HomeMy WebLinkAboutMichigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority Minutes 05.15.261
Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority Board of Director’s Meeting Friday, May 15, 2026 – 8:30 AM Foster Community Center 200 N. Foster Ave., Room 211 Lansing, MI 48910 Members Present: Katherine (Katie) Hubbard, L. Peter Clark, Tim Daman, Jeffrey Hank, Brandon List Mayoral Designee: Members Absent: Elaine Barr (excused), Jon Lum (excused) Facilitator Present: Kahleea Washington (LEDC), Ethan Schmitt Guest Present: Kris Klein (President, LEDC) Public Present: Recorded by: Katherine (Katie) Hubbard Call to Order/Roll call Vice Chair L. Peter Clark is chairing today’s meeting in Jon’s absence. He welcomed everyone and called the MACIA Board of Directors meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. Approval of April 10, 2026, MACIA Meeting Minutes - Action MOTION: Jeffrey Hank; Motion seconded by Tim Daman. YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried. Public Comment None Update on the LEDC and CIA Service Agreement
Kahleea outlined the Contract for Services between the Lansing EDC and the City of Lansing Corridor Improvement Authorities. The document was included in the meeting packet and outlines the scope of work for Kahleea’s role as well as areas where additional support may be possible
but is subject to CIA and LEDC consideration/funding availability. LEDC President Kris Klein shared that they were interested in better understanding the goals of the MACIA Board so that LEDC might better support the work of the group. Tim Daman expressed an interest in hearing more about what LEDC was working on with regards to the Michigan Avenue Corridor. Jeffrey Hank expressed concern regarding the number of vacancies and an interest in exploring the possibility of small business grants to attract business owners.
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Update on the Corridor Projects Corridor Banners – Action
Includes cost for design of banners, fabrication/installation, monthly BWL fees, and then banner removal/storage. MOTION to approve the Banner Proposal: Hank; Motion seconded by Daman. YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried. Ethan’s Updates
• Created comprehensive list of all Michigan Ave businesses with contact information, and organized in 5 buckets of “Shop, Dine, Live, Work, Play”
• Had several meetings: • Jennifer Lim- Website proposal • Sloane Barlow- Photography proposal • Alex Carron- Graphics proposal • Stoopfest- Testing the waters for Michigan Ave collaboration event • Edwar Zeineh- Clearing the air about previous tensions • Dani from The Avenue- Looking to propose a “social district” on 2000 block • Mike Dombrowski- Representative from “Strong Towns” • Jennie Gies- Representative from Eastfield Neighborhood • Nancy Mahlow- Representative from ENO
• Joan Nelson- Former Vice Chair of MACIA and prominent community member
• Created rough outline of proposed new website design
• Explored services for potential new email for MACIA business and contact Ethan’s Title – Action Ethan expressed a desire for a title outlining his relationship to the Board; having a formal position may assist him in developing relationships with Business owners along the Corridor. MOTION to approve title of Director of Special Projects: Hubbard; Motion seconded by Clark. YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried. Website Proposal – Action Ethan brought forward a comprehensive proposal for a website redesign and a second one for hiring a photographer to provide additional enhancements/photos for the website. We discussed
that this website would be owned/operated by the Board going forward and ideally the website would be set-up prior to the Corridor Banners being installed. MOTION to approve Website and Photography proposals: Daman; Motion seconded by Hank. YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried. Discussion on a Business Grant Program The Board requested more time to review and evaluate the Business Grant Proposal. Further discussion on this item will be tabled for our June meeting. Other Business The next meeting date is set as Friday, June 26.
Adjournment Hubbard motioned to Adjourn the meeting at 9:37 am. L Peter Clark seconded.
L. Peter Clark adjourned the Michigan Avenue Board of Directors at 8:37 am.
Jonathan Lum, Chair
Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority