Lansing · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lansing public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rewrite of the city noise ordinance
The city rewrote its noise rules to cover all properties, drop decibel meters in favor of a 'plainly audible' standard, and make enforcement more practical for police.
Support for State Homeless and Tenant Bills of Rights
Council discussed supporting Michigan HB 4197 (homeless bill of rights) and HBs 6086-6089 (tenant right to purchase, relocation assistance, tenants' unions, 90-day rent increase notice), with action expected December 7.
District Court treatment grants
The 54A District Court's Sobriety Court and Adult Drug Court grants would fund treatment, testing, and supplies.
Make Safe or Demolish order at 1606 Reo Rd.
The committee was scheduled to consider a resolution ordering a property at 4507 Devonshire Avenue to be made safe or demolished. These orders typically address dangerous or blighted structures and affect the neighborhood's safety and appearance.
LPD Officer Hiring and Staffing
The department started 19 recruits in August, some former cadets or interns, and made 3 lateral officer offers (1 accepted, 1 pending, 1 declined). Hiring activity could affect response times and neighborhood policing capacity.
Election inspector staffing for November 3
Precinct staffing for the general election is now set, with flexibility for the Clerk's Office to fill gaps if inspectors drop out.
School Crossing Guard Program Vendor
The police department notified the city that All City Management Services will staff, train, and manage the school crossing guard program. The service is state-mandated and no other vendor is available.
Citizen Complaint Process
A board member's storm report about a blocked road went unrecorded despite calling the city's line, and a citizen complaint alleges a rude representative misdirected a caller. Residents may worry the city isn't logging or routing their requests properly.
Community Health, Wellness and Opioid Awareness Fair
A free community fair on Friday, September 25th at the State Capitol will offer sixteen resource vendors, the McLaren Mobile Unit, food trucks, and a Memorial Wall of Hope for those affected by substance abuse.
Garden Street Neighborhood Nuisance
Commissioner Cotton said the Cedar Street car wash was cleared out but activity has returned, and complaints shouldn't take two years to resolve. Ongoing code/complaint-response concerns for that corridor.
Dangerous building enforcement — four properties
Six blighted properties — on Maloney, E. Kalamazoo, Sawyer, Norman, N. High and Cady — are headed to February 23 show-cause hearings where owners must explain why their buildings shouldn't be demolished or made safe.
Ethics review of BWL General Manager's financial disclosure
The board reviewed Richard Peffley's Statement of Financial Interests and found nothing to pursue. It's a routine but important check that the head of the city's electric utility is following the ethics rules.
Revision of Ethics Ordinance Chapter 290
The board is still reworking the city's ethics ordinance and voted to change how the rules measure time — from a calendar year to the trailing 12 months. A new draft from the City Attorney's Office will come back for future review.
Lansing Police Department public safety update
The Chief of Police was scheduled to give the committee a general update on public safety in Lansing. No record of what was reported is available.
Council Member Kost recusal disclosure
Council Member Ryan Kost had to sit out a vote at the June 8 Council meeting because a claim appeal involved his cousin. The ethics board formally logged it, as the rules require.
Voting rights and proof-of-citizenship proposals
The council unanimously passed a resolution opposing requirements that voters show birth certificates or passports to register or vote, with support from the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, Michigan Country and others.
City hiring push and seasonal job fair
The city made 100 hires in 2025 but had 89 separations. Police are down to 13 open officer positions beyond academy recruits, and a seasonal job fair on March 7 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Operations and Maintenance) aims to fill 11 jobs.
Polling place relocations
Three precincts move for the May special election, and a resident urged council to condemn a ballot initiative that would require birth certificates or passports to stay registered.
Fire chief appointment
Mayor Schor announced he's asking the Fire Board to recommend Interim Fire Chief Carrie Edwards-Clemons for the permanent chief role, citing support from firefighters, the union, and council members.