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November 13, 2020




Silver Bells Home Edition

Silver Bells-Home Edition

Silver Bells Home Edition, presented by the Lansing Board of Water & Light

 will air on FOX 47 News - WSYM on Friday, November 20 from 6-8 p.m.

We are looking forward to tuning in to FOX 47 on November 20 from 6-8 PM to celebrate the start of the holiday season in the warmth and comfort of our homes. This special telecast is a spinoff of Silver Bells in the City and will feature elements of the traditional event like the state Christmas tree lighting, family holiday singalongs, celebrity shout outs, diverse holiday offerings and more.

Photo Submissions :
Your family has the opportunity to be part of Silver Bells Home Edition. Be sure to submit your Ugly Sweater, Matching Holiday Pajamas, Christmas Tree/Menorah, Unique Ornaments and Classic Family Photos to the show! Details: https://silverbellshomeedition.org/submissions
 
Letters to Santa:
As part of this year's Silver Bells Home Edition celebration, Santa Claus will be reading letters from the North Pole. If you would like Santa to read a letter from your child, go to https://silverbellshomeedition.org/submissions by November 4th.
 
Jingle Bells Song Mash Up Contest:
Let's hear your voice in the "Jingle Bells" Song Mash Up Contest! Send us a video of you and/or your family, friends, or co-workers singing "Jingle Bells.” Your entry could win up to $1,000 in a cash prize and be featured on Silver Bells Home Edition that will air on FOX 47 on Friday, November 20, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. https://www.fox47news.com/contests/lets-hear-your-voice-in-the-jingle-bells-song-mash-up-contest

Ugly Sweater- Silver Bells
Jingle Bells MashUp
SIlver Bells- Photo Submissions
Neighborhood Programs

Neighborhood Grant Program

The Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Board is very excited about the current Grant Cycle. Take a moment and watch the informational podcast and let your creative minds think of what your neighborhood can apply for this year!
All Neighborhood Program Applications are available now!

Podcast Link

Walking Wednesday Shows Link

Walking Wednesday-The TV Show

This year Walking Wednesday's were scheduled to start right at the beginning of the pandemic. Instead of meeting as a large group, DNCE changed the format to create and produce a TV Show with a partnership with Lansing Public Media and Civic Organizations across the City. The shows filmed this summer episodes can be found at following links:
Southwest Lansing
Baker Neighborhood
Walnut Neighborhood
Oak Park Neighborhood
Downtown Lansing/First Presbyterian Church

If your organization is interested in hosting a Walking Wednesday for 2021 be sure to apply beginning 10/10/2020!

Press Release
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


City of Lansing Updates from Mayor Schor

Lansing Fire Department Partners with Lansing School District to Launch Cadet Program

Mayor Andy Schor announced that the City of Lansing Fire Department and the Lansing School District have partnered to launch the Lansing School District Fire Academy, a cadet program for high school students. This program began operation at the beginning of the school year and was recently approved unanimously by the Lansing City Council.

In March of 2019, Mayor Schor announced his intentions to create a cadet program, similar to that of the Lansing Police Department’s Explorer Program, within the Lansing Fire Department to engage with young people in the City of Lansing and show them what a great and honorable profession it is to become a Firefighter, EMT and/or Paramedic.

Press Release

City Hall and City Facilities to Remain Closed to Public Through January 11, 2021 

Mayor Andy Schor signed Executive Order 2020-06 stating that Lansing City Hall and City owned buildings will remain closed to the public until January 11, 2021, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. City Hall and City buildings will remain accessible to the public by appointment only. The City Clerk’s offices in City Hall and at South Washington Office Complex will remain open to the public for voting purposes through November 3, 2020.

“The number of positive cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in Ingham County and restricting the number of people in City facilities will help keep both our City employees and residents healthy,” said Mayor Schor. “We continue to monitor the situation and will reevaluate when City facilities can safely reopen to the public in the new year.” 

Press Release

Lansing Announces First Climate Action Plan for City Operations and Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Sustainability 

 Mayor Schor announced that the City of Lansing has released its first Climate Action Plan for City operations. As a part of the plan, Mayor Schor has issued an Executive Order to establish and create the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Sustainability, who will help guide the City in its climate action and sustainability efforts. The goals of the plan include reducing the City’s carbon impact, increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste and looking at other areas that lead to long-term operational savings, while protecting the natural environment.

Press Release

City of Lansing to Refund Parking Permit Purchases

 In response to City Council’s repeal of the overnight parking ban ordinance, the City of Lansing will be issuing full refunds to anyone that purchased an overnight parking permit. Those who purchased a permit under the ordinance before it was repealed will receive a full refund through their original payment method. If the refund cannot be completed through the original payment method, the Parking Office will contact the permit purchaser by phone. 

