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COVID 19

July 17, 2020

Citizens Academy

2020 Citizens Academy

Have you ever wondered exactly how the City's budget is decided upon, or maybe how you can have an impact on the decisions that the Parks & Recreations Department makes? Have you ever been curious as to how you can join a board and commissions and have a seat at specific decision-making tables?
Then this is an opportunity for you!
This is a course that dives into the process of how the City functions and plays a role in your everyday life. The only requirements are that you are 18+ and a City of Lansing resident.

Applications for the program can be filled out online now through Friday, July 31. Only 24 participants will be accepted with equal participants across all 4 wards. No prior government experience is needed or required.
One Lansing Fund


Share the gift of hope by donating to the One Lansing Fund, supporting the the COVID-19 Emergency Relief efforts by Capital Area United Way right here in our community.

Answer the call for compassion, as Americans have always done in times of crisis. Donate to #OneLansing fund supporting the Emergency Relief Fund to share the gift of hope. #LiveUnited #COVID19 #Coronavirus


OneLansing Website: tinyurl.com/onelansingcampaign

Press Release: lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=8

Check out this message from Mayor Andy Schor

Art Proposals
Do you have an idea for a public artwork display in downtown Lansing that you'd like to share? Now is your chance!

The City of Lansing Parks & Recreation Department is requesting proposals for a new art public art project
 
 
 
 
State of MI


Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-143 closing indoor service at bars throughout most of lower Michigan to protect the progress Michigan has made against COVID-19. Regions 6 and 8, which include the Upper Peninsula and much of northern Michigan, are excluded from the order, and bars statewide can continue to serve outdoors. The governor also signed a package of bills allowing cocktails-to-go at bars and restaurants to help these businesses serve more Michiganders during this time. Executive Order 2020-143, takes effect at 11 pm 7/1/2020. Read more at https://bit.ly/2VwwDZR and find the latest data, information, and #COVID19 news in Michigan at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Back to school

MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap

 Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap, a comprehensive document to help districts create local plans for in-person learning in the fall. The Roadmap outlines a number of safety protocols for schools to implement in each phase of the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan. The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-142, which provides a structure to support all schools in Michigan as they plan for a return of PreK-12 education in the fall. Read more at https://bit.ly/2VyR20b and find the latest data, information, and #COVID19 news in Michigan at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Secretary of State Branch Offices to Reopen June 1 by Appointment Only

Secretary of State Branch Offices to Reopen June 1 by Appointment Only; Updated renewal mailers will provide additional information on easiest means of conducting transactions
Secretary of State branch offices will reopen June 1 by appointment only for essential transactions not available online in order to continue to balance the need to provide critical services and protect public health.
“While the offices were closed to the public we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Customers can be confident they’ll be able to conduct their business with us safely and efficiently.” For more information: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-530310--,00.html

Governor Whitmer Announces Plans for Police Reform to Promote Racial Equity 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her support for a series of policy plans for police reform in Michigan, calling on Michigan law enforcement agencies to enhance their training and policies to help create a police culture where all Michiganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law. Governor Whitmer also voiced her support for measures that require law enforcement officers to complete training on implicit bias and de-escalation techniques, and applauded the Senate for taking up Senate Bill 945, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, which addresses many of these issues. The governor also urged police agencies to require their officers to intervene when they observe an excessive use of force by another officer, which will save lives and help to keep people safe.
“The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor were a result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans,” said Governor Whitmer. “Here in Michigan, we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day. That’s why I'm calling on Michigan police departments to strengthen their training and policies to save lives and keep people safe. I am also ready to partner with the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to pass police reform bills into law.”
“We recognize the shortcomings of the systems in place today—systems that have left Black, Latino, and other communities of color feeling underserved, even threatened by law enforcement,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices, and these actions are clear steps in the direction of needed reform. We are not done, and we strongly encourage cities and counties to adopt and enact local measures that build trust, accountability, and a comprehensive, non-discriminatory experience of safety for everyone in our state.”


Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-139 to rename the state-owned Lewis Cass Building in downtown Lansing to the “Elliott-Larsen Building,” honoring the legislators who sponsored Michigan’s landmark civil rights act. The legislation was introduced by Republican State Rep. Melvin Larsen and Democratic State Rep. Daisy Elliott in 1976 and was signed into law by Governor William Milliken in January of 1977. This change marks the first time in Michigan history that a state building is named after an African-American woman. Read more at : https://bit.ly/2BrWeMH.

Press Release
Police Transparency

City of Lansing Updates from Mayor Schor


 

Mayor Andy Schor announced the promotion of Judy Kehler to serve as Lansing’s next Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). As CSO, Kehler will continue to look at short-term expenditures and long-term debts, as well as review and evaluate other processes within the City to make recommendations for improvements as necessary.
Press Release: 
https://lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=8


Robert Widigan has been appointed by Mayor Schor to serve as the Finance Director for the City of Lansing. Widigan will manage the Finance Department, oversee short-term and long-term fiscal planning and operations of the City, prepare revenue projections and debt service requirements, evaluate department operations, among other tasks related to the City’s financial health.
Press Release: https://lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=432

Nicholas Tate will serve as the City of Lansing’s Deputy Mayor for Operations and Chief of Staff effective July 1, 2020. Tate will oversee all internal operations including management of Mayor’s Office staff and Department Directors, as well as resolving day-to-day issues, including finance, labor, human resources and others that arise within city government. 
Press Release: 
https://www.lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=428

Chief Daryl Green and Mayor Andy Schor  announced new traffic stop guidelines for all LPD officers to follow. Officers will no longer pull people over for secondary violations such as a cracked windshield or air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror. This is based on feedback and input from residents about what they want from their police department. It eliminates bias, implicit or otherwise.
More Information:  Document


Social Justice & Equity Community Action Proposals: The proposals include immediate action steps, next steps and long term planning that will involve many community conversations and opportunities for input.
The document can be found here


The City of Lansing  announced that it will participate in the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Work Share program to help address financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Lansing will move to a four-day work week, Monday through Thursday, and employees will be paid one day each week through the Work Share program beginning the week of June 1, 2020, until July 25, 2020. The Lansing Police Department, Lansing Fire Department, 54-A District Court employees and elected officials will not be participating in the Work Share program.
Press Release: https://lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=410



City Income Tax

Summer Property Tax  Information

The City of Lansing’s summer property tax bills have been mailed and payment is due by Monday, August 31, 2020. Taxpayers can submit property tax payments using the following methods:
 
Treasury/City Hall - In Person
City Hall is not open to the public due to COVID-19. 
Treasury will continue to process payments, answer phone calls and return taxpayer emails.
 
MSUFCU - In Person
All Lansing property owners can pay their property tax payments by appointment at any MSUFCU branch. Because MSUFCU branches are open with limited capacity, it is highly recommended that visitors make an appointment by calling 800-678-4968 ext.3322. Please keep in mind that the MSU branches located in Sparrow Hospital and the MSU Union are currently closed.
 
Mail Payments - NO CASH PLEASE
Send checks, money orders to:
City Treasurer
City of Lansing – Dept. 3201

P O Box 30516
Lansing, MI 48909-8016
 
Drop Box 
The drop box is located on the Capitol Avenue side of City Hall.
124 W. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
By Phone 
Call 855-474-4076 and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
 
Online Payments
https://www.lansingmi.gov/439/Internet-Payments

Ingham County Land Bank

Ingham County Land Bank

Ingham County Land Bank has vacant property for sale! Interested in that vacant lot right next door? The Land Bank may be able to help!

More details at: 
https://inghamlandbank.org/properties/vacant-interest


Census 2020


The Census is Convenient, Confidential, and Critical.


10 Minutes 9 Questions Determines Funding for the next 10 years!


The City of Lansing is currently at a 65.7% response rate.


The U.S. Census Bureau produces timely local data that are critical to emergency planning, preparedness and recovery efforts.

It's so important that we take 10 minutes to respond to 9 simple questions that will deliver 10 years of benefits to our community. 

The public is strongly encouraged to respond to the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and can also respond by phone or mail.


More info: lansingmi.gov/1860/Be-Counted-Lansing-2020-Census

Complete the 2020 Census: https://my2020census.gov/

Updated 211


For Assistance Call 211
2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in over 180 languages.

https://www.mi211.org/

Referring people to 211 is the best way to connect them with services. It also allows us to track community requests for support and properly respond. 

BWL- Free LED bulbs

The BWL is offering FREE LED bulbs and nightlights by mail! All BWL residential electric customers are eligible whether they live in a house or apartment. Request your box of bulbs today by calling 800-573-3503 or visiting lbwl.com/hometownhelp. This is a limited-time offer!

Free WiFi Hotspots

COVID, Commencement & Cash: Money Management for HS Grads

FEC counselors can help you:

• Open a checking account
• Open a savings account
• Create a budget
• Plan for college and post secondary education
• Check your credit
• And more!

When can I go?
There are limited appointments. Schedule yours now before they are all booked.

Where is it?
We are hosting counseling sessions on video chat or phone call.

How do I schedule an appointment?
Call the FEC: (517) 449-5842

What is the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)?
The Lansing Financial Empowerment Center is a partnership of the City of Lansing and Cristo Rey Community Center. Our trained, professional financial counselors will sit down with you one-on-one to help you achieve your financial dreams and goals.

Community Mental Health Talk LIne

CMHA-CEI COVID-19 Support Line

CMHA-CEI has developed a COVID-19 Support Line available to anyone in Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham counties, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, at 517-237-7100.

CMH
Mental Health Resources
Concerts in the Park
6 ft apart
Parks and trails
Virtual Parks and Rec
Please check out our virtual recreation guide!!
You can register at parksonline.lansingmi.gov!

https://www.lansingmi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9875/Virtual-Recreation-11
 
Stay Cool at Home
FLood Feedback
Parks Survey
Yard Waste

Yard Waste Collection Update

Beginning on Monday, June 15, 2020, CART will be transitioning yard waste collection from weekly to every other week.

This means that residents’ yard waste collection day will be the same as their recycling collection day. In the fall, collection will transition back to weekly collection through the end of the season.

Every other week yard waste collection will reduce the size of the collection area, stabilizing the overall collection process and reducing truck-related costs (fuel, maintenance, impacts on neighborhood streets, etc.).

To minimize impacts of every other week collection on residents, the City recommends residents mulch their grass clippings as opposed to bagging them, and compost leaves and other yard clippings if feasible.


Updates are available at this LINK
Crime reporting
Virtual Stop the Violence March

Virtual Stop the Violence March


Mikey 23 foundation is hosting this event. 

Each participant will March in their neighborhood, take a 10 second video and photo. Explaining how are they helping to stop the violence in their neighborhood. Upload it to social media #Mikey23foundation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us . Would love for you to join us. T shirts are available at : https://www.mikey23foundation.org/

Proceeds go towards training youth a building trade.



Volunteer Opportunities Available

Gov. Whitmer and MDHHS launched a new volunteer website, www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19, where trained medical professionals can register to serve their fellow Michiganders by assisting hospitals in fighting COVID-19. Other state residents also can use the site to find out how they can help in their local communities, give blood, donate money or needed medical supplies, or assist public health officials in tracking infections. 

Lansing School District is looking for Volunteers to distribute food at several pick up sites across the City of Lansing. If you are able to distribute or deliver meals, please sign up at this LINK

Volunteers are needed for Lansing area shelters.  If you are available to volunteer, please contact Renee Jones at Holy Cross by phone 517.489.5278 or email: 
rjones@hccsnet.org


Volunteer to help with senior meal distributions and/or making friendly check-in calls visit RSVP of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties’ website to fill out a Volunteer Form, email Carol Wood at carol@rsvp-lansing.com or call (517) 887-6116.


