Lansing City Charter Commission

11/20/2025

Lansing Charter Commission Chair Brian Jeffries issued the following statement after the Michigan Department of State dismissed the Sept. 30 campaign finance complaint against the charter commission’s first mailer.

“I appreciate the Secretary of State’s review and conclusion that these complaints had no basis. From the beginning, the commission has been confident that our work complied with both the letter and the spirit of the law.

“Our goal has always been to give Lansing residents clear, factual information about the charter proposal so they could make informed decisions for themselves. I’m grateful that the state department’s decision affirms that commitment to transparency and accuracy.

“It’s unfortunate that some used their very public positions to question the integrity of our efforts for their own personal reasons, but I trust this outcome puts those concerns to rest. As the commission has concluded its work, I remain proud of the professionalism, diligence, and integrity that guided every step of the process.”

The state's Bureau of Elections found that the mailer did not contain words or phrases to express advocacy, which exempted it from review.

11/05/2025

Lansing Charter Commission Chair Brian Jeffries issued the following statement after voters overwhelmingly approved a new city charter:

“On behalf of the entire Lansing Charter Commission, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every resident of Lansing who took the time to vote, engage, ask questions, and make their voices heard in this important decision. The commission set out a year ago to listen, learn, and create a proposed charter that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community, and Lansing voters approved a document that will serve our city and its people for decades to come.

“I also want to thank my fellow charter commissioners for their tremendous effort and valuable time. Throughout this process that started a year ago, we remained guided by the principle that Lansing’s government must be open, transparent, and accountable.

“This important vote marks the start of a new chapter in Lansing, guided by the charter we all built together.”

11/03/2025

After listening to Lansing residents about what they wanted to see in a new city charter, Lansing Charter Commission Vice Chair Lori Adams Simon says it’s now up to voters to decide whether to adopt the proposed revisions.

The charter revisions seek to make the mayor more accountable and transparent, expand council representation, and give residents more say on potential BWL rate increases.

Get your voices heard on Tuesday, November 4!

10/31/2025

Charter Commission Chair Jeffries discusses how the proposed charter would create an online dashboard for citizens to access the city’s financial records and see how tax dollars are being spent.

Over the last year, the commission has listened to hundreds of residents in order to draft proposed revisions to the City Charter. The revisions also seek to make the mayor more accountable and transparent, expand council representation, and give residents more say on potential BWL rate increases.

Now it’s up to voters to decide whether to adopt the proposed charter on Tuesday, November 4.

10/30/2025

Commission Chair Jeffries discusses how the proposed charter would expand the City Council from eight to nine members by adding a fifth ward and retaining four at-large council members.

This revision seeks to strengthen representation by allowing each ward council member to serve a more focused group of residents, while promoting smoother decision-making through fewer tie votes.

10/29/2025

Lansing Charter Commission Chair Jeffries discusses how the proposed charter is designed to give residents a stronger voice regarding Board of Water & Light rate increases.

A key charter revision would require the BWL to hold two public hearings before any rate increases could take effect, giving residents multiple chances to share their input.

In addition, the BWL general manager would be required to meet with the community at least four times a year to discuss operations and services, seeking to create a more open and transparent dialogue between the utility and residents.

10/28/2025

Lansing Charter Commission Chair Brian Jeffries writes about how the proposed charter revisions up for a vote on Nov. 4 were guided by a commitment to accountability and transparency.

Jeffries said every proposed charter revision emerged through open public meetings, collaboration, and a shared desire to make Lansing’s government clearer, fairer, and more effective.

This charter revision process has been rooted in one principle above all others: the people of Lansing must shape their own government.

10/27/2025

Lansing Charter Commission Chair Brian Jeffries discusses how the proposed charter revisions maintain Lansing’s strong mayor system, not an unelected city manager, while introducing important new checks and balances.

Under the revised charter, the mayor would be required to publish a three-year strategic plan outlining measurable goals and progress benchmarks.

10/13/2025

Proposed revisions to the Lansing City Charter are on the ballot this November, learn more and Vote by Nov 4th.

https://lansingvotes.gov/yourcharter/

10/06/2025

Learn more about the Proposed City Charter through this informational video.

You can see the video embeded on the web page at https://lansingvotes.gov/yourcharter/

The direct link to the 25 minute video is https://youtu.be/w3V4AjyQMX8>

The city’s Charter Commission, which includes nine elected residents, has spent nearly two years listening, researching, and drafting an updated city charter that reflects our community today. Now …

09/23/2025

If you want to learn more about the Proposed Lansing Charter from the Commissioner. There are opportunities for tonight Sept 23 or tomorrow Sept 24 for informational meeting on the proposed charter revisions.

Tuesday, September 23, 6 PM
Collaboration with Colonial Village Neighborhood
Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center, Auditorium
5825 Wise Rd

Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 PM
Collaboration with Westside Neighborhood Association
Letts Community Center, Community Room
1220 W. Kalamazoo St