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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLansing Economic Development Corporation Minutes 01.09.26 The Lansing EDC’s Mission is to improve the Lansing community by fostering economic growth that is strategic, sustainable and equitable. Board of Directors Meeting Friday, January 09, 2026 – 8:30 A.M. Lansing EDC Office – 401 S. Washington Sq., Suite 101, Lansing, MI 48933 MINUTES Members Present: Shelley Davis Boyd, Calvin Jones, Catherine Rathbun, Rawley Van Fossen, Bryan Britten, Jonathan Smith, Dr. Cristina Benton, Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, Chaz Carrillo (left at 9:29) Members Absent: None Staff Present: Kris Klein, Amiee Evans, Aurelius Christian, Alex Watkins, Chelsea Dowler, Kahleea Washington, Shay Manawar, Brian Swett Guests: None Call to Order Chair Boyd called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to order at 8:51 A.M. Approval of LEDC Board Meeting Minutes – Friday, December 5, 2025 (ACTION) MOTION: Member Britten moved to approve the LEDC meeting minutes from Friday, December 5, 2025, Board of Directors meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by Member Smith. YEAS: Nine (9); Unanimous, motion carried. Financial and Audit Update Swett provided updates on the Lansing EDC financials for November 2025 draft report by Clark, Schaffer, Hackett. He reported that the Lansing EDC was under budget through November. Swett also informed the Board that the annual financial audit was in-process and that he would forward to them a copy of the audit engagement letter with Rehmann, the audit firm. There will be a proposal for Budget amendments later in the meeting. RAP 3.0 / Community Enhancement Grant Contract (ACTION) Klein presented the Resolution to be considered by the Board to accept the grant from LEAP and authorize representatives to negotiate and enter, on Lansing EDC’s behalf, any related grant agreements. Member Benton asked about the number of businesses applying for grants. Klein said we had 10 projects that had previously applied and approved with additional grant funds available to supplement the upcoming 2026 Façade Improvement Program. LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, January 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 MOTION: Member Rathbun moved to approve the Resolution on the RAP 3.0 Community Enhancement Grant Agreement with LEAP as presented. Motion seconded by Member Carrillo. YEAS: Nine (9); Unanimous, motion carried. Approval of FY2025/2026 Lansing EDC Budget Amendment (ACTION) Klein presented the proposed budget amendments for Revenues and Expenditures, including the acceptance and expenditure of RAP 3.0 grant funds, and increases to employee benefits and marketing expenditures. Discussion by members ensued. MOTION: Member Van Fossen moved to approve the Amended FY2025/2026 Lansing EDC Budget as presented. Motion seconded by Member Rathbun. YEAS: Nine (9); Unanimous, motion carried. Operations Update Klein provided organizational updates, including: • HR recommendations – Governance Committee is scheduled to meet with People Matters to discuss various HR topics. • Professional development / training opportunities the staff has taken. • Recent or upcoming outreach and engagement efforts including presentations to EGLE, the Chamber of Commerce, DLi Board, Lansing 5:01’s Common Thread event, press releases, and community engagement on Brownfield projects. • FYE2025 audit presentation is expected at the next Board meeting. • Lansing EDC FOIA policy is being updated to include the LBRA and TIFA and will be presented at the next Board meeting for consideration. • Possible training opportunities for the Board were presented and discussion by members ensued. Klein will send out a survey to gauge what kinds of training and education members would be most interested in. Project and Program Updates Updates were presented on the following: • Kris presented some preliminary 2025 Annual Report Highlights. • Kris presented Lansing Business Park – Plant 6 highlights. • Washington presented LEED Initiative highlights. • Members Smith and Rathbun requested updates on projects that have been approved so the Board can evaluate the success of the projects. • Washington gave an update on the 2026 Façade Grant Program, the application period for which opened January 7, 2026. 2026 LEDC / LBRA / TIFA Board Meeting Schedule Approval (ACTION) Klein presented the proposed 2026 Board of Directors meeting schedule for approval. MOTION: Member Jones moved to approved the 2026 Board of Directors meeting schedule, as presented. Motion seconded by Member Van Fossen. YEAS: Eight (8); Unanimous, motion carried. LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, January 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 2026 Election of Officers Process Klein revealed nominations received for 2026 Board Officers. It was presented that Shelley Davis Boyd was nominated as Chair, Calvin Jones and Chaz Carrillo for Vice Chair, Dr. Alane Laws-Barker as Secretary, and Jonathan Smith as Treasurer. Discussion by members took place and no further nominations were presented. The 2026 Board of Directors ballot was provided to all members present and gathered. Chair Davis Boyd read the results of the vote, as follows: • Chair – Shelley Davis Boyd, eight (8) votes • Vice Chair – Calvin Jones, eight (8) votes • Secretary – Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, eight (8) votes • Treasurer – Jonathan Smith, eight (8) votes MOTION: Member Britten moved to approve the slate of 2026 Officers of the Board of Directors as presented. Motion seconded by Member Van Fossen. YEAS: Eight (8); NEAS: Zero (0); Unanimous, motion carried. Open Forum for LEDC Board Members Dr. Laws Barker expressed appreciation for the Lansing EDC supporting and sending staff to the Melanated Business Alliance Youth and Entrepreneurship Expo. Other Business None Public Comment None Adjournment Chair Boyd called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to adjournment at 9:54 A.M. ________________________________________________________ Kris Klein, President & CEO Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)