East Lansing · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in East Lansing public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police Accountability Video Release
East Lansing police released redacted body-camera footage from an August incident involving officers and Myana Collins. It’s a transparency move that lets residents see more of what happened, though the redactions limit the full picture. If you care about police accountability, this is worth a look.
Safety Stick automated parking enforcement
The city approved a 'Safety Stick' pilot program that logged over 1,500 violations along Abbot and Grand River, but the Transportation Commission never got to weigh in first. The Commission is now asking for details on locations, criteria, timeline, and data policies before October. Critics worry it could push drivers to park in neighborhoods.
School zone at Kensington & Grand River crossing
Kids walking to Glencairn Elementary cross Grand River/M-43, a state trunkline where speeds are higher and a 25 mph school zone isn't in place. Getting one requires a specific statutory pathway involving the school superintendent, MDOT, and state officials. The commission is working to figure out exactly who can answer what.
Police Use of Force Report
A resident raised concerns about police use of force policy and use of force incidents in East Lansing.
Police and fire staffing, overtime, and mutual aid
Police and fire leadership briefed council on staffing, training, technology like flock cameras, downtown safety issues, call volume, and regional partnerships.
Pedestrian safety at Grand River bookstore demolition site
With the sidewalk closed for the bookstore demolition, pedestrians are walking in the road or median on Grand River — a safety hazard flagged by Commissioner Vander Galien.
Police leadership and accountability under Chief Jen Brown
Nearly 30 residents called out a recent East Lansing police incident, with many demanding the police chief's resignation over alleged excessive force. Council members addressed it individually, discussing policy implementation and bodycam footage release — but took no formal action.
National Night Out early closure
The library will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, so staff and patrons can join National Night Out with Touch-A-Truck — a community safety event.
Safety concerns at Alton/Saginaw and Hitching Post intersections
After pedestrian deaths in 2025 and 2026, the commission wants MDOT to sit down publicly and explain who owns each safety problem on two dangerous corridors — and whether a formal Road Safety Audit will happen.
Concerns about the Police Chief and police department
Three of the four residents who spoke during public comment raised concerns about the Police Chief and the police department. The council took no action on the comments.
Lawsuit against city and former officer John Newman
Lonnie Smith and Mason Woods are suing former officer John Newman and the City of East Lansing in state court (Case 26-3081-AW). The council hired outside defense counsel to protect the city's legal position, which could carry real taxpayer cost depending on how the case goes.
Isiah Kirby matter
Speakers asked the council to release body camera footage in the fatal shooting of MSU student Isaiah Kirby, saying students are afraid and want answers.
University Place Associates litigation
The city is in an ongoing lawsuit with the University Place Associates Condominium Association in Ingham County Circuit Court. Council discussed strategy privately and directed its labor attorney to proceed.
DDA-funded downtown police officers
The Downtown Development Authority is paying for two new police officers downtown. One member pushed to hire those two first to save general fund money, but members debated whether the committee should direct police deployment. The recommendation was tabled.
Downtown business fees for police calls
A member argued the recent fee restructuring let high-call bars off the hook and hurt the budget, and suggested tying fees to actual police call volume. Councilmember Meadows said he voted against that fee change.
Transparency and public comment rules
Speakers criticized changes to public comment procedures, a sergeant-at-arms presence, and threatened police escorts, arguing they silence residents.
Storm response and county emergency sirens
Councilmember Singh gave a shout-out to DPW crews handling downed trees and property damage after this week's severe storms and extended school sheltering.
Swatting incidents at East Lansing High School
Two swatting calls at the high school last month tied up nearly all police resources and forced mutual aid calls, Chief Brown said. State and federal partners are helping investigate who's behind them.
Demands from Citizens for Justice coalition
A new community coalition presented eight demands, led by immediate removal of Police Chief Jen Brown and a meeting with the city manager before May 29. Other demands include rewritten police policies, de-escalation policy work, and restored funding for ELPOC and the HRC. Mayor Pro Tem Grigsby urged the city manager to make time for the meeting, and Singh asked staff to develop options on two policy demands.
Public comment limits and meeting decorum rules
Council is considering cutting public comment from five minutes to three and requiring speakers to address the council rather than turning to confront staff, guests, or audience members. Supporters say three minutes is the regional standard and gets more voices heard; some members worry it looks like the city is limiting access.
Possible fire authority with neighboring jurisdictions
The committee is exploring whether East Lansing should join a regional fire authority. The city attorney explained it would need articles of incorporation, could levy up to 20 mills (with voter approval), and carries both service and cost trade-offs.
Proposed ordinances 1565 and 1566 on homelessness and downtown conduct
Council is weighing whether to criminalize camping or conversion of public property, or instead adopt a narrower ban on obstructing public events. Public commenters overwhelmingly opposed criminalization, and councilmembers signaled support only for option three.
Police Oversight Commission Vacancy
The Independent Police Oversight Commission says the police department cut use-of-force data fields and withheld requested records, leaving it unable to write its annual report. A joint meeting with city leaders is planned for April.
54-B District Court cost burden
East Lansing residents alone pay for the 54B District Court — about $1 million of its $3.8 million budget — even though it serves non-residents too. Court fine revenue stays with the court rather than offsetting police costs. The committee floated regional cost-sharing and revisiting long-stalled court consolidation.
Bailey Street delivery-driver congestion
Cars with hazards on park and block Bailey near Insomnia Cookies, and a new ice cream shop is doubling the problem. Commissioners flagged it for enforcement attention.
Uncleared sidewalks in winter
Commissioners complained about snow-clogged sidewalks — plows even burying curb cuts — making walking hazardous for older residents and people with mobility issues. Staff suggested batching non-emergency dispatch reports of uncleared addresses.
Council chamber layout and safety
After members of the public stood behind the council table in October, staff proposed a new layout with stanchions blocking that space, winged-out end seats, and a repositioned staff table. Council reached consensus to trial it.
Emergency preparedness for council meetings
After a fire alarm forced a chaotic adjournment at a recent commission meeting, members asked for fire department training and a concrete emergency plan for council meetings at the Hannah Community Center — including what to do in an active-shooter scenario.