Julie Vandenboom - At-Large Candidate for Lansing City Council

Vision: Ensure that every Lansing resident has safe, affordable housing that meets their needs.

• Expand Affordable Housing Development: Support developments that hire local labor and create permanently affordable, quality housing without massive tax giveaways.
• Support our Unhoused Neighbors: Create a compassionate campus to support our unhoused community by providing them the services they need instead of criminalizing them.
• Preserve Existing Affordable Housing: Establish programs to support the maintenance and rehabilitation of aging affordable housing stock, preventing displacement of residents.
• Support Renters: Advocate for tenant protections, such as the right to legal representation, right to repair, and right to organize.
• Homeownership Opportunities: Promote pathways to homeownership through down payment assistance programs and financial literacy initiatives for first-time buyers.

Vision: Transform Lansing into a more walkable and bike-friendly city where residents can safely and conveniently travel with or without a car.

• Expand Bike Infrastructure: Build and maintain protected bike lanes, bike-sharing stations, and safe bike parking throughout the city.
• Improve Pedestrian Safety: Enhance crosswalks, sidewalks, and street lighting to ensure safe and accessible pathways for pedestrians of all abilities.
• Promote Public Transit Integration: Work closely with public transit authorities to integrate walking and biking routes with transit hubs, encouraging multimodal transportation.
• Adopt "Complete Streets" Policies: Ensure that all new road projects prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit over vehicle traffic.

Vision: Position Lansing as a leader in sustainability by adopting green policies and practices that protect the environment and promote long-term resilience.

• Expand Renewable Energy Usage: Partner with utilities and community organizations to increase access to solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
• Energy-Efficient Buildings: Support green building codes and incentivize retrofitting homes and businesses with energy-efficient technologies.
• Urban Green Spaces: Increase tree canopy coverage, expand parks, and create community gardens to improve air quality and combat urban heat.
• Waste Reduction: Enhance recycling and composting programs to reduce landfill waste and promote a circular economy.
• Climate Action Plan: Develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce Lansing’s carbon footprint and prepare for climate impacts.

Vision: Foster a thriving local food system that supports Lansing’s economy, health, and sustainability.

• Support Urban Agriculture: Provide incentives and resources for urban farming initiatives, including zoning reforms and grants for community gardens.
• Promote Farmers Markets: Expand access to farmers markets and farm-to-table programs, ensuring residents have access to fresh, locally grown produce.
• Educate on Local Food Systems: Launch educational campaigns and workshops on gardening, nutrition, and sustainable farming practices.
• Strengthen Food Security: Partner with local organizations to address food deserts and ensure equitable access to healthy food options.
• Collaborate with Schools: Work with local schools to implement farm-to-school programs and integrate gardening into educational curricula.