East Lansing, MI

Arts Commission

The East Lansing Arts Commission will discuss updates on FY26 beautification projects and review final reports from FY26 Cultural Arts Grants. The grant reports include questions about spending, including a request for explanation from Studio Performing Arts regarding childcare expenses and a refund request from Rafael and the Microgalleries for unspent funds.

• Review of FY26 Cultural Arts Grant reports, including All-of-us Express Children's Theatre ($4,180 grant) and others
• Discussion of beautification projects including murals, weaving installation, and rotating art displays
• Staff to check quote for repair of 'Anima Librata' sculpture (up to $6,000 approved in July)
• Studio Performing Arts asked to explain use of funds for 'childcare' (ineligible expense)
• Rafael and the Microgalleries asked to refund unspent grant funds

Planning Commission

Building Board of Appeals

Downtown Development Authority

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

Police Oversight Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Housing Commission

Downtown Management Board

Downtown Management Board Marketing Committee

Regular Council

Planning Commission

Historic District Commission

Transportation Commission

Seniors Commission

Human Rights Commission

City Council Discussion Only

University Student Commission

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Library Board of Trustees

Commission on the Environment

Regular Council

Planning Commission

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

Building Board of Appeals

Downtown Development Authority

Housing Commission

Downtown Management Board

Downtown Management Board Marketing Committee

Seniors Commission

Transportation Commission

Human Rights Commission

Regular Council

Police Oversight Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Historic District Commission

City Council Discussion Only

Planning Commission

Commission on the Environment

Regular Council

Library Board of Trustees

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Downtown Development Authority

Building Board of Appeals

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

Planning Commission

Transportation Commission

Seniors Commission

Police Oversight Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Downtown Management Board Marketing Committee

Housing Commission

Downtown Management Board

Human Rights Commission

Commission on the Environment

Historic District Commission

Regular Council

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Planning Commission

Library Board of Trustees

Building Board of Appeals

Downtown Development Authority

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

Police Oversight Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Downtown Management Board Marketing Committee

Downtown Management Board

Housing Commission

Transportation Commission

Seniors Commission

Regular Council

Planning Commission

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Historic District Commission

Human Rights Commission

Commission on the Environment

City Council Discussion Only

Library Board of Trustees

Building Board of Appeals

Downtown Development Authority

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

PRACTICE MEETING

Library Board of Trustees

The East Lansing Library Board of Trustees will discuss a phased repair plan for the library roof, where three of eight sections require work. The board will also hold the first reading of a new sustainability policy and review amendments to the collections policy. Additionally, the board will take action on a letter of appreciation for Michigan eLibrary funding and appoint new subcommittee members.

• Discussion of StructureTec roof repairs for three of eight roof sections
• First reading of the Sustainability Policy for the Sustainable Library Initiative
• Reading of proposed amendments to the Collection Development and Intellectual Freedom Policy
• Action on a Letter of Appreciation for Support of Michigan eLibrary (MeL) Funding
• Appointment of new subcommittee members

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will hear a presentation on the preliminary Wet Weather Resiliency Plan before it goes to City Council, and will discuss the Financial Health Review Team's final report and its recommendations for Parks, Recreation and Arts operations and capital planning. The agenda also includes project updates and routine items like approval of minutes and public comment.

• Presentation of Wet Weather Resiliency Plan by Environmental Sustainability Manager Cliff Walls
• Discussion of Financial Health Review Team final report and recommendations
• Project updates from staff
• Approval of May 20, 2026 minutes
• Public comment period

Use of Force Committee: Police Oversight Commission

The East Lansing Use of Force Committee is meeting to discuss revisions to the Use of Force Policy, including a comparison of versions and responses to prior revisions. The agenda includes public comment and committee member comments, but no specific decisions are listed. The meeting is part of the Police Oversight Commission's role to increase accountability and address racial inequities in policing.

• Discussion of Use of Force Policy Revisions, including Akron P-2026-213 Use of Force Procedure (May 8, 2026)
• Review of 'Sanctity of Life in PD policies' document
• Table comparing versions of Use of Force Policy (dated 7-27-26)
• Response to revisions of Use of Force Policy (dated 8-3-26)
• Public comment limited to 5 minutes per individual

Commission on the Environment

The East Lansing Commission on the Environment will meet to discuss the city's role in wetland permitting and the history of wetland protection efforts with Dianne Martin, Director of Ecological Services for ASTI Environmental. The agenda also includes committee reports, a staff report, and public comment. The meeting is largely informational, with no formal votes scheduled.

