September 11, 2020

The Department of Neighborhoods and Citizen Engagement focuses on three areas: Engaging citizens, Advancing people, and Building neighborhoods. It also provides leadership to the Data and Evidence Team, Priority Based Budgeting process and leads other special projects.

This annual report gives a data driven view of FY 2020 for the Department of Neighborhoods and Citizen Engagement.

Rental Assistance Available for Ingham County Residents

Financial help for tenants and landlords impacted by pandemic

A collaborative of nonprofit housing service providers announced a rental assistance program designed to keep Ingham County residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. The Eviction Diversion Program is being administered by Holy Cross Services in partnership with Advent House Ministries, Capital Area Housing Partnership, Legal Services of South Central Michigan and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Ingham County.

“No family should have to worry about losing their housing during a global health pandemic,” said Sharon Dade, Director of New Hope Community Center at Holy Cross Services. “The Eviction Diversion Program will ensure families can stay safe in their homes while helping landlords receive the back rent they are owed with the expiration of the eviction moratorium.”

Under the Eviction Diversion Program, rental assistance will be made available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes. Tenants whose back rent is not completely covered by the program will be entered into manageable payment plans. Ingham County received over $2 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds from the state of Michigan to assist tenants and landlords for rent due beginning March 1, 2020. 

Eligibility for rental assistance payments will be structured based on the tenant’s income. A tenant’s income must be less than 100% of area median income. For an individual in Ingham County, area median income is $56,200 and for a family of four in Ingham County, area median income is $80,200. Tenants below 50% area median income will be offered case management services to help connect them with other beneficial programs and services.

For more information or to participate in the rental assistance program, tenants and landlords may contact Holy Cross Services at (517) 657-8145, Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm or via email at evictions@hccsnet.org. 

MSHDA Eviction Diversion Program

As the protections from evictions have ended under the Governor’s Executive Order, please note that MSHDA has set up an Eviction Diversion Program, which will provide financial assistance to tenants facing eviction based upon failure to pay rent. Please go to the State’s website for further details: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463--,00.html.

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.

OneLansing Website: tinyurl.com/onelansingcampaign

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

Check out this message from Mayor Andy Schor

We want to hear from you!

Please complete the survey below to provide your input that will be considered by the City of Lansing and individuals assisting the City in developing a Racial Justice and Equity Plan and assessing police reforms: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TZPVGC7

Lansing School DIstrict Updates

Lansing School District announces Community Partners with school hour Learning Labs for students with working parents

 The Lansing School District has announced several partnerships with community organizations to open Learning Labs for students during normal school hours as part of the school district COVID-19 response plan when screen-to-screen instruction classes are scheduled to begin in Lansing on August 31st. As a safety precaution in response to COVID-19, face-to-face in-school teacher instruction would begin in Lansing sometime after the first grading ends in November.
The Learning Labs are designed to help working parents that may not be able to be home during the day to supervise their children because of job responsibilities. All registrations for the Learning Labs are done directly with the sponsoring organization.
“We have some great community partners that have stepped forward to help Lansing families,” said superintendent Sam Sinicropi. “Due to social distancing and many other COVID-19 health protective guidelines, our community partners are offering 600 slots at the moment for our students.”
The Lansing School District is the largest public school district in the Mid-Michigan region with an estimated 10,000 students in the 2020-21 school year. One community partner, Caterpillar Corner, will actually have Learning Labs for children ages 5-13 in several school district buildings because they already operate and are certified to have programs in those school buildings. Other student Learning Lab spots will be available at the Lansing Boys and Girls Club, the Woldumar Nature Center, and the Impression 5 Museum. The YMCA will open Learning Labs at their West Lansing and Oak Park locations along with a lab at Pattengill Academy.
“This isn’t a perfect solution during our COVID-19 response, but it could be a huge relief to many worried and stressed hardworking families,” said Board of Education president Gabrielle Lawrence. “We are still looking for more community partners that might supervise more students during normal working hours.”
http://www.lansingschools.net/…/dist…/community_partners.pdf

Gov. Whitmer launches new, first in nation Futures for Frontliners program to offer essential, frontline workers a tuition-free path to community college

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with leaders in education, business, labor and workforce development, today launched the nation’s first program offering tuition-free college to an estimated 625,000 Michiganders who provided essential, frontline services during COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April – June 2020.
Futures for Frontliners, inspired by the GI Bill which provided college degree to those serving their country in WWII, offers Michigan adults without college degrees or high school diplomas who provided essential services during the pandemic a tuition-free pathway to gaining the skills needed to obtain high-demand, high-wage careers. The funding is not only available to those in the medical field, but also essential workers in manufacturing, nursing homes, grocery stores, sanitation, delivery, retail and more.
“This initiative is Michigan’s way of expressing gratitude to essential workers for protecting public health and keeping our state running,” Whitmer said. “Whether it was stocking shelves, delivering supplies, picking up trash, manufacturing PPE or providing medical care, you were there for us. Now this is your chance to pursue the degree or training you’ve been dreaming about to help you and your own family succeed.”
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be a Michigan resident
• Have worked in an essential industry at least part-time for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 – June 30, 2020
• Have been required by their job to work outside the home at least some of the time between April 1 – June 30, 2020
• Not have previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
• Not be in default on a Federal student loan
• Complete a Futures for Frontliners scholarship application by 11:59 p.m., Dec. 31, 2020

Frontline workers are encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/Frontliners to explore career opportunities, a list of local community colleges and get started on their application – even if they don’t already have a high school diploma.

