EAST LANSING, Mich. — At its regular special meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17, the East Lansing City Council appointed Noel Garcia, Jr. to serve as East Lansing’s new Councilmember.
Garcia will be sworn-in by East Lansing City Clerk Jennifer Shuster at next week’s regular City Council meeting, taking place on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road. A total of 14 eligible candidates applied for the vacant position on Council and five finalists were selected by Council for public interviews, which took place during a special meeting on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Garcia has been an East Lansing resident for 10 years and is currently serving as a law enforcement instructor with the Wilson Talent Center in Mason, Mich. He has a Master of Science in criminal justice from Michigan State University and an interim occupational teaching certificate from Ferris State University. Prior to serving as a law enforcement instructor, Garcia had a 25-year career with the Lansing Police Department. Garcia also served two three-year terms on the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan, from 2013 to 2019, and served on the Board of Directors for the Cristo Rey Community Center from 2013 to 2017. Locally, in East Lansing, Garcia served on the study committee to establish the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission (the Commission) and has been serving on the Commission since its establishment in 2021. During his years of service in various capacities, Garcia has learned the importance of advocacy, has fought for equity and inclusion and has promoted diversity and fair treatment of all people.
“Garcia’s appointment to the Council is historic as he is the first Latino in known memory to serve in this capacity,” said East Lansing Mayor Ron Bacon. “We are looking forward to Garcia taking his seat on the Council and we appreciate his willingness to serve. He is bringing an exceptional amount of background and experience to the table.”
“Joining the East Lansing City Council is such an honor,” said Garcia. “I’m looking forward to serving the East Lansing community alongside the other members of Council in this new role.”