HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2024 DLI Board Meeting Minutes
Board Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2024 | 11:30 am
112 S. Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933
Board Members: J. Estill, J.V. Anderton, J. Durham, K. Dorshimer, J. Hinze, Jesse Flores, J. Pugh, N. Thompson-Frazier
Board Members Absent: J. Pugh
Board Advisors: Samantha Benson, Jeffrey Brown
Staff: Cathleen Edgerly, Shakayla Voss, Julie Reinhart
Guest: Christie Chiles
1. Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 11:37 am by J. Estill
2. Citizens Comments: Christie Chiles introduced herself as new Downtown Community Police Officer.
Chrisie has been officer for 5 years on north end of Lansing. She is rotating in for Damon.
3. Correspondence: None
4. Consent Agenda: J.V. Anderton motioned to approve consent agenda. J. Durham seconded. Motion
passed unanimously. C. Edgerly pointed out that we are under budget in Design and Public Spaces line
item because much of that budget was centered around street reconstruction that is not moving
forward this year. We can allocate those funds towards streetscape design and connectivity from our
CMA, as well as carry some funds over into next FY.
5. Old Town Updates: S. Benson reported on success of Lumberjack Festival and upcoming events.
Construction has begun on North Street from Turner to Larch.
C. Edgerly asked about street light issues from discussion at OTCA Board Meeting. S. Benson reported
that the outlets are not all working so grant has been requested and working with BWL to get all in
working condition. Edgerly suggested working together on it as Downtown has same issues.
For reaching out to council members C. Edgerly asked Councilmember Brown who to reach out to for
issues or to set-up meetings. Brown indicated councilmembers could be contacted directly and CC
Ms. Boak. Or if you email city.council@lansingmi.gov – that goes to every council person. Identify which
Ward it’s regarding.
6. Reports:
• Director’s Report: Edgerly reported State of Downtown is tonight at 5:00 with address starting at
6:00. She will be reporting CDBG to council next week. Keri Tomac has applied for open DLI Board
seat. Updated Lease for moving is May 1 and moving out of current space.
• President’s Report Strategic Action Plan: Second Strategic Planning meeting is scheduled for Monday,
April 15 at Julie Durham’s office. The sub-committee will report back at the June meeting as we’d like
our strategic plan updated for the start of the new FY in July. She also reiterated the importance of
having the Board attend and support at State of Downtown.
7. Action/Discussion Items:
• Vibrancy and Match on Main Grants: Grants recently awarded or in process of applying for reported
on. Match on Main allows for up to 2 businesses to have an application submitted. Application is
open currently for businesses.
DLI was also awarded a Vibrancy Grant for mini makeovers for 4 downtown businesses. These
businesses are already working with the consultants, and we will have an unveiling event in May. Staff
was asked about the possibility of working with the Lansing Public Media Center to collaborate for
video showing the makeover process and finished products. Shakayla Zoss shared details about the
23rd unveiling day that will include a Sip and Stroll style event. Zoss to send out calendar invites.
• Middle Village Updates: J. Reinhart reported on Middle Village updates on how set up is going and
moving into new atrium space. The new cohort was introduced, and the Grand Opening is planned for
May 2. Come to the State of Downtown tonight to view the new space and meet the new cohort
participants.
• Capital City Allocation: C. Edgerly introduced a Capital City allocation ask from the state that was
developed as a result of regional conversations. This ask includes localized investment with a state-
wide benefit (focus on what Lansing means to the entire region). Focused priorities as Lansing’s
success means to others. Discussion held on SOM office buildings and what those mean as a
footprint. Albany, New York has been a successful benefit of a Capital City Allocation.
J. Estill expressed that it would be a recurring request that would help year after year. Document will
be used to pitch to state officials.
Parking was addressed by J. Brown and Edgerly reported she’s waiting to see what City Parking does
with parking study and what they put into effect. Point being- group is needed to break down what
will it take for small businesses to be successful in downtown and corridors. What is needed at
multiple levels and removing barriers to meet needs.
J. Flores asked about a ballpark estimate for revenue for City. No clear answer yet but estimate
around 8.5 million per year based on math provided by K. Dorshimer during the meeting.
Other board members asked about the State’s plan from a taxpayer standpoint: Edgerly reported
that there is not a clear answer based on State not knowing what to expect. Dorshimer stated they
are looking at leasing buildings or selling but nothing is moving quickly.
Path to incentive alignment: Dorshimer stated re-use and private industry changed the scope of
downtown from private with an evening crowd to public employees who left after 9-5 when pandemic
hit.
• New Tenant Improvement Program: The budget for this new grant program is already allocated based
on the State of Michigan $5Mi allocation. Originally this line item was focused on rehab of buildings
and plan was to partner with grants and loans. Based on research across the U.S. and to ensure it’s
clear when funding is fully expended to meet State grant reporting requirements, the Tenant
Improvement Program was developed. The application will go live in July.
8. Motion to adjourn: Motion to adjourn at 12:27 pm by J.V. Anderton. Second by N. Thompson-Frazier.
Motion passed.