Related Board and Commissions

Community & Economic Development staff serve as staff liaisons to several different authorities and committees that provide support with financing and developing and implementing various projects, programs and promotional events.

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

Under Public Act 381 of 1996, as amended, the City of East Lansing has formed a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA). The East Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approves brownfield redevelopment tax increment financing plans authorizing the use of tax increment financing for the redevelopment of contaminated, functionally obsolete, historic, blighted, or land bank owned properties. Tax increment financing uses the increase in the taxable value of the redeveloped property as revenues to reimburse a developer for certain eligible activities associated with the brownfield redevelopment project. Visit the BRA webpage for more information.

Community Development Advisory Committee

The Community Development (CD) Advisory Committee is responsible for making recommendations to City Council on annual funding priorities for Community Development Block Grant dollars allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CD Advisory Committee consists of a multidisciplinary team, including one (1) non-voting City Council liaison and representatives from each of the following commissions:

Commission on the Environment (1)
Housing Commission (1)
Human Rights Commission (2)
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (1)
Planning Commission (1)
Seniors Commission (1)
Transportation Commission (1)
University Student Commission (1)

The CD Advisory Committee works with City staff to review, conduct public hearings and make recommendations to East Lansing City Council regarding the Community Development Block Grant program.

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) develops programs and projects designed to halt property value deterioration, increase property tax valuation, eliminate the causes of the deterioration and promote sustainable economic growth in downtown East Lansing. These initiatives, focused on improving the DDA District, includes new business development assistance, business recruitment and retention initiatives, beautification projects, public improvements, marketing and advertising campaigns and creative placemaking programming. Visit the DDA website for more information.

Downtown Management Board

The Downtown Management Board (DMB) develops creative marketing & advertising campaigns to promote downtown East Lansing and its many local businesses. These campaigns include creative placemaking activities and promotional events to encourage shoppers, diners, and visitors to experience what East Lansing has to offer. Visit the DMB website for more information.

Local Development Finance Authority (Lansing Regional SmartZone)

The Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) is a cooperative among the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the City of East Lansing, City of Lansing, Ingham County and Michigan State University. The LRSZ is designed to stimulate the growth of technology-based businesses in the Lansing Region and provide the support services needed to build high-tech companies and empower entrepreneurs to build successful technology business.

The LRSZ is a dynamic organization of leaders from all backgrounds and business sectors, and has locations in MSU University Corporate Research Park, downtown East Lansing and downtown Lansing. It focuses on attracting, creating and expanding businesses in the fields of life sciences, advanced manufacturing and information technology. Special attention is given to help firms capitalize on research and technical resources at Michigan State University. Visit the LRSZ website for more information.