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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLansing Economic Development Corporation Minutes 02.06.26 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, February 06, 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. Alane Laws-Barker, Chaz Carrillo Members Absent: Dr. Cristina Benton Staff Present: Kris Klein, Amiee Evans, 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 8:57A.M. Approval of LEDC Board Meeting Minutes – Friday, January 9, 2026 (ACTION) MOTION: Member Smith moved to approve the LEDC meeting minutes from Friday, January 9, 2026, Board of Directors meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by Member Carrillo. YEAS: Eight (8); Unanimous; motion carried. Financial and Audit Update Swett provided updates on the Lansing EDC financials for December 2025 draft report by Clark, Schaffer, Hackett. Swett also informed the Board that the annual financial audit was in-process, and the audited financial statements and management letter were in review this week. The Lansing EDC undergoing a Single Audit for the ARPA funds expended in FYE 6/30/2025, and because these funds are a significant part of the Lansing EDC revenue and expense, both audits will wrap up at the same time. FOIA Policy Update (ACTION) Klein presented the updated FOIA Policy that organizes information requests to the Lansing EDC, Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Lansing Tax Increment Finance Authority under a shared process. LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, February 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 MOTION: Member Van Fossen moved to approve the FOIA Policy as presented. Motion seconded by Member Carrillo. YEAS: Eight (8); Unanimous; motion carried. Operations Update Klein provided organizational updates, including: • HR Recommendations: Klein announced that People Matters is now under contract to assist with implementing recommendations as well as putting in place goals on communications, employee surveys, onboarding processes for employees and Board of Directors, and quarterly training for staff. Member Britten asked if Governance Committee would get updates occasionally as needed. Klein said the Committee would be updated on the process. • Professional Development: Dowler and Evans are participating in trainings this month. • Community Outreach: Klein shared various outreach and engagement efforts by the team over the past month, including presenting to MSU Hospitality students, hosting a table at LEAP’s Plug-In event, sponsoring Lansing 5:01’s “Common Thread” event, meeting with CATA leadership, attending the Deep Green Community Meeting, and presenting to the LRCC Policy Committee. • Marketing Efforts: Klein shared an update on work with Redhead to finish the website redesign and marketing of Lansing EDC’s 50-year anniversary. • Upcoming Projects and Board Items: Klein shared a preview of items for upcoming Board meetings, including presentation of the FY25 Audit, a TIFA Informational Meeting, presentation of draft FY27 budgets for submittal to the City Budget Book, and a couple of Brownfield requests that are being reviewed. • Board Training/Education Options: Klein summarized survey results on informational and training opportunities for the board and proposed an outline for sessions. “Brownfields and Tax Abatements” was most popular, followed by “Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction Strategies”, and “Tools and Strategies to prioritize, evaluate, and support economic development projects”. Klein proposed some training to take place during regular Board meetings, holding a Board meeting at a project site to provide a case study and project walk-through, and a longer form training for Brownfield and Tax Abatements and bringing in external subject matter experts. Project and Program Updates Updates were presented on the following: • Michigan Talent Partnership Grant - REO Town: Klein and Dowler shared the recent announcement that Lansing was awarded $4.35 million through the Michigan Talent Partnership Grant program for investments in REO Town. Member Rathbun inquired whether Lansing EDC will work with other agencies on river trail improvements so efforts can be coordinated and not duplicated. Ingham County, City Parks and Recreation Department, and Tri-County Regional Planning were all engaged during the application process and collaboration will continue. It was suggested to add this grant to the Lansing EDC budget and also to use this as an opportunity to spotlight the work of the Lansing EDC. • LEED Initiative: Klein provided updates on LEED, including the new cohort of the SEED Academy commencing today. 65 applications were received and 27 applicants were selected for the program. Britten inquired what happens to applicants that are not selected. Klein LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, February 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 noted that some were not eligible, while others will be informed of future cohorts and other opportunities. Klein also noted that this cohort and the two cohorts of the Empower Program this year are the last funded under ARPA funds, and that it is our intention to continue the program with additional funding from partners. Klein also provided an update on Targeted Redevelopment efforts, including the work of CityCraft focused on Southwest Lansing and an RFQP for additional planning within identified Neighborhoods of Focus being available through March 27, 2026. Open Forum for LEDC Board Members Chair Boyd shared a personal update regarding her daughter’s acceptance to the University of Michigan. Member Rathbun welcomed members to her social event on February 20. Member Jones thanked Van Fossen and Klein for being at the Deep Green community meeting. Member Carrillo inquired if there are any fact sheets available on data centers from independent organizations. Member Dr. Laws-Barker thanked the Lansing EDC for hosting a table at the MLK Luncheon and recognized Alex for representing Lansing EDC at the LEAP Plug-In event. Other Business None Public Comment None Adjournment Chair Boyd called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to adjournment at 9:38A.M. ________________________________________________________ Kris Klein, President & CEO Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)