Resident criticizes FY26-27 budget priorities as council reviews draft; public safety highlighted

Loretta Stanaway, a resident, told the City of Lansing Committee of the Whole on Sept. 8 that the draft fiscal year 2026–27 budget priorities do not sufficiently fund core public safety and public services and urged the council to re-order priorities. “Your job is to provide for the safety and the quality of life of your residents,” Stanaway said. She criticized several line items she said should be cut or deferred and added, “There’s no cake. We want the cake.”

The comment came during the committee’s public-comment period as members began a discussion of the budget-priorities document, which council staff said must be finalized by Oct. 1 and will return for adoption at the Sept. 29 meeting. The item is currently presented as a discussion to draw committee attention and any edits from standing committees before a final draft is submitted.

Stanaway listed specific items she recommended removing and provided dollar figures she said total about $605,000: $100,000 for a full-time legal assistant to help with housing issues, GED-preparation funding (amount not specified), funding for a sustainability manager position (amount not specified), $75,000 for a feasibility study for a second-ward community center, $80,000 for LEDC, $250,000 for facade grants and $100,000 for DEI work. “This $605,000 could fund 6 LPD or 6 LFD or 3 of each,” she said, referring to the Lansing Police Department and Lansing Fire Department by acronym.

Council members responded with procedural and substantive remarks. Council Member Hussain said much of last year’s priorities were already incorporated into the adopted budget and noted the $75,000 feasibility study had been added and was in the process of execution. “They actually did increase the funding, as requested,” Hussain said, referring to sidewalk and other items from last year’s priorities. Council Member Jackson invited the public to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall (remote participation available) for further budget-priorities discussion.

City staff and committee members emphasized the timeline: staff must present a completed draft by the council’s Sept. 29 meeting to meet the Oct. 1 deadline. No formal action was taken at the Sept. 8 meeting; the item remained a discussion for committees and the public to continue