• Discussion with wetland consultant Dianne Martin (ASTI Environmental)
• Staff report: $50,000 EGLE grant for two Level 3 EV fast-charging stations
• Staff report: Recycling drop-off compactor reduced trips by 73%
• Staff report: Sold ~14,800 lbs of recycled Styrofoam
• Staff report: Council held public hearing on Ordinance 1575 (zoning amendments)

Historic District Commission

The East Lansing Historic District Commission will hold public hearings on six Certificate of Appropriateness applications for changes to homes in historic districts, including garage door, fence, shutter, porch, window, and gutter replacements. The commission will decide whether each proposed alteration meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The agenda also includes routine items like roll call, minutes approval, and public comment.

• 51 University Drive: replace six-panel wood/glass garage door with alternate wood door
• 360 Charles Street: replace wood fence dumpster enclosure in kind
• 841 Huntington Road: remove window shutters and front storm door
• 233 University Drive: replace front concrete porch with brick and handrail in kind
• 134 Kensington Road: replace 2nd floor door with egress window and replace first floor windows

Planning Commission

Regular Council

The East Lansing City Council is holding a regular meeting with several public hearings and business items. Key actions include considering a six-month extension of a moratorium on data center land use applications, discussing the City Manager search process, and holding public hearings on rezoning 3859 Stoll Road, electric vehicle and zoning ordinance amendments, and an appeal of a street tree removal violation. The consent agenda includes appointments, contracts, and rental licenses.

• Public hearing on rezoning 3859 Stoll Road from B4 to R1
• Public hearing on zoning amendments for EV charging, parking ratios, landscaping, bees, and chickens
• Consideration of six-month extension of data center moratorium (PR2026-8)
• $170,000 contract to Lopez Concrete Construction for CDBG FY2026 Hannah Community Center project
• Discussion of City Manager search process

Human Rights Commission

The East Lansing Human Rights Commission will meet to discuss several items, including a joint community event with the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission (ELIPOC), an August 28th March on the Capitol for Voting Rights and Democracy, and a discussion about an incident at Harpers in downtown East Lansing. The commission will also review changes to the HRC, its liaisons, and a city attorney representative, as well as plan topics and a schedule for Coffee and Conversation events. The agenda includes public comment, approval of minutes, and commissioner comments.

• Planning for joint community event in the fall with East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission (ELIPOC)
• Discussion of August 28th March on the Capitol for Voting Rights and Democracy
• Discussion about incident at Harpers in downtown East Lansing
• Changes to HRC and next steps
• HRC liaisons and city attorney representative

Regular Council SPECIAL MEETING

The East Lansing City Council will decide whether to approve ballot language for a community-led initiative to amend the city charter. The proposal would create a Citizens’ Advisory Healthcare Action Committee and require a biennial Healthcare Action Plan. The Council must transmit the approved language to state officials by August 11, 2026.

• Approve ballot language for November 3, 2026, General Election proposal to establish a Citizens’ Advisory Healthcare Action Committee
• Petition submitted by Community Action Michigan met the 5% registered voter threshold with 1,305 valid signatures
• Ballot language must be certified to the Clerk by August 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM
• Committee would analyze healthcare affordability, review policies, and produce a biennial Healthcare Action Plan
• Council may adopt CAM’s proposed language or create its own explanatory caption

Transportation Commission

Housing Commission

The East Lansing Housing Commission will hold public hearings on three conditional rental license applications for single-family homes. The commission will decide whether to recommend approval to the City Council for licenses at 1986 N. Harrison, 765 Grove St., and 743 Grove St.

• Public hearing for Conditional Class III rental license at 1986 N. Harrison (owner: Samson Chu)
• Public hearing for Conditional Class IV rental license at 765 Grove St. (owner: Hagan Group, LLC)
• Public hearing for Conditional Class IV rental license at 743 Grove St. (owner: Hagan Group, LLC)

Downtown Management Board

The Downtown Management Board will meet to decide on issuing a request for quotes for holiday decoration installation and takedown, and to consider amendments to Policy Resolution 1997-11 to adjust membership representation. The board will also review financial reports, strategic planning updates, and other routine business.

• Consider amendments to Policy Resolution 1997-11 to reduce DDA representation by one member and transition City Government representative to non-voting seat
• Issue RFQ for holiday decoration installation and takedown with $3,000 FY2027 budget
• Allocate $1,350 for new Downtown East Lansing staff shirts ($350) and brand kits ($1,000)

Downtown Management Board Marketing Committee

The Downtown Management Board Marketing Committee will review seven quotes for the production of 12 short-form social media videos for FY2027. The board has $6,500 budgeted for these services.

• Review of 7 quotes for FY2027 video production services
• Budget allocation of $6,500 for video production
• Proposed production of 12 short-form vertical videos for social media

Zoning Board of Appeals

The East Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Lauren Rico, owner of 1156 Burcham Dr, to allow existing setback and lot-width nonconformities so she can apply for a rental license. The board will also consider procedural items such as roll call, minutes approval, and public comments.