A Community Response to Domestic Violence

Capital Area Response Effort is a post-arrest response team that provides crisis intervention and advocacy to people who have experienced intimate partner violence. Since the rise of COVID-19, the CARE Program has had an increase in survivors seeking resources like hotel rooms and the Personal Needs Closet. Your contribution could cover the cost of someone's groceries, put gas in their car, help get their locks changed, or secure a safe place to stay. Amidst the anxieties and dangers of this public health crisis, what we all have to lean on is each other; what we have to anchor us is the strength of our community. Let survivors know that you're standing with them through this by making a donation today.
 
If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, there is help available. To speak with an advocate at the CARE Program to inquire about services or make a donation, please call 517-272-7436.


Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP)

Housing counselors offer free, individualized guidance, and work with clients to develop a plan to understand their options and connect with resources, helping them reach their financial goals. CAHP’s office will be closed to the public until April 6, 2020. CAHP will be open remotely during that time and answering phone calls at 517-332-HOME (4663) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virtual Rental Counseling Now Available
If you or someone you know has fears about paying rent, utility bills, eviction, foreclosure, debt or credit impacts please call CAHP to schedule a free virtual appointment to discuss options.
 
Our housing counselors offer free, individualized guidance, and work with families and individuals to develop a plan to understand their options and connect people with resources, helping them reach their financial goals.
 
Call 517-332-HOME (4663) to schedule a virtual appointment. Click here to learn more.

Virtual Manage Your Money During Covid-19 Class on Wednesday, 5/13, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. As a MSHDA Counseling agency, CAHP continues to offer free-of-charge counseling for renters and homeowners who may be struggling with a loss of income or other financial challenges during this time. You can register by calling 517-332-4663, or register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/…/register/WN_15RPxW4rQFa2n5EsfEaFCw
#StayHome #StayHealthy #SaveLives

Online Homebuyer Education Workshop Available
For those with an eye on home ownership, we are offering our Homebuyer Education workshop online! The online workshop satisfies requirements for a homeownership education certificate to qualify for down payment assistance.

https://capitalareahousing.frameworkhomeownership.org/

kids camp

Calendar of Neighborhood Events


July

7/22 Concerts in the Park - Fulton Park- Root Doctor
7/29 Concerts in the Park - Durant Park - Life Support
7/31 Citizen's Academy Application Closes

August

8/4 Citizens Academy LIVE drawing

8/4  ELECTION DAY-MI Primaries


Resources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website
  • The State of Michigan Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Website
  • Ingham County Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
  • Sparrow Health Systems Website
  • McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital Website
  • Lansing School District School Closure Food Service Program Website
  • Michigan Department of Education Summer Food Service Program Interactive Map
  • Map of Country-Specific Health Information
  • COVID-19 Hotline 1-888-535-6131
  • No Kid Hungry is providing grants to schools and nonprofits offering meals for children. 
2

Lansing Neighborhood News

The Neighborhood News has returned and will include COVID-19 resources and links to the website. The City of Lansing COVID-19 website will be updated with resources daily and residents and businesses are encouraged to check the following LINK for updated information.

We are getting many calls about how we can help our neighbors during this time. We will include opportunities to help each other and resources where help is available. If you have information that you would like included, please send it to DeLisa Fountain at DeLisa.Fountain@lansingmi.gov .  This emergency is changing daily and we are committed to making sure our neighbors have the information necessary to care for themselves, their neighbors, and our community. 

Sign up to receive weekly Neighborhood News by email HERE 
Be sure to check the Neighborhood News list and confirm in the follow up email you receive from the City of Lansing.

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200 N Foster Ave Room 205 Lansing MI 48912

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