note that other services at each site are subject to that site’s own rules and may not be available to all residents.

Dates
Location

May 9, 12 & 16
Decatur Area Waste & Recycling Center, 300 W. Beers Street, Decatur

June 13 & 20
Bangor Township Waste & Recycling Center, 41559 63rd Street, Bangor

July 11 & 18
Keeler Township Transfer Station, ½ mile south of Keeler on CR 687, Hartford

August 8, 11 & 15
Bloomingdale Recycling Center, 1 block west of Bloomingdale on Rocky Rd., Bloomingdale

For collection, waste, and recycling questions, contact Materials Management Project Manager Kalli Marshall:
ResourceRecovery@VanBurenCD.org
269-633-9314

Funding for Van Buren Conservation District collection events is provided in part by Van Buren County. Van Buren County is committed to supporting sustainable waste management opportunities that serve all county residents and landowners.

Opioid Settlement Steering Committee
2026-05-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
The Opioid Settlement Steering Committee is comprised of community stakeholders to allocate funds from the Nationwide Opioid Settlement. The Committee determines the most viable ways to allocate funding by vetting projects to then be brought before the Board of Commissioners for approval.
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
Date: May 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Board of Commissioners Chambers, Van Buren County Administration Building 219 E Paw Paw Street Suite 204, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079
This meeting is open to the public. Visit the Opioid Settlement Steering Committee webpage to learn more. Please contact the Community Services Department for questions and accommodations.
CommunityServices@VanBurenCountyMI.gov
269-657-8200 x 1074
Administration Building, 219 E Paw Paw Street Suite 201, Paw Paw, MI 49079

Van Buren Parks & Recreation Commission: Notice of Rescheduled Meeting
2026-05-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States
The regularly scheduled Van Buren County Parks & Recreation Commission has been rescheduled from May 12 to May 7.
Date: May 7, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Board of Commissioners Chambers, Van Buren County Administration Building, 219 E Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079
Notice Issued: May 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Join virtually!
Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/229450224895719?p=IeSRHlboMZtMbNcIqr
Meeting ID:
229 450 224 895 719
Passcode:
[REDACTED]
Click here to read the full rescheduled meeting notice.

Transfer Station Host Days
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00

Special Meeting: Budget Presentations External Partners, 10am
2026-05-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Board of Commissioners Chambers, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, 49079, United States

Land Preservation Board Meeting
2026-05-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Human Services West, 57418 CR 681, Hartford, 49057, United States
The Land Preservation Board consists of locally appointed members who play a key role in the preservation of our farmland.
This meeting is open to the public. Please contact the Community Services Department for accommodations and questions. 269-657-8200 x 1073 CommunityServices@VanBurenCountyMI.gov
Visit the event link to view the meeting agenda and learn more about our work,

Memorial Day
2026-05-25
The county is closed all day for Memorial Day.
