Lansing, MI – Lansing’s Charter Commission has begun discussing significant changes to the city’s charter, including a proposal to amend or eliminate the provision that automatically places a question on the ballot every 12 years about whether to create a charter review commission.
During a regular meeting on Tuesday evening, Commissioner Liz Boyd recommended repealing the provision, arguing that it is unnecessary and costly. Boyd pointed out that the City Council can amend the charter if needed, making a periodic review commission redundant. “I don’t think it’s necessary. The charter can be amended by the Council if there’s a need. What we’re doing is a lovely exercise, but it’s very costly,” Boyd said. “I would strongly recommend that this be removed from the charter.”
Boyd’s position was supported by City Clerk Chris Swope, who noted that Lansing is one of only six cities in Michigan with such a provision. “Most cities don’t have anything where they automatically have a vote on whether to have a general revision,” he explained. Swope also pointed out that the provision creates a “false timeline” because charter commissions can be formed through a Council vote or citizen petition at any time. The commission’s costs have already reached $148,000, with an estimated total of at least $500,000, despite only being in session since May.
Several other commissioners expressed openness to revising the process. Swope suggested that the question of forming a charter commission could be placed on the same ballot as the election of the commission members, which would reduce the need for separate elections and save the city money. This proposal garnered support, though Commissioner Jody Washington cautioned against eliminating the provision entirely. “This is our city’s constitution, and I don’t think cost should even be a consideration,” Washington stated. “But my question is, does it have to be 12 years?”
Discussions also touched on the timing of City Council elections. Lansing’s current system staggers Council elections, with two members elected from wards and two at-large every two years. Some commissioners, including Washington and Vice Chair Lori Adams Simon, expressed interest in moving to simultaneous elections for all Council members. The shift could save the city significant election administration costs. However, Commissioner Guillermo Lopez argued that staggered elections allow voters to better familiarize themselves with candidates over time, noting that saving money should not necessarily be the driving factor.
Another point of discussion was the possibility of creating new roles within the city government. Commissioner Jazmin Anderson proposed establishing a city statistician position to provide data on topics like demographics and spending at the ward level. While Commissioner Washington suggested the city might also benefit from a health expert, Boyd disagreed with the need for these roles but indicated she would propose a new position at a future meeting.
The commission also briefly discussed the idea of an elected city attorney, a role currently appointed by the mayor, as a way to avoid potential conflicts of interest between the mayor and the City Council. City attorney Kristen Rewa clarified that, while no cities in Michigan currently elect their city attorney, there is nothing in state law prohibiting it.
Although no votes were taken at the meeting, the commission plans to revisit these topics in future discussions. A final meeting for the year is scheduled for December 17, where further deliberations are expected to take place.
