Catch Up With Our Reporting From this Week
This week, we learned about the local impact of cuts to the AmeriCorps program, how much the city will pay in the BWL franchise fee settlement and more.
Summer in East Lansing has arrived!
The city kicks off the season with its annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival this weekend. But before you head downtown to enjoy the music and dancing, catch up with ELi’s reporting from this week.
East Lansing settles to reimburse BWL customers nearly $8 million.
The city will have to repay BWL customers roughly $7.8 million as part of a settlement in a class action lawsuit over a “franchise fee” the city asked BWL to include in electric bills years ago. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled the fee was a “disguised tax” because the money collected was rerouted to the city. Read Managing Editor Luke Day’s story about the settlement.
Proposed parks millage would raise property tax cap.
At the June 17 City Council meeting, council voted to approve ballot language for a millage and charter amendment that would increase property taxes by two mills to fund the Parks and Recreation Department. Critically, the ballot initiative would also increase the 13 mill cap that was set on the city’s property tax rate when voters approved the income tax in 2018. Read Luke’s story on the millage.
AmeriCorps cuts hit local nonprofits, health department, MSU.
President Donald Trump’s administration cut $400 million from the AmeriCorps program, and local entities are beginning to feel the sting. AmeriCorps members work at nonprofit organizations and government agencies for a small stipend, work experience and a scholarship to be used after their service time is complete. Locally, the Ingham County Health Department and Edgewood Village lost their AmeriCorps members. Read Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty’s story about the local impact.
ELi’s very early election story: Read our initial reporting on the 2025 City Council race.
In November, voters will decide the fate of two open City Council seats. As we gear up for election season, read Luke’s story about how to run for City Council, what it takes to run a successful campaign and who has declared they intend to enter the race (so far).
Survey reveals challenges East Lansing seniors face, resources that are needed.
Recently, the city held a meeting to discuss the results of a survey that asked people 55 and older about their biggest challenges living in East Lansing. Among the feedback was that there needs to be more parking available downtown and suitable housing options. Read Reporting Intern Allison Treanor’s story about the survey feedback here.
29th Annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival is being held downtown.
East Lansing is celebrating the start of summer with its annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival. The festivities started yesterday, and will continue throughout the day today (Saturday, June 21). Read Arts and Culture Reporter Sarah Spohn’s story about what to expect at the festival and the schedule of performances.
Gallery: View the scenes from East Lansing’s Pride celebration.
Last weekend, East Lansing hosted its fourth annual Pride celebration downtown, which included drag performances, live music and more. Photojournalist Brian Wells attended the event to capture the scenes. Brian’s gallery from the Pride celebration can be viewed here.
Seven city meetings are scheduled for next week.
City Council is off next week, but there will still be plenty of activity in city government as seven meetings are on the docket. Wednesday (June 25), the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission each meet. Then on Thursday (June 26), the Downtown Development Authority, Charter Review Committee, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Building Board of Appeals and Age Friendly Communities will each gather. When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.
Additionally, the East Lansing Board of Education will meet Monday, June 23. Board of Education meetings are held downstairs in the high school, starting at 7 p.m. That meeting agenda can be found here.
East Lansing to open cooling centers due to expected high temperatures.
With temperatures projected to reach the 90s this weekend, the city put out a press release reminding residents to stay safe. The Hannah Community Center and public library will each act as cooling centers until the heat advisory passes on Tuesday, June 24. Read about the hours of the cooling centers and other recommended safety tips in this press release from the city.
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