Press Release

Governor Whitmer Signs Order Reopening Gyms and Pools, Permitting Organized Sports With Strict Safety Measures 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-176 reopening Michigan’s gyms and pools in those regions where they remain closed and allowing for organized sports practices and competitions to resume in those regions where they remain restricted, subject to strict protections meant to limit spread of the virus. Gyms and pools may begin to reopen on Wednesday, September 9. The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-175 outlining strict workplace safety measures gyms and pools must follow to protect people from the spread of COVID-19. 
 
“Throughout this pandemic, we have followed the best science and data available to make decisions that will keep Michiganders safe, and our hard work is paying off. Today we are announcing the reopening of gyms and pools with strict safety measures in place to protect patrons and their families,” said Governor Whitmer. “I urge everyone who plans to hit the gym after these orders go into effect to take these precautions seriously and do everything in their power to protect themselves and their families. Be smart, and stay safe.” 
 
“Individuals can now choose whether or not to play organized sports, and if they do choose to play, this order requires strict safety measures to reduce risk,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “However, we know of 30 reported outbreaks involving athletic teams and facilities in August. Based on current data, contact sports create a high risk of COVID-19 transmission and MDHHS strongly recommends against participating in them at this time. We are not out of the woods yet. COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our families.” 

EO 2020-176.pdf
EO 2020-175.pdf

Governor Whitmer Extends State of Emergency to Continue the Fight Against COVID-19 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer took further action to protect the health and safety of Michiganders by extending the State of Emergency until October 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Executive Order 2020-177 will allow the state to continue to mobilize resources and take the reasonable and necessary steps to protect Michiganders and their families.  
 
“Last week, Michigan surpassed 100,000 cases and families continue to lose loved ones to COVID-19. With over 6,500 deaths, the virus continues to threaten the lives of Michiganders every day. COVID-19 is a novel virus with many unknowns, but we do know that it is widespread, it is easily transmitted, and its effects can be fatal. We must continue to take this seriously and do everything we can to protect ourselves and all Michiganders from COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “By extending the state of emergency, we can continue the crucial work needed to save lives. Since March, I have been committed to using every tool at my disposal to protect families, frontline workers, and our economy from the threat of COVID-19. I urge Michiganders to do their part by wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing and staying safe and smart.”  

EO 2020-177 Emergency declaration.pdf

FEMA Approves Whitmer Administration’s Application for Federal Funding to Provide an Additional $300 Per Week to Unemployed Michiganders 

The United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) approved the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency’s application for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payment to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits. 
 
“This is good news for the thousands of Michiganders who are still without work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s still a short term band aid that falls short of what’s needed,” said Governor Whitmer. “We need the president, Mitch McConnell, and Congress to put partisanship aside and pass a bipartisan recovery package that will help us save lives and get people back on their feet. Michigan families, frontline workers, and small business owners are counting on the federal government to do the right thing and work together on their behalf.” 
 
The UIA estimates that under the program, about 910,000 Michiganders would receive at least $300 per week in supplemental benefits. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. Eligible claimants will be paid benefits retroactive to August 1. It is unclear at this time how long funding for the program will last. 

Gov. Whitmer announces MI Mask Aid: 4 million free masks to protect vulnerable populations from COVID-19  

Four million free masks are being provided to Michigan residents who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 through a partnership involving the state, Ford Motor Company and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced 
Low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan campaign.
The project is in partnership with Gov. Whitmer’s Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities chaired by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II.
The free masks include 1.5 million from FEMA that the state has already sent to organizations that include local Community Action Agencies serving low-income residents, MDHHS offices, Area Agencies on Aging, homeless shelters and Native American tribes.
Anyone interested in receiving a free mask can find a distribution  location by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or looking up their local Community Action Agency online. 


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.

Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-164 which requires face coverings to be worn in all child-care centers and camps. Michigan has seen COVID-19 outbreaks at these locations, adding to the mounting evidence that children can contract and spread the virus. By requiring face coverings, child-care centers and camps can remain open while keeping children and staff members safe.

Executive Order 2020-164 requires all staff and children ages 2 and up to wear a face covering on a school bus or other transportation. Additionally, all staff and children ages 4 and up must wear a face covering in all indoor common spaces. All staff and all children 12 and older are required to wear a face covering when in classrooms, homes, cabins, or similar indoor small-group settings. The governor also strongly encourages that all children ages 2 and up wear face coverings when indoors. These rules align with the existing rules on face coverings that already apply to preK-12 schools across Michigan.  
 
