East Lansing · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in East Lansing public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rental housing costs in East Lansing
Staff shared new data showing rental houses run roughly $750–$1,300 per bedroom per month, a rising trend that frames the city's housing affordability work.
Graduate Hotel Plaza Reconfiguration and Public Valet Parking
Staff reported ongoing talks with the Parking Capital Group about using DDA-owned Evergreen Properties for Graduate Hotel parking — a decision that could shape how downtown parking gets shared.
Aging population and income tax base
LEAP data show East Lansing's population declined about 6% since 2020, with a 31% jump in seniors and fewer working-age residents — a squeeze on income tax revenue since retirees don't pay tax on pension income. Members tied this to the case for middle-income housing.
Brownfield captures and PILOTs
The Brownfield Authority captures ~$3.6 million this year across 12 active plans, with several expiring in the next five years. Expiring plans within the DDA transfer to the DDA, not back to the city.