Lansing · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lansing public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
ARPA funds spending plan
The board was set to review what the agency accomplished with federal ARPA funds as those programs wind down. That affects how remaining recovery money is spent locally and what comes next.
City Lot #8 Monthly Parking Permit Fee
A new $40 monthly parking permit for City Lot #8 will let employees near the 2000 block of East Michigan Avenue park with more freedom and comfort. The rate matches other similar lots in the area.
FY2027-2028 budget priorities
The board approved its spending priorities for fiscal year 2027/28, which shape how public service money goes to fleets, facilities and infrastructure. Changes were made to the proposal before approval.
Pension funding assumptions lowered to 6.75% investment return
The fund reached a record high of about $475 million, but geopolitical tensions, an oil-price spike, and Fed rate decisions could pressure markets. The consultant says stay the course with current managers.
Private equity commitments expand diversification
The board committed $6 million to two private equity funds to build toward a 5% allocation target by 2030-2031. The overall portfolio is up about 10.9% this year and beating its benchmark, which is good news for the pension's long-term health.
Selection of new pension administration software
The pension system serving 322 active members paid out $3.55 million in June retirement allowances and processed a new service retirement, a disability evaluation, and a contribution refund. Routine administration keeps benefits flowing to retirees and their families.
Union wage reopener for CCLP non-supervisory employees
City workers in the non-supervisory Capitol City Labor Program unit are getting retroactive raises and a bonus. It affects pay and retention for a chunk of the city workforce.
LEPFA Operating Agreement Amendment
Jackson Field has burned through $250,000 in HVAC repairs over three years and has another $273,000 in quoted repairs it hasn't completed. LEPFA can't afford the fixes, so it's sending the big-ticket items to the city for approval — and a repair-vs-replace plan with Trane could stretch replacements to one unit every 3-4 years.
Snow and ice removal assessments
Property owners billed for city snow-and-ice clearing appealed; the committee cleaned up glitched and undeliverable work orders and passed a $62,034 roll. Kost warned the annual review process is happening too late and too infrequently.
CADL millage renewal on August ballot
The library's 4-year millage renewal is on the August 4 ballot — no tax increase, but it funds 90% of operations. Without it, the library says it couldn't keep all three Lansing branches open.
Ethics ordinance rewrite (Chapter 290)
The board is tightening the city's ethics rules: a $500 cap on total gifts over 12 months, clearer family-relationship definitions, standardized reporting windows, and possibly new filing deadlines for financial disclosures.
Fiscal Year 2027 department budget presentations
IT, Assessing, the City Attorney, and Police walked Council through their budget requests — rising software costs, staffing, hiring, and cost-containment. Council is gathering detail ahead of budget adoption.
Six New Police Officers Funded in Budget Amendment
Mid-year numbers show property and income taxes on track, though state grants will drop about $560,000. New state public-safety revenue sharing should arrive in April and will fund the Office of Neighborhood Safety, which already has a hire in place.
Second-Quarter Budget Amendment FY 2025-2026
The city amended its budget to capture new state road funding, federal police hiring grants, and pension contributions. About $6 million a year in extra street money could speed up long-overdue road repairs citywide.