Lansing · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lansing public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Citywide trash collection study
Lansing has debated switching from a hybrid trash hauling system to a coordinated citywide system every year. Council Member Hussain wants independent, objective data and four-ward public meetings before any recommendation.
Opioid settlement participation
September 25 at City Hall: 12-15 resource agencies, a keynote speaker, food trucks, the McLaren Health Mobile Unit, and a Memorial Wall of Hope that will later hang at the Rise Recovery Center. The city is running billboards, radio spots, PSAs, and CATA bus promotions alongside it.
Legislative Analyst vacancy refill
The council staff position will be reposted May 15 for two weeks, with interviews starting June 8.
Gun violence down sharply
Mike Lynn shared 2025 numbers: non-fatal shootings fell from 85 in 2021 to 58, fatal shootings from 23 to 21, and shots-fired calls dropped by more than half. He asked Council to keep funding community violence intervention in the upcoming budget.
Sanctuary City Policy
Lansing just got flagged by the Trump administration as a 'sanctuary jurisdiction,' which is about to kick off some major drama down at City Hall over local immigration rules. Basically, the city's approach to immigration enforcement is putting it right in the federal crosshairs.
Ranked Choice Voting
Voters in three Michigan cities just said yes to ranked choice voting, which could totally change how we elect local leaders here in Lansing too. It's a fresh way to cast your ballot that lets you rank candidates by preference instead of just picking one.