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.

Endorsements

Victory Fund

The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund endorses candidates who identify as LGBTQ+ and support full equality for the community, support efforts to safeguard privacy and reproductive freedom and demonstrate community support and a viable plan to win.

LPAC

The LPAC endorsement is awarded to candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, and social justice.

Greater Lansing DSA

The DSA believes that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs rather than make profits for a few.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan

The Planned Parenthood endorsement is given to candidates who support and actively work toward policies that ensure true sexual and reproductive health freedom.

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.