• Public hearing on variance request for 1156 Burcham Dr to allow existing setbacks of 8 ft (principal) and 15 ft (garage) vs. 20 ft required, and lot width of 45 ft vs. 60 ft required
• Roll call, agenda approval, and minutes approval for July 1, 2026 meeting
• Opportunity for written and verbal public comment via email and in-person

Police Oversight Commission

The Commission will review police department policies, including Use of Force and crowd management. The body is also discussing the Sprout Program and recommendations related to Isaiah Kirby.

• Review of Adult Arrest and Alternate Care, Civil Disorders, and Use of Force policies
• Discussion of Kirby Recommendations
• Discussion of the Sprout Program crisis response model
• Review of May 2026 Use of Force report
• Discussion of the Annual Report

Policy Sub Committee: Police Oversight Commission

The Policy Sub-Committee of the Police Oversight Commission will meet to review specific police department policies. The body is tasked with making recommendations on police practices to increase accountability and address racial inequities.

• Discussion of Trespassing Policy
• Discussion of Crowd Control Policy
• Discussion of Use of Force Policy

Building Board of Appeals

The East Lansing Building Board of Appeals denied a request from Peak Management, LLC for a variance to allow indoor air exchange fans instead of outdoor venting for bathroom exhaust at 500 W. Lake Lansing. The board determined the applicant had not shown exceptional practical difficulty.

• Variance request denied for 500 W. Lake Lansing (Peak Management, LLC)
• Board approves minutes from June 2026 meeting
• Board reviews Administrative Rules v2
• Board to present proclamation for Larry Cross at August 11 City Council meeting

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will elect a Vice Chairperson and Treasurer to fill vacant officer positions. It will recommend to City Council whether to approve a site‑plan proposal at 133 Evergreen Avenue that adds five parking spaces and one van‑accessible space. The board will also consider and vote on a contract with H & R Electric totaling $75,121.25 plus a $35,121.25 allocation from the DDA fund for the Skywalk Lighting Project.

• Election of a Vice Chairperson and Treasurer to fill vacant officer terms
• Recommendation to City Council on the 133 Evergreen Avenue site‑plan adding parking spaces
• Approval of contract with H & R Electric for $75,121.25 plus $35,121.25 DDA fund allocation for Skywalk Lighting Project
• June 2026 financial (treasurer) report presentation
• Written communications recommendations to City Council for 133 Evergreen and 530 Albert

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

Planning Commission

The East Lansing Planning Commission approved a site‑plan request for a 10‑story mixed‑use development at 530 Albert Avenue, using a LEED Gold incentive for two additional stories. The commission also held public hearings on parking plans for projects at 401‑427 E. Grand River Avenue, 530 Albert Avenue, and 133 Evergreen Avenue. New business included a request for a site‑plan addition to the Brightwell Behavioral Facility at 3512 Coolidge Road.

• Approval of site‑plan for a 10‑story mixed‑use development at 530 Albert Avenue (LEED Gold incentive)
• Public hearing on parking plan for mixed‑use building at 401, 421 & 427 E. Grand River Avenue
• Public hearing on parking plan for mixed‑use building at 530 Albert Avenue
• Public hearing on reconfiguring the plaza at 133 Evergreen Avenue (adding five parking spaces and one van‑accessible space)
• Request from Brightwell Group LLC for a 37,748 sq ft addition to the Brightwell Behavioral Facility at 3512 Coolidge Road

Regular Council

The East Lansing City Council will consider a large consent agenda that includes multiple contracts and resolutions, notably a $2,985,121 parking facility repair contract with a 15% contingency. The meeting also features public hearings on several zoning amendment ordinances and a review of site‑plan requests for mixed‑use developments. Additional agenda items include appointments to boards and a fee schedule amendment for parking violations.

• Approve a contract with D.C. Byers Co/Detroit Inc. for Parking Facility Repairs 2026 ($2,985,121 plus 15% contingency, total $3,432,889)
• Approve a contract with Michigan Paving for the Abbott Parkside and Cricket Lane street project ($916,000) and amend FY2027 budget by allocating $420,000
• Approve a contract with Great Lakes Interiors + Design to remodel the Hannah Community Center theater sound and lighting booth ($29,290 plus $2,900 contingency)
• Approve a contract with Spalding DeDecker for the West Downtown Area Plan ($66,050)
• Public hearing on proposed Ordinance 1564 to rezone about forty properties north of Lake Lansing Road

Board of Review

The East Lansing Board of Review will meet on July 21, 2026, to hear public comments and act on items including poverty exemptions, miscellaneous real and personal property changes, and other items under state law (MCL 211.53b). The board will also approve minutes from prior March 2026 sessions.

