Council Member, At-Large· 2026-2029
Clara Martinez
Lansing
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 19
- Total speaking time
- 27:10
- Avg per meeting
- 1:26
- Segments
- 334
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Top issues during term (20)
Flock license plate reader surveillance
$246,783 state grant with a $160,408.95 local match for theft prevention programs.
PILOT Tax Incentives for Affordable and Workforce Housing
The developer requests a 4% PILOT for 15 years on a $37 million project; construction is targeted for early 2028 to March 2029.
Rewrite of the city noise ordinance
Misdemeanor enforcement could mean LPD time and paperwork per complaint, but no direct cost figure was given.
Virtual currency machine licensing
Operators would pay an annual licensing fee; details of the fee amount aren't set in this discussion.
FY2027-2028 budget priorities
The priorities will guide public service spending in fiscal year 2027/28, though no dollar figures are given in the record.
Supportive housing services funding
The funding amount wasn't specified at this meeting.
Homeless Encampment Sweeps and Winter Shelter
Speakers cited over $350,000 in proposed surveillance spending that they argued should fund housing and shelter instead.
Office of the Independent Internal Auditor
Creating the auditor office will carry staffing costs, though the exact figure wasn't discussed.
Fair Chance Access to Housing ordinance
Violations carry $500 municipal civil infraction fines, with warnings instead during the first year.
New City Hall opening and sale of old building
On budget; property transfers to Beitler Group 60 days after last staff vacate.
Make Safe or Demolish order at 1606 Reo Rd.
Demolition or securing costs are typically charged to the property or assessed against it; no specific figure is available.
OPRA tax abatement for 2231 W. Willow Street renovation
The city forgoes some property tax revenue during the abatement period to make the rehab projects pencil out.
Stop sign and turn restrictions at five intersections
César Chávez Avenue renaming
Renaming would be costly for residents and businesses affected.
Michigan Avenue Corridor 2026 activities update
Could become a budget priority in FY 2027/2028 if the city lacks staff to do the work.
Saginaw Street Corridor 2026 Activities
Costs include mural sponsorships and a vinyl wrap engagement with M3; specific figures were not stated.
MDOT US-127 Phase: I-496 to Lake Lansing Road
The contract cost was not stated in the minutes, though the board directed taxes be removed.
CSO project noise permits (Ottawa Street and 015 South)
Up to $2 million in federal funding could be lost if the CSO 015 South project misses the September deadline.
Unsafe structure at 6031 S. MLK Jr. Blvd.
Estimated repairs run about $4.98 million, which is why demolition is on the table.
Anishinaabe Park Proposal
The group says its grant strategy requires project approval before grant applications, and the LEDC called the RFP incomplete on financing.
Decisions during term (522)
Recorded while Martinez was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approval of October 12, 2026 minutes
Resolution - City Council Meeting Schedule 2027
Resolution - Set Public Hearing for Fair Chance Access to Housing ordinance
Tribute; Michigan Heritage Rodeo (PEND-4606)
Appointment; Christopher Buck to Downtown Lansing, Inc. Board (PEND-4618)
Consent Agenda (items 4-10)
Ordinance Adopted: Baltic Flatz PILOT, 911-1103 W. Cavanaugh Rd. (PEND-4592)
Ordinance Adopted: Carolina Flatz PILOT, 2411 & 2206 Risdale Ave. / 4316 Pleasant Grove Rd. (PEND-4593)
Ordinance Adopted: Pacific Flatz PILOT, 1317-1421 E. Kalamazoo St. (PEND-4594)
Ordinance Adopted: Ventnor Flatz PILOT, 1000-1156 Dorchester Cir. & 4612/4620 S. MLK Jr. Blvd. (PEND-4595)
Ordinance Adopted: Chapter 654 Noise Ordinance Amendments (PEND-4613)
October 26, 2026
Fee: monthly parking permit at Lot #8 (PEND-4639)
Minutes of October 15, 2026
Resolution - Donation Acceptance; Lansing Police Department's 2026 National Indigenous People's Day Celebration
Resolution - Monthly Parking Permit Fee for City Lot #8
Adopt Ordinance #1365 – Safe and Secure Housing Initiative (Chapter 230, Section 230.02)
Adopt Ordinance #1366 – Virtual Currency Machine Licensing (Chapter 873)
Resolution #2026-274 – ATPA Grant Acceptance ($246,783)
Consent Agenda (Items 8-14 and 16)
Voting record (25)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Adopt Ordinance #1365 – Safe and Secure Housing Initiative (Chapter 230, Section 230.02)
Adopt Ordinance #1366 – Virtual Currency Machine Licensing (Chapter 873)
Adoption of Ordinance adding Chapter 245, Office of the Independent Internal Auditor (PEND-4552)
Closed Session - Wage Reopener Negotiation Strategy (MCL 15.268(c))
Closed Session - Pending Litigation Consultation (MCL 15.268(e))
Closed Session - Privileged Attorney Materials (MCL 15.268(1)(h))
Resolution Requesting Termination of All City Agreements with Flock (PEND-4578)
Noise Special Permit; Leavitt and Starck Excavating, Inc., CSO 015 South Project (PEND-4533)
New Chapter 886 — 4% PILOT service charge ordinance
Passage of Ordinance No. 1359 — temporary moratorium on new data centers (item 19)
Re-Adopting the Codified Ordinances (Ordinance #1357)
Ordinance No. 1355 — reduced-rate meter fine payment until midnight
Ordinance No. 1356 — metered parking enforcement hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Resolution 2026-134: Claim #2230, Charles Haynes, $550 trash fees
Dissented on the precedent of granting the claim.