Lansing · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lansing public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Gobble Wobble Thanksgiving Basket Drive funding
Remnant International Ministries runs an annual drive delivering Thanksgiving meal baskets; it fed about 550 people in 2025 and hopes to reach 600. The committee bumped its community funding grant to $1,000.
Office of the Independent Internal Auditor
A new ordinance creates an independent internal auditor office for the city — a watchdog function to review how the city spends money. A drafting error briefly suggested the City Market was being repealed; that was clarified as a mistake.
Census 2030 proposed rule opposition
The council formally opposed a federal rule that could leave noncitizens out of the census count and drop race/ethnicity questions — which would cost Lansing federal dollars and distort redistricting.
Grantee Training and FY 27-28 Grant Application Process
The board's mini grant application is being updated so applicants must give more detail about the funding they're seeking. A pre-grant celebration on Sept. 17 will help neighborhoods get ready to apply.
Digitizing retirement records ahead of office relocation
The retirement office is drowning in paper records going back to the 1970s. The board authorized staff to keep researching scanning equipment and services, with options coming to the August meeting.
Employee contribution transfer
The city transferred $530,439.35 to the retirement system for net employee contributions covering October-December 2025. The board accepted the memo but asked staff to confirm the reporting period because of a date discrepancy.
Ingham County Hotel Tax Ballot Proposal
Voters passed the county hotel-motel ballot proposal with 62% support, and Choose Lansing is now working with county commissioners on how to spend the money. The Lansing Center is reportedly at the top of the list, with decisions expected by late October.
Boards and Commissions Vacancies and Recruitment
Seats are open in Wards 1, 2 and 3, and applications are under review. Residents interested in advising the mayor on neighborhood issues can still apply.
ERS trustee vacancy and quorum loss
Trustee Larry Ebright retired from the city, which under city code counts as resigning from the retirement board. His seat will be filled by special election this summer — active retirement system members can run with 25-50 signatures.
Portfolio rebalancing into fixed income
Both pension portfolios had drifted overweight in stocks. The boards approved consultant recommendations to shift roughly $21 million total into bonds to reduce risk.
Employee retirement plan communication concerns
Employee Marilyn Chick told the board new hires aren't getting clear information about the retirement plans, mandatory contributions, vesting and interest on their accounts. The board explained its legal limits — it can't waive contributions or change the interest rate set by ordinance.
Board insurance coverage gap
The city's insurance doesn't cover MACIA board members, so the authority will need its own policy. A quote comes next month.
Iran De-escalation Resolution
Council called for an end to unauthorized military escalation with Iran and urged diplomacy, citing rising gas and food prices hitting Lansing families.
Repeal of multifamily housing tax exemptions (Chapter 886)
Council Member Nevarez Martinez proposed repealing tax exemptions for multifamily projects and replacing them with a 4% service charge on shelter rents; both were referred to Ways and Means.
Third-quarter city finances
The general fund is on track — revenue at 72.6%, spending at 74.3% of budget, with income tax receipts still accruing.
CCLP Supervisory Unit Labor Agreement
Council approved a four-year labor deal for the CCLP Supervisory Unit with raises retroactive to 2025 and 2026 plus a $750 signing bonus.
EOCC Elected Officials Compensation Review
Three motions to reject the compensation commission's raises for the clerk, mayor, and council all failed 2-6. Kost and Hussain argued the raises are tone-deaf while residents struggle; others said fair pay keeps ordinary people able to serve.
Teamsters Local 243 contracts ratified
After a closed-door negotiation session, the committee ratified contracts for the clerical/technical/professional and supervisory units — 3% raises each year for 2026-2028, retroactive to February 1, plus a $250 boot allowance and paid certifications.
Hulon v. City of Lansing Settlement
The committee unanimously approved a settlement in the Hulon v. City of Lansing lawsuit after a closed session discussing terms with the city attorney and outside counsel.
Requested forensic audit of city finances
The city got a clean audit opinion on all nine funds, but general fund balance dropped $10.7 million to about $30 million, and auditors flagged recurring journal-entry issues plus a new bank reconciliation finding.
2026 Council Leadership Selection
Who leads the council shapes how residents' concerns get heard and which priorities — like the budget and neighborhood safety — move forward. Public commenters largely backed Ryan Kost for president, but the committee voted 6-2 to recommend Peter Spadafore.