• Consideration of poverty exemptions under MCL 211.7u
• Miscellaneous real property changes
• Miscellaneous personal property changes
• Other items under MCL 211.53b
• Approval of March 2026 board meeting minutes

SPECIAL Council

The East Lansing City Council will hold a closed session to discuss privileged attorney‑client legal correspondence and to consult with the city’s labor attorney regarding collective bargaining negotiations. After returning to the open session, the council may take action on any matters discussed in the closed session. The meeting also includes standard opening items, public comment, and adjournment.

• Closed session to discuss privileged attorney‑client legal correspondence (MCL 15.243(1)(g))
• Closed session to consult with the City’s labor attorney on collective bargaining negotiations (MCL 8(1)(c))
• Potential action on matters discussed in closed session after returning to open session

Commission on the Environment

The Commission on the Environment will consider recommending adoption, with possible modifications, of Ordinance 1575, which amends Chapter 50 and Chapter 4 of the City Code on electric‑vehicle charging, parking ratios, landscaping, green space, bees and chickens. It will also discuss two proposed developments: “The Howard” mass‑timber project at the former Student Bookstore site and the 530 Albert Avenue geothermal proposal that involves drilling through a contaminated site within the city’s wellhead protection area. Public comment and subcommittee process updates are also on the agenda.

• Consideration of Ordinance 1575 amendments to Chapter 50 and Chapter 4 (EV charging, parking ratios, landscaping, bees, chickens)
• Discussion of Proposed Development “The Howard” – mass‑timber construction at former Student Bookstore location
• Review of Proposed Development at 530 Albert Avenue – geothermal drilling through chlorinated‑solvent plume in wellhead protection area
• Subcommittee Meeting Process item
• Committee reports on wetlands, pollinators, renewable energy, recycling/organics

Election Commission

The East Lansing Election Commission meets to conduct the public logic and accuracy test for the August 4, 2026 State Primary Election. The meeting will also include approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, as well as public comment.

• Conduct the public logic and accuracy test for the August 4, 2026 State Primary Election

Arts Commission

The commission is reviewing a proposal to repair the kinetic sculpture 'Anima Librata' following damage from a wind storm. The meeting also includes a review of the EL Vision poster and updates on various local art installations.

• Repair of 'Anima Librata' sculpture by Dustin Hunt for up to $3,500
• Review of EL Vision Poster draft
• Skywalk lighting project proposal update
• Red Cedar Roots Festival press release

Library Board of Trustees

The East Lansing Public Library Board of Trustees will meet on July 15, 2026, to review financial and operational reports and consider several resolutions. The board will vote on reducing the public meeting room reservation window from three months to two months, a change that affects how local groups book space. Other items include designating authorized representatives for the Tuttle Trust Agreement, approving an early closure at 5:00 p.m. on August 6 for community outreach, electing new officers, and holding a closed session on collective bargaining strategy.

• Resolution FY27-1: Amend Meeting Room Policy to limit public reservations to two months in advance (down from three).
• Resolution FY27-3: Update 2026 Holiday and Closures Calendar with an early closure at 5:00 p.m. on August 6 for National Night Out with Touch-A-Truck.
• Resolution FY27-2: Designate authorized representatives to act as beneficiaries of the Tuttle Trust Agreement.
• Resolution FY27-4: Election of new Library Board officers.
• Closed session scheduled for collective bargaining discussion, strategy, and negotiation regarding staff contracts.

Election Commission

The Election Commission will review and approve a list of election inspectors for the upcoming State Primary Election. The commission also has the authority to allow the Clerk to make necessary changes to these appointments.

• Approval of election inspectors for the August 4, 2026, State Primary Election

Human Rights Commission

The East Lansing Human Rights Commission will review updates on its internal processes, plan a fall community town hall, and discuss forwarding a resolution to City Council regarding proposed changes to the commission’s ordinance. Minutes from June indicate the commission previously voted to ask Council to pause voting on amendments to Ordinance No. 1578 and form a joint committee to review the proposed revisions. These proposed changes would alter how the commission handles discrimination complaints and operates under city law.

• Discussion of a resolution for City Council regarding amendments to Ordinance No. 1578 (Chapter 22) and creation of a joint review committee
• Planning for a fall community town hall on Human Rights Commission operations
• Updates on active discrimination complaints and coordination with city social services
• Review of the Complaint Procedure Committee report
• Public comment session limited to five minutes per individual under MCL 15.263(1)

Transportation Commission

The Commission will review traffic impact studies for proposed developments at 401 Grand River Avenue and 530 Albert Avenue. Members will also discuss pedestrian deaths and a proposed Traffic Impact Study Ordinance.

• Traffic impact study for The Howard at 401 Grand River Avenue
• Traffic impact study for 530 Albert Avenue
• Introduction of Traffic Impact Study Ordinance
• Discussion on 2025 and 2026 pedestrian deaths