Economic and Community Development

I have worked on our corridors, business districts, and downtown to ensure Lansing is a city we all take pride in. We have done significant work helping our small businesses stay open and thrive, even through the coronavirus pandemic, like partnering with the Lansing Economic Development Corporation to offer an additional $400,000 in grants for struggling businesses, and working with LEAP to offer an additional $2.5 million. We’ve provided aid to citizens struggling to meet rent payments, and worked with national partners to advance economic mobility for Lansing residents. We will continue to aid in economic sustainability such that Lansing residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy all the city has to offer, like the revitalization of our riverfront area, the new art throughout the city, new small businesses, and more. 

Looking ahead, we can recruit and retain talent to promote economic vitality in the city by leaning into Lansing’s vibrant multiculturalism, continue to provide city services towards small business and family financial empowerment, and provide a variety of fulfilling employment options across industries. Further, we need to adjust to the changing realities of remote work in our downtowns and business corridors as we come out of the pandemic. We will leverage existing career options in governance, manufacturing, insurance, information technology, healthcare and the rich variety of industries that attract new employers to create wealth in the area, while continuing to invest in a walkable downtown, beautification efforts, and activities for our residents.