Julie Vandenboom - At-Large candidate for Lansing City Council

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 east side, 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'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 a steering member of the Lansing Rent is Too Damn High coalition.

I believe in the power of community-driven change and the importance of an inclusive, equitable future for all of us. Our city is rich with diverse voices. I met many of you when I knocked on thousands of doors during the 2024 city charter commission election. I want to encourage community participation in our city's government and to ensure that all residents are heard and represented, regardless of background or circumstance.

Lansing is a city for all of us.

Issues

Afforable Housing for All
Vision: Ensure that every Lansing resident has access to safe, affordable housing that meets their needs.
Key Commitments:

Expand Affordable Housing Development: Partner with local developers and non-profits to create incentives for the construction of affordable housing units, with a focus on mixed-income developments.
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 fair rental policies, rent stabilization measures, and access to legal resources for disputes.
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 without a car.

Key Commitments:

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.

Key Commitments:

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.

Key Commitments:

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.

Upcoming Events
Super Signatures Sunday
Sunday, February 9
Noon to 3, stop by anytime
1410 Sheldon St. Lansing 48906
Sign a petition in support of my candidacy, say hi, have a snack!

Ice Cream Social Fundraiser
Saturday, March 1
5:00 - 7:00
The Fledge
1400 Eureka St. Lansing 48912

Donate Here

Or mail a check to: Committee to Elect Julie Vandenboom
1713 Stanley Ct. Lansing MI 48912

Contact
julie@julievandenboom.com
Follow me on Facebook
517-484-8753