The results of this survey are encouraging to say the least! The survey results, which were presented to the City Council during the meeting of October 28, 2008 showed that an unprecedented 97 percent of respondents agree that the city is a good place in which to live, up from a very respectable 95 percent in 2003. An outstanding 90 percent of respondents think that their neighborhood is an excellent... Read More »
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During the Tuesday, October 21st City Council Meeting, the City’s distinguished bond counsel, William Danhof of Miller Canfield, provided a “primer” on the concept of bond issuance. As you may know, the City has published its Intent to Bond to fund the public components of City Center II. Read More »
There is an emerging school of thought that successful job growth should be measured and celebrated with the creation of, believe it or not, one and two jobs. The days of attracting thousands of manufacturing jobs have all but disappeared and in order for Michigan communities to thrive in the 21st century, we need to offer the type of setting that will attract knowledge-based jobs that typically emerge... Read More »
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of addressing East Lansing’s fine educators during a teacher’s assembly. During my comments I shared that I am frequently asked about the importance of schools to the community - a question to which I respond in several ways. Read More »
One Book, One Community officially kicked off its 2008 program this week and I couldn’t be more excited for the things to come later this month and next month as part of the seventh year of this incredibly valuable and successful program. Read More »
For more than four years, downtown East Lansing and its visitors have enjoyed the addition of an alternative art space known as (SCENE) Metrospace. The space has become a cherished venue for many in our community who have come to appreciate the alternative expressions of art, local musical acts and unique, thought-provoking exhibits showcased within its walls.With that being said, (SCENE) did... Read More »
During a press conference held on August 6, 2008 EL Police Chief Tom Wibert announced that the City is enjoying a 28-year low in serious crimes which includes murder, criminal sexual conduct, rape and aggravated assault among others. The department released a report that shows an overall decrease in serious crimes from 1,833 in 1998, to 1085 in 2007. The report also highlights other key trends such... Read More »
A recent viewpoint in the Lansing State Journal regarding recycling practices at the City’s Aquatic Center has prompted city staff to further review how we dispose of recyclable materials in city facilities. Before going any further, however, I would like to acknowledge William Lawrence who penned the viewpoint to which I refer called “EL must follow through on environment.” Mr. Lawrence sets a great... Read More »
On June 16-17 I had an opportunity to meet with city administrators and police chiefs from Big Ten University Communities at a gathering in West Lafayette, Indiana. I traveled to and from the meeting with City Administrator Roger Fraser, my counterpart in the City of Ann Arbor. Since both of us serve large university communities, we had much in common to discuss, not the least of which is downtown... Read More »
As many of you know, the City of East Lansing initiated its successful Emerging Leaders Program (ELELP) in the fall of 2007. To date, approximately half of the 22 graduates have been appointed to one of the city’s 20+ sanctioned boards and commissions. All of the 2007 program graduates reported a very positive experience with the program. In addition to serving on boards and commissions, the 2007... Read More »