비비나비 : 디트로이트 : (미국) Detroit

** "Trees are the poems that the earth writes upon the sky."
------------------------------------------------------------
Kahlil Gibran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLvE952M-5o&t=816s
To watch the entire meeting on the City's YouTube channel click the image above or use this link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLvE952M-5o&t=816s) .


** Preliminary Budget Discussion Began This Week
------------------------------------------------------------
The East Lansing City Council met on Tuesday, April 15 for the first meeting related to the Fiscal Year 2026 preliminary budget.

At this meeting:
East Lansing Chief Financial Officer Audrey Kincade provided an overview of the budget document including the General Fund and Income Tax Fund before introducing staff who presented on the following:
* General Fund - Police Department
* General Fund - Fire Department
* Community Development Block Grant Fund (CDBG)
* Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
* Automobile Parking Fund

The proposed FY2026 General Fund Budget totals $52.1 million and represents a 3.4% decrease from the Amended General Fund Budget for FY2025, which ends on June 30.
Read the full agenda item report for all of the budget details (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/401635/Discussion%20of%20FY2026%20Preliminary%20Budget%20and%20Fee.pdf?handle=1BD456A8615B4A02B06706396D038A4C)


** Income Tax Fund
------------------------------------------------------------
Anticipated income tax revenue for FY2026 is $16.6 million, an amount that is based in part on what has been collected to date in FY2025. Of that amount, $7.2 million will be allocated back to the property tax fund.When the income tax was passed by voters in 2018, it reduced East Lansing property taxes from 20 mills to a capped 13 mills, reducing total property taxes by about 10%. This leaves a net income tax amount of $8.4 million.

The City's income tax is distributed so that 60%, or $5 million, is allocated to pensions; 20% to infrastructure which includes local streets ($1,011,420), parks ($626,110) and other Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) ($48,170); the final 20% goes to public safety and is divided equally between police ($842,850) and fire ($842,850).
NEW! File City income taxes online. Due date is April 30. (https://michigan-east-lansing.insourcetax.com/#/)


** Public Safety: Fully Staffed Police
------------------------------------------------------------
East Lansing Interim Police Chief Jennifer Brown presented the ELPD budget, highlighting the goals and objectives for the department in the upcoming fiscal year, to begin on July 1. These goals reflect the ELPD's focus on operational excellence and innovation. The total requested budget amount for FY2026 is $16.2 million, which includes $12.9 million for personnel. The department continues to invest in its social workers, adding a third position devoted to assisting the unhoused. Furthermore, the department is on track to be fully staffed for the first time since FY2019, thanks to targeted recruitment, new Police Academy scholarships and renewed interest in law enforcement careers.


** Public Safety: Fire and Paramedic Services
------------------------------------------------------------
Fire Chief Dawn Carson announced that this would be her last budget report to Council as she is retiring later this month after 30 years of service to the City of East Lansing. She was joined by Fire Marshal John Newman, who has served for 25 years and will step in as her interim successor. Chief Carson noted that Fire Department funding includes $3.6 million in intergovernmental revenue from Public Act 289 charges for fire protection services received by state facilities. The department noted a 22% increase in charges for services based on enhanced billing and an increase of approximately 500 runs over the previous year. The department will also receive a small portion of funding from fire prevention for inspections and reinspections as well as hazmat cleanup and community programs, such as first aid and CPR.


