HomeMy WebLinkAboutLansing Economic Development Corporation Minutes 11.7.25
To improve the Lansing community by fostering economic growth that is strategic, sustainable and equitable.
Board of Directors Meeting
Friday, November 7, 2025 – 8:30 AM
Lansing EDC Office - 401 S. Washington Sq. Suite 101, Lansing, MI 48933
Minutes
Members Present: Calvin Jones, Catherine Rathbun, Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, Jonathan Smith,
Bryan Britten, Rawley Van Fossen, Chaz Carrillo (arrived 8:33am)
Members Absent: Shelley Davis Boyd, Dr. Cristina Benton
Staff Present: Kris Klein, Brian Swett, Alex Watkins, Aurelius Christian, Kimberly Lavon,
Shay Manawar, Chelsea Dowler, Kahleea Washington
Guests: Samantha Harkins, Jen Estill, Robbie Nguyen
Call to Order/Rollcall
Vice-Chair Calvin Jones called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to order
at 8:31 A.M.
Approval of LEDC Board Meeting Minutes – Friday, October 3, 2025 (ACTION)
MOTION: Member Smith moved to approve the LEDC meeting minutes from Friday, October 3,
2025, Board of Directors meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by Member Van Fossen.
YEAS: SIX (6); Unanimous; motion carried.
Financial Update
Swett offered updates on the Lansing EDC financials for September 2025 draft report by Clark,
Schaffer, Hackett.
Presentation by Lansing 5:01
Samantha Harkins presented the work of Lansing 5:01, including upcoming events and
organizational focuses. Jen Estill shared aspects of Lansing 5:01’s marketing campaign and
website. Member Van Fossen inquired about regional support of Lansing 5:01’s efforts and
potential funding requests. Member Rathbun and Member Carrillo inquired about the
demographic focuses of the organization and marketing efforts.
Page 2 of 3
Development Agreement for Lansing RACER Trust Plant 6 Property (ACTION)
Klein presented on the Development Agreement with NorthPoint Development for the Lansing
RACER Trust Plant 6 Property. Member Carrillo commented on the Site Committee’s review of the
agreements. Member Rathbun inquired about the activities included under soft costs. Klein and
Robbie Nguyen of NorthPoint Development provided examples of soft costs, including civil and
engineering work.
MOTION: Member Carrillo moved to approve the resolution for the Development Agreement, as
presented. Member Smith supported the motion.
YEAS: SIX (6)
NAYS: NONE (0)
ABSTENTIONS: ONE (1), Member Jones
6 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION, Motion Carried
Strategic Site Readiness Program Disbursement Agreement (ACTION)
Klein presented on the Strategic Site Readiness Program Disbursement Agreement with
NorthPoint Development for the with NorthPoint Development for the Lansing RACER Trust Plant
6 Property.
MOTION: Member Van Fossen moved to approve the resolution for the Strategic Site Readiness
Program Disbursement Agreement, as presented. Member Carrillo supported the motion.
YEAS: SIX (6)
NAYS: NONE (0)
ABSTENTIONS: ONE (1), Member Jones
6 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION, Motion Carried
Operations Update
a. HR Recommendations: Klein informed the Board that the revised Team Member Handbook
is now in effect. Klein also noted that he completed the Indispensable Supervisor Training
in October.
b. Job Opening: Klein reported that an offer letter has been issued for the Director of
Economic Development position and that an onboarding schedule is being established.
c. Other Updates: Klein provided updates on several items including professional
development opportunities for staff, community outreach efforts, project events, and a
preview of items for upcoming Board meetings.
Project and Program Updates
1. LEED Initiative: Staff provided updates on upcoming Empower Program and SEED
Academy Cohorts as well as the Targeted Redevelopment Program
2. Project Events: Staff provided summaries of the recent groundbreaking events for the 820
Miller Rd. Project and South Cedar St. Chick-fil-A.
3. OPRA Tax Abatement - District Requests: Staff provided an update on recent requests for
OPRA Districts for projects in REO Town and Downtown.
Page 3 of 3
Vice Chair Jones asked about timeline of Ovation Music and Arts Center. Klein noted that
renovations on the existing building at 520 S. Washington are underway for the future home of the
Lansing Public Media Center and that some site work has begun on the new building with vertical
construction commencing in 2026.
Open Forum for LEDC Board Members
Vice Chair Jones inquired about educational opportunities for Board Members. Klein noted that
future opportunities can be shared with the Board and that overviews of the Brownfield program
and TIFA are available to present to the Board at future meetings or informational sessions.
Other Business
None.
Public Comment
None.
Adjournment
Vice Chair Calvin Jones called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to
adjourn at 9:36A.M.
__________________________________________
Kris Klein, President & CEO
Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)