Julie Vandenboom - At-Large Candidate for Lansing City Council

I raised my family in Lansing.

I've been in the Lansing area since the third grade. I've lived in the city itself since 2000 -- for several years on the Eastside, for a decade in the Turner Dodge neighborhood, and now back on the Eastside. My son came up through the Lansing School District, graduating from Lansing Eastern in 2019.

I am working to create a more livable community.

I've worked in state government for over 15 years, with significant experience in policy analysis, planning and evaluation, and program re-engineering. I currently serve as one of Lansing's representatives on the board of the Capital Area District Libraries and I'm an active member of Lansing Rent is Too Damn High.

I believe in the power of community-driven change to create an inclusive, equitable future for all of us.

Our city is rich with diverse voices. As an at-large council representative, it will be my privilege and responsibility to hear and represent every resident’s concerns. I will work with council members, local business, individuals, and civic organizations to create community-driven change. By working together, we will deliver solutions to forge an inclusive, equitable future for all of us, regardless of background or circumstance.

Lansing is a city for all of us.

Housing for All

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.

Walkability and Bikeability: A Connected Lansing

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.

Sustainability and Resilience for Lansing’s Future

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.

Encouraging Local Food Production

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.