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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Lansing, Inc. Minutes 07.09.26DOWNTOWN LANSING AUGUST 2026 BOARD MEETING 215 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE STE. 100 DLI Board Meeting July 9, 2026 | 11:30am 215 S. Washington Square Ste. 100, Lansing, MI 48933 Members Present: J. Estill, J. Pugh, K. Klein, A. Rusek, J. Flores Members Absent : J. Hinze, J. Durham Board Advisors Present : James Lennon Board Advisors Not Present : Peter Spadafore Staff Present: C. Edgerly, K. Litwin, J. Markham, M. Gonzales, A. Huntley Guests Present:, Josh Watson Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 11:44 a.m. by J. Estill 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS: None. 3. CORRESPONDENCE: None 4. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by A. Rusek, seconded by J. Flores, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously. 5. OLD TOWN UPDATES The Board received updates from J. Lenon regarding Old Town activities and initiatives. Two new businesses have opened: The Candy Store, located in the former Lansing Emporium space, and Old Town Card Spot, a collectible card-focused establishment. Old Town is preparing for six festivals over the next seven weeks, and the “Check Out Our Cans” Patronicity campaign is underway. The Board also received updates regarding positive impacts from recent parking enforcement changes; the Cesar Chavez Avenue renaming process, including a recent meeting with members of the Latino community and an anticipated extended timeline; and plans to release Old Town’s new brand at its 30th anniversary celebration. 6. DIRECTOR’S REPORT: C. Edgerly reported on the following: a. Downtown Safety Meeting: A follow-up meeting addressing increased concerns regarding violent and illegal activity downtown is scheduled for July 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the MSUFCU Downtown Branch. Approximately 50 RSVPs have been received. Board participation was encouraged. b. Legendary Women of Lansing: The Patronicity campaign remains open through July 31. Significant donations have been received via the fundraiser held at La Fille Gallery and fundraising continues. c. Collaborative Social Districts: Official signage is expected to be installed by the City in all three participating social district neighborhoods (REO Town, Downtown and Old Town). Questions about potential expansion of district boundaries was also discussed. d. Lansing Shuffle Ballot Proposal: The Lansing Shuffle sale will be on the August ballot. Information is available on the City’s website, and a public mailer has been distributed. DOWNTOWN LANSING AUGUST 2026 BOARD MEETING 215 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE STE. 100 e. LEO Grant Funding: Approval was received from LEO regarding an extension associated with downtown improvement initiatives, including 100-block improvements, public art, and bridge planters. Funding discussed included approximately $1.1 million for streetscape improvements, $5,000 for Legendary Women of Lansing, and $5,000 for planters. Approximately $500,000 in City and/or private matching funds will be needed. f. Michigan’s Downtown Allocation Plan: The Board reviewed the draft funding allocation plan. A final package is anticipated for presentation in the fall. The effort reflects coordination among DLI, the Chamber, Choose Lansing, LEDC and other stakeholders. g. Staff Update: The Board was informed of Mario’s resignation, effective July 17, and expressed appreciation for his service, creativity, and contributions. 7. PRESIDENT’S REPORT The President reminded Board members to: • Complete self-accreditation materials by August 1. Jen will redistribute the link separately, though it is in the pdf of the board packet for this meeting, as well. • Complete the Executive Director assessment by this Friday, July 10. • Support the Legendary Women of Lansing Patronicity campaign through donations of any amount. The campaign with the highest number of individual donations receives a funding bonus through Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper and Project for Public Spaces. 8. ACTION ITEMS a. Food Trucks Downtown: The Board discussed existing ordinance restrictions prohibiting food trucks in Zone A except during special events. The Board discussed the need to identify desired ordinance changes and advocate for City action. Food trucks were identified as a potential means of addressing nighttime dining gaps near venues including Grewal Hall and Ovation. Clarification is needed regarding applicable 100- to 200-foot separation requirements. No formal action was taken. The DLI Board and staff will continue to advocate for changes to the City’s Food Truck ordinance. b. Downtown Outreach Team RFP: The Board reviewed a draft RFP for Downtown Outreach Team services. Discussion included the proposed budget, equitable and inclusive program language, ongoing input from Dr. Bailey, and the value of periodically soliciting competitive proposals for contracted services. Additional revisions may be incorporated following the July 21 downtown safety meeting. Board members were asked to submit feedback/comments to Cathleen by July 20. No formal action was taken. The draft will return for full Board review following revisions. c. Streetscape RFQ: The Board reviewed the proposed Streetscape RFQ. The City is expected to remove metal kiosks and newspaper fixtures in the fall; concrete bases may remain until a future phase of construction/CSO. Discussion focused on downtown appearance, pedestrian safety, purpose of art, and whether art will be temporary. A question was also asked regarding whether removal of the concrete bases may be easier and more cost effective. Staff and the Board discussed the rationale for using an RFQ rather than an RFP. DOWNTOWN LANSING AUGUST 2026 BOARD MEETING 215 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE STE. 100 A typographical error will be corrected to reflect a $1 million local project amount. Motion by J. Pugh, seconded by A. Flores, to approve the Streetscape RFQ with the discussed edits. Motion passed unanimously. d. Business and Property Improvement Grant Application and Guidelines: The Board reviewed updated grant application materials and guidelines. Current funding requirements call for funds to be spent or allocated by the end of the calendar year, pending State determination regarding a possible extension. The Board discussed coordination with LEDC on priority properties; legal and programmatic review; the role of the grant review committee; final Board approval of awards; and marketing strategies, including highlighting prior recipients. Motion by J. Flores seconded by J. Pugh, to approve the Business and Property Improvement Grant Application and Guidelines pending incorporation of LEDC edits and updates. Motion passed unanimously. Staff will explore development of a web-based application form. e. Grant Funding Update The Board reviewed proposed allocations for remaining State grant funds, including approximately $490,000 for the Business and Property Improvement Grant program and additional restricted allocations for specific initiatives. The Board discussed public space improvements, including ARTery Alley, and agreed that significant deviations from approved allocations or project costs exceeding allocated amounts should return to the Board for authorization. Motion by K. Klein, seconded by A. Rusek, to authorize the Executive Director to expend funds within the primary approved line items, including ARTery Alley and supplies, as presented and within current threshold for spending not requiring board approval. Motion passed unanimously. f. CSO Marketing Proposal: J. Pugh presided over this agenda item. J. Estill recused herself due to a conflict of interest, as the owner of Redhead Creative Consultancy. The Board reviewed a proposal from Redhead for a merchant preparedness kit associated with anticipated downtown CSO street reconstruction. Discussion included whether to solicit additional proposals through an RFP, accept the submitted proposal, or defer action pending greater certainty regarding the CSO project. Estimated time of completion for that project is 2028-2029, or possibly further out. Motion by J. Pugh, seconded by A. Rusek, to table the CSO Marketing Proposal. Motion passed unanimously. 9. NEW BUSINESS: None. 10. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by J. Pugh, seconded by A. Rusek, to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 12:48 p.m.