** CDBG Funds: Investment in People & Neighborhoods
------------------------------------------------------------
East Lansing Community and Economic Development Specialist Matt Apostle presented on the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund on behalf of the Community Development Advisory Committee. The committee recommended providing some level of funding for every group that applied. Apostle noted that CDBG is a federal grant intended to benefit benefit low- and moderate-income individuals and spur neighborhood investment. Typically, the City receives between $400,000-$500,000. This year's amount is not expected to be known by the City until May 15.
Learn more about CDBG programs in the City of East Lansing ()


** Downtown Development Authority Deeper Dive
------------------------------------------------------------
East Lansing Community and Economic Development Administrator Heather Pope explained how the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) captures property taxes through tax increment financing (TIF). The DDA is funded through TIF 1, which is the area near the Marriott Hotel and M.A.C. Avenue parking garage, and is "passed through" to the parking department; TIF 2 is the larger portion of the DDA district and includes Hillside Court to Hagadorn Road; however, TIF is not captured between Bogue Street and Hagadorn Road. Instead, this area is strictly financed by the DDA millage.


** City Provides Options to Save on Parking
------------------------------------------------------------
East Lansing Parking Administrator Caleb Sharrow presented the budget for the City's Parking Division, noting that revenues and expenses for the department were balanced at just under $6.2 million. This includes:
* Continuing the 15-minute grace period in all six gated parking facilities for visitors to Downtown East Lansing
* Providing the 50% discount for East Lansing businesses that validate parking
* Offering the 50% multi-use voucher discount (purchase a $100 voucher for $50 / $50 voucher for $25)
* Finding proximity cards that are less expensive
* Proposing to reduce the fee for the least popular parking garage by 25 cents per half hour to optimize parking distribution.

Get a live look at how many parking spaces are available now! (https://cityofeastlansing.com/2186/Live-Parking-Availability)


** Welcoming New Businesses Downtown
------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor George Brookover (center) celebrated the grand opening of TAT Tattoo at the ribbon cutting for the new business earlier this month. It is located at 301 M.A.C. Ave. Ste 105.


** Friends Help ELPL Raise $22,000 for Local History
------------------------------------------------------------
The annual Books, Bites and Bids fundraiser at the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) raised $11,000, which will generously be matched by the Friends of the ELPL. The event caps National Library Week. This year's theme, "Drawn to the Library," celebrates the many ways libraries captivate and connect communities, including through the preservation and exploration of local history.
Learn more about the East Lansing Public Library (https://www.elpl.org/)
https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/projects-studies/us-127-corridor-improvements


** Construction Updates: Getting Around Town
------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. 127 will be in its current configuration, with occasional short-term ramp and lane closures, until mid-June. To stay updated on current closures, visit https://www.Michigan.gov/127Corridor (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2F127Corridor&data=05%7C02%7Ccsampson%40cityofeastlansing.com%7Ccf23d9667d7c457b884608dd6d2d4122%7C42c2237340d243c6b22f2c6f445fa115%7C0%7C0%7C638786763326366015%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1NPsItObPKxP68vcgdr9glIz4fvOC2JERKaSkPKQ1cc%3D&reserved=0) .

Gas Main Installation on Lake Lansing Road: Staging Begins Next Week

Consumers Energy will install a new gas main along Lake Lansing Road from Coolidge Road to Abbot Road, beginning Monday, April 28, with staging to begin on Monday, April 21. Motorists can expect lane closures during the day. The project is estimated to be completed by June 30.


** Supporting Trowbridge Road During Construction
------------------------------------------------------------
Fresh Thyme Market, a specialty grocer offering organic and natural goods, opened 10 years ago this month at its location at 940 Trowbridge Road. The store is open daily from 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

The businesses on Trowbridge Road have felt the pinch of construction over the past year. Let's show support to these local businesses!
Since 1974, National Volunteer Week has been an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. The City of East Lansing is extraordinarily grateful to the many volunteers who give their time in so many ways to benefit everyone in the community.

Interested community members can apply to serve on a Board or Commission. Both the Historic District Commission (https://cityofeastlansing.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2306) and Officers Compensation Commission (https://cityofeastlansing.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2274) are seeking new members.
Learn about more opportunities to volunteer in the community! (https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/1616/Volunteer)


** Meetings & Events in the City of East Lansing
------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, April 19
* 10 a.m. Kiwanis Club of East Lansing Easter Egg Hunt at Patriarche Park, 960 Alton Road. Participants are encouraged to arrive early. No bags or baskets please.
* 3-6 p.m. Chester Fest, for the residents of the Chesterfield Hills neighborhood. Details here (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Btyvm2azT/) .

Sunday, April 20
***East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, closed for holiday.***

Monday, April 21
* Extra Recycling Day in Honor of Earth Day and regular yard waste collection begin. For more information, visit cityofeastlansing.com/yardwaste.
* 5:30-8 p.m. 17th Annual Mayors’ Ramadan Unity Dinner, Henry Center, 3535 Forest Road, Lansing. Details at www.cityofeastlansing.com/RamadanDinner (https://cityofeastlansing.com/1996/21489/Mayors-Ramadan-Unity-Dinner) .
* 6:30 p.m. Commission on the Environment meeting, East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road

Tuesday, April 22
* 8-10 a.m. Delayed opening for many City offices and facilities for a staff training. Details here (https://cityofeastlansing.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2307) .
* 5:15 p.m. University Student Commission meeting, East Lansing City Hall Conference Room A (second floor), 410 Abbot Road
* 7 p.m. City Council meeting and public hearing, East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road

Wednesday, April 23
* 7 p.m. City Council discussion only special meeting, East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road
* 7 p.m. Planning Commission meeting and public hearing, East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road

Thursday, April 24
* Noon Downtown Development Authority meeting and public hearing, East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road
* Immediately following DDA Brownfield Redevelopment Authority meeting, East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road
* 5 p.m. Crystal Awards Reception, East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road. More information and RSVP at www.cityofeastlansing.com/Crystals (https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/138/Crystal-Awards) .
* 7 p.m. Building Board of Appeals meeting, East Lansing City Hall, Conference Room A (second floor), 410 Abbot Road

Saturday, April 26
* 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Recycle Rama, Ingham County Health Department, 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing. More information here (https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/303/Recycle-Rama) .

Sunday, April 27
* 10 a.m. Izzo Run/Walk/Roll 5K, starting at the Breslin Center and ending at Spartan Stadium. Learn more at runsignup.com/Race/MI/EastLansing/TheIzzo.

**************************************************************************
* View meeting agendas and verify meeting dates, times and locations via
cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/portal (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/portal/) .
* Serve on a Board or Commission! Apply for a vacancy at cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/Portal/BoardApplication/

https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=ingham
Sign up to receive text or email alerts (https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=ingham) for community events, traffic notifications and critical emergencies via Rave Alerts from Smart 911.
You made it to the end! Thank you for reading this issue. If this was forwarded to your email or you are reading it on the website, and you would like to receive it in your email inbox each week on Friday morning, visit cityofeastlansing.com/enews (https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/1865/Subscribe-to-the-Citys-E-Newsletters) to subscribe. There is no cost to subscribe and you may opt out at any time.

For questions or comments about this issue, help with subscribing or to suggest a news story, email Communications Director Carrie Sampson at csampson@cityofeastlansing.com (mailto:csampson@cityofeastlansing.com?subject=E-Dialog%20) .

============================================================
** (http://www.facebook.com/CityofEastLansing)
** (http://www.twitter.com/CityofEL)
** (http://www.instagram.com/cityofeastlansing)
** (http://www.cityofeastlansing.com)
Copyright © 2025 * City of East Lansing*, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.

Our mailing address is:
City of East Lansing
410 Abbot Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences (https://cityofeastlansing.us17.list-manage.com/profile?u=d99498ce3806962a5ede26662&id=2448aac30f&e=6bb0e1b589&c=e01365cb87)
or ** unsubscribe from this list (https://cityofeastlansing.us17.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=d99498ce3806962a5ede26662&id=2448aac30f&t=b&e=6bb0e1b589&c=e01365cb87)
.
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
https://login.mailchimp.com/signup/email-referral/?aid=d99498ce3806962a5ede26662