At the August 10th Lansing city council meetings council heard from the CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) leadership about upcoming reductions in bus services. They heard from BWL (the Board of Water and Light, our municipal electric and water utility company) about increases in electric and water service rates. Two projects shepherded by the LEDC (Lansing Economic Development Corporation) are hoping to win council’s approval to proceed with reduced tax incentives. Council approved the language for a ballot proposal aiming to change the city charter to include the creation of a “Citizens’ Advisory Healthcare Action Board”.

Our guest this episode is Ethan Schmitt. Ethan currently works as the Director of Special Projects for the Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority. He has previously served as the Allen Neighborhood Center's Volunteer and Communications Manager, and as a Senior Community Organizer for Planned Parenthood Michigan. Ethan is a fierce advocate for inclusivity and people-based placemaking in Lansing.

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City Pulse article on the “Wind Lord” sculpture: https://lansingcitypulse.com/29184-2/

Board of water and light wages from 2025: https://steveharrypublicpolicy.com/essaysLTE/Essay20260420.html

Article about the ballot proposal for the citizens’ healthcare advisory board: https://michiganadvance.com/2026/07/14/signatures-submitted-for-lansing-ballot-proposal-on-healthcare-access-one-of-6-in-the-state/

Support this podcast financially:⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/WhatLansingCouncil 

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