Major Spending Cut to Parks on the Table as City Has “No Good Choices” to Balance Budget
The city is grappling with a projected deficit of more than $3.1 million in the next fiscal year.
Federal Funding Cuts Bring Fear, Turmoil to East Lansing Fish & Wildlife Office
“There is no benefit to what they’re trying to do,” a FWS employee told ELi.
Council Hears Presentation on Income Tax
City officials appear poised to ask voters to renew the income tax before it sunsets in 2031.
The City’s Money Will Dry Up Within Five Years Without Adjustments, Financial Forecast Shows
The troubling forecast left one council member asking if the city could face bankruptcy.
SPECIAL ELI REPORTING
EL Catholics Reflect on Pope Francis, Future of Church
Leaders of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish are mourning the loss of Pope Francis, but optimistic about the trajectory his leadership led the church.
Finalists, Process for Police Chief Search Released
The city is scheduled to select a new police chief next week.
East Lansing to Offer New Police Chief Next Week
East Lansing is scheduled to extend an offer to a new police chief next week, according to a city webpage dedicated to the police chief search. On the page, it says there were 15 applicants who responded to the job posting. A calendar of events states the city selected four or five finalists on April…
Budget Proposals for General Fund, Police, Fire, More Presented to City Council
Budget season is upon us and City Council dove into discussions about the deficit the general fund is proposed to operate under in the next fiscal year, the impact inflation is having on infrastructure improvements and how big projects on Michigan State University’s campus may impact the city’s finances. City department heads gave presentations on…
Police Oversight Commission Discusses Harassment, Trespassing; Interim Police Chief Jen Brown Extends an Olive Branch
Interim Police Chief Jen Brown has held meetings with several police oversight commissioners, working to improve the relationship between ELPD and the commission.
IN THE COMMUNITY
City to Host Town Hall About Proposed Budget, Spending Cuts
Proposals to chip away at the deficit include a major cut to parks funding.
Dawn Carson, East Lansing’s First Woman Fire Chief, is More than Just a Trailblazer
During her three years atop the department, Carson prioritized improving the mental and physical health of ELFD employees.
Police Chief Candidates Share Approaches to Staffing Challenges, Mental Health and Policing a College Town
Candidates each answered the same three questions from ELi. The questions were about staffing, policing a college town, and the role police should play in responding to mental health crises.
Councilmember Dana Watson Will Not Seek Reelection
Watson hopes by announcing early that she will not run for reelection, more candidates enter the race.
Debate About Housing Code Returns to Council; Council Paves Way to Increase Diversity of Public Art
Council hopes increased flexibility for how the city’s public art fund can be used brings “Sound Gardens” and public art classes or workshops to the city.