If a child-care center is located in a region in Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan, face coverings are not required, but are still strongly recommended. Furthermore, face coverings are not required for any child who cannot medically tolerate it, during meal time, while swimming, during high-intensity activities, outside while physically distanced, or if a child is under the age of 2.     

Governor Gretchen took action to elevate Black voices in state government, signing Executive Order 2020-163, which creates the Black Leadership Advisory Council. The governor also signed Executive Directive 2020-9, recognizing racism as a public health crisis and taking initial steps to address it within state government. Under the Executive Directive, the governor asked MDHHS to make health equity a major goal, as well as required implicit bias training for all state employees.
  
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed, confirmed, and highlighted the deadly nature of pre-existing inequities caused by systemic racism. For example, in cases where race and ethnicity is known, the rate of reported COVID-19 cases for Black/African American Michigan residents is 14,703 per 1,000,000, compared with 4,160 per 1,000,000 for white residents, more than three times higher. And the rate of reported COVID-19 deaths for Black/African American Michigan residents is 1,624 per 1,000,000 compared with 399 per 1,000,000 for White residents, more than four times higher. 

The Council will act in an advisory capacity to the governor and develop, review, and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan. To accomplish this goal, the Council is charged with:  

• Identifying state laws, or gaps in state law, that create or perpetuate inequities, with the goal of promoting economic growth and wealth equity for the Black community. 

• Collaborating with the governor’s office and the Black community to promote legislation and regulation that ensures equitable treatment of all Michiganders, and seeks to remedy structural inequities in this state. 
• Serving as a resource for community groups on issues, programs, sources of funding, and compliance requirements within state government in order to benefit and advance the interests of the Black community. 
• Promoting the cultural arts within the Black community through coordinated efforts, advocacy, and collaboration with state government. 
• Providing other information or advice or taking other actions as requested by the governor. 

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.

City of Lansing Updates from Mayor Schor

Operation Slow Down

Mayor Andy Schor announced the implementation of Operation Slow Down, a program designed to reduce speeding and reckless driving behaviors on Lansing streets. The City of Lansing has recently heard from an increased number of residents who have expressed concerns over significant speeding throughout the city, specifically in neighborhoods. Mayor Andy Schor’s Office, the Lansing Police Department and City of Lansing Public Service Department have put together resources to assist residents when they see speeding in their neighborhood

Press Release: https://www.lansingmi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10794/Operation-Slow-Down-Press-Release-PDF

CATA Bus Shelter Neighborhood Grants Updates

CATA has  partnered with the City of Lansing Mayor’s Neighborhood Grant Program and Neighborhood Organizations to design neighborhood bus shelters.  The first projects were completed during the 2018-2019 Grant Cycle along with two Neighborhood Organizations. Sycamore Park Neighborhood Association and South Side Community Coalition. The projects brought together the Neighborhood Grants ($3,000) and CATA matched funds ($7000). 
 
Neighborhood Organizations accepted art proposals from several local artists that incorporated the neighborhood in the art piece. The art is chosen by the Neighborhood and the bus shelter is maintain by CATA.
 
This year, CATA partnered with Frog Holler and Prospect PLACE Neighborhood for two additional stops along the Kalamazoo Corridor.  Foster Park Bust Shelter and Hunter Park Bus Shelter.
 
Civic Organizations/Neighborhood Organizations looking to participate in the program are invited to attend the Neighborhood Grants Virtual Kick off on October 10, 2020 (additional info to come).  The Neighborhood Grants Program applications open October 10 and the deadline to apply is February 5, 2021. For additional information about the grants program and the application process follow this link:
https://lansingneighborhoods.info/
 
Any register Civic Organization or active neighborhood watch can apply for an neighborhood grant. Neighborhood grants can range from $200- $5,000.
 
For additional information, please contact the Department of Neighborhoods and Citizens Engagement, Neighborhood Resource Coordinator DeLisa Fountain 517-483-4051 or delisa.fountain@lansingmi.gov

Neighborhood Spotlight

Holmes Street School Community has been working hard on the community garden space and recently installed a Waterfall Light and have been working together to clean alley's located in the neighborhood. Newly planted trees are located in the Orchard and the community is planning a Neighborhood Bulk Trash Clean Up.
For information on how your Civic Organization can apply for grant funds or for a Neighborhood Bulk Trash Clean Up please contact the Department of Neighborhoods and Citizens Engagement or go to : https://lansingneighborhoods.info/

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

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 68.4% 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/

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!

Did you know millions of people have not yet received their Economic Impact Payments? Can you help these individuals access their $1200 before October 15? Use our guide to help individuals submit their information to the IRS by October 15, 2020 so they can get their funds this year! https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_helping-consumers-claim-eip_guide.pdf

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.

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.

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.

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.

Resources

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.