Catch Up On Our Reporting From this Week

May closed out with a busy week in East Lansing!

ELi reported on the city’s budget for the next fiscal year, a local nonprofit organization sharing the stories of U.S. military veterans and more! 

City Council sets budget for next fiscal year. 

At its meeting this week, the East Lansing City Council set a budget for the next fiscal year. The budget carries a $2 million deficit that city leaders say will need to be addressed through cuts or revenue increases in the near future. Read Managing Editor Luke Day’s story summarizing the city’s financial situation and this week’s council meeting here.

Parks commission blasts proposed parks cuts. 

Ahead of the city setting its budget for next fiscal year, the East Lansing Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission criticized a proposal to cut the general fund’s $2.6 million contribution to parks, proposing the funds be replenished by a property tax millage that would need to be approved by voters. While council ultimately opted to keep parks funding next year, the body did vote to draft ballot language for a parks millage. Read Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty’s story on the parks commission’s reaction to the plan here. 

He tells their stories. 

In honor of Memorial Day, Dustin spoke with Bill Krieger about his nonprofit organization, Veterans Archives. The organization interviews U.S. military veterans to share their stories, and make sure their service is never forgotten. Read Dustin’s story about Veterans Archives and why it’s so important that these stories be told. 

Pumpstock returns next weekend!

The Pumpstock music festival returns to Bailey Park next Saturday, June 7. The festival will bring nine performers, children’s activities, music education and more. Ahead of the festival, read Reporter Ayah Imran’s story about what to expect at this year’s rendition of Pumpstock, and the history of the event. 

Seven city meetings are scheduled next week. 

Things pick up in city government next week, as there are several meetings on the docket. Monday (June 2), the Seniors Commission and Transportation Commission each meet. Tuesday (June 3), City Council will gather. Wednesday (June 4), the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals will each convene. Then Thursday (June 5), the Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Management Board will each meet. When agendas are posted, they can be found here. 

Mark your calendar: City to discuss senior survey results June 9. 

Last year, the city surveyed seniors about their biggest challenges, resources that would be useful and more. Monday, June 9, the results of the survey will be discussed in a public meeting at the Hannah Community Center, with a focus on aging in place. The results of the survey can be read here.

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