Lansing · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lansing public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Homeless Encampment Sweeps and Winter Shelter
Residents and some council members criticized the ongoing sweeps of homeless encampments, arguing they destabilize people and destroy belongings. Council Member Kost raised the idea of sanctioned encampments; HRCS said it conducts outreach before sweeps.
Flock license plate reader surveillance
A resident said the city attorney's opinion on ALPRs didn't address private operators and urged Council to ban private automated license plate readers, citing the crypto-kiosk precedent.
Supportive housing services funding
An ordinance would allocate city funding for supportive housing services, but the committee wants more time to review amendments circulated last week before voting.
Early absentee ballot processing for November 3 election
Lansing can now start processing and tabulating absentee ballots up to 8 days before Election Day, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. That should mean quicker, cleaner results on election night.
Recovery housing zoning at 810 W. Saginaw
Two separate proposals to house families and veterans: one at a church on MLK Blvd. (SLU-1/Z-1) and one at 332 Townsend St. (SLU-2/Z-2). A resident raised spot-zoning concerns about the MLK rezoning.
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.
Charter transition of city boards to ward structure
Two residents were seated: Colleen Cole on the Public Media Authority and Kalman Mate on the HRCS Advisory Board. Kost questioned whether Mate is the right fit given the board's homelessness focus.
Legislative Analyst vacancy refill
The council staff position will be reposted May 15 for two weeks, with interviews starting June 8.