 Press Release

Mayor's Arts and Culture Commission Continues to Lead Effort in Lansing Despite Covid-19

The Mayor’s Arts and Culture Commission (MAACC) has submitted its annual report per its Charter. The report outlines the MAACC’s 2020 achievements and how they plan to achieve their 2021 goals.  In its second year, the MAACC continued to find additional ways to support the arts and cultural sector of the Lansing community. Before in-person gatherings became impossible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MAACC hosted two listening sessions, one for working artists and the other for arts educators, to learn how Lansing can better support their work. Additionally, the MAACC played a key role in recommending recipients of City Arts and Cultural Grant dollars, as well as shaping, encouraging and ultimately recommending public art projects in Lansing. 

Press Release

Millions Returned to City of Lansing General Fund Balance

Mayor Schor announced that the City of Lansing will restore $2.5 million to its general fund balance after successfully completing and submitting Affordable Care Act (ACA) forms that had not been filed in previous years.
 
“As soon as my administration discovered the failure to file Affordable Care Act forms, we immediately got to work to fix the problem and get everything back in order. The City worked closely with the IRS to correct the issues discovered and have successfully had the fines waived, allowing the remaining balance of $2.5 million in penalties to be restored to the City’s fund balance reserves.”

Press Release

Grant Awarded to City of Lansing

The City of Lansing will be awarded $4,589,940 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. With these funds, the City will be able to address lead hazards in 189 housing units, providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children.
 
“There are older houses in Lansing with lead paint, which can be a danger if not properly managed or abated. Our Lead Safe Lansing program has been there for our residents but needs more funding to continue to protect our families from lead exposure. This grant is tremendously important to continue to ramp up our work on lead containment, reduction and abatement in our older homes. I am proud of our staff for their hours of hard work to secure these federal dollars on behalf of our residents.”
 
The purpose of the Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LBPHR) grant program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned homes that are either for rent or owner-occupied. The LBPHR program is targeted to urban jurisdictions that have at least 3,500 pre-1940 occupied rental housing units.

More Information

Operation Slow Down

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

Neighborhood Strong Initiative
Through positive productive interactions and transparency, a monthly NSI video program is being created to keep community members informed about, crime, safety tips, and events going on with the Lansing Police Department and the community that we serve.
Fall 2020 Lansing Living
Front Yard Parking Enforcement

Front Yard Parking Enforcement

Front yard parking is illegal and is prohibited in  residential and office districts.
Fines associated with front yard parking violations include $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense.
Over three tickets on the same vehicle are subject to be towed.
Front yard parking enforcement protects the appearance of neighborhoods, property values and enhances public safety.

BOLD Lansing

BOLD Lansing

The new BOLD Lansing Initiative - which stands for Believe, Optimize, Learn, Dream - brings together City programs and local partners to provide step-by-step financial education and planning supports to students and their families throughout their lifetimes, from kindergarten enrollment through retirement.
This breakthrough concept was built by the City of Lansing, the Lansing School District, Lansing SAVE, MSU Federal Credit Union, Lansing Financial Empowerment Center, Cristo Rey Community Center, Capital Area College Access Network, Lansing Promise, and the CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. The work was the result of Lansing being one of 9 cities selected for the What Works Cities Initiative, which brought in grant dollars as well as high-level technical assistance.
BOLD Lansing is one way that the City provides tools and resources to residents to help them grow and reach their dreams. Lansing is leading the nation in creative thinking about how to lift all residents up to their dreams.
Want to learn more? https://boldlansing.org
Kroger rewards
Economic Mobility

Economic Mobility Initiative

Lansing was one of 9 cities chosen for the What Works Cities: Economic Mobility Initiative. Learn how the City and its partners have used this opportunity to benefit Lansing families.
 
Link to the article on Medium:
https://medium.com/what-works-cities-economic-mobility-initiative/lansing-makes-it-easier-to-save-for-a-lifetime-of-success-3d666b82f9eb

Newsletter Survey


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https://tinyurl.com/LansingNewsSurvey

Stay informed of road closures and construction notices
Public Service


Are you interested in learning more about what goes on within the Public Service Department? Check out the Public Service Department's newsletter — available now!

Click here: https://bit.ly/34glC2o to access the "Public Service Announcement."

Bulk Trash Collection Resumes September 21

Bulk collection requests can be made by filling out the "Bulk Collection Request" form.

Click here: https://bit.ly/3c3bgGy for additional information and to access the request form.

Bulk Collection Guidelines
Yard Waste Guidelines
CAHP debt class
Adult Education Information
Corridor Improvement Board Members needed


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.

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. 

Sparrow Mobile Health Bus
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


Updated 211

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!

Head Start Free PreSchool
Community Mental Health Talk LIne
Mental Health Resources


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.

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/

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. 
https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/
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. 

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200 N Foster Ave Room 205 Lansing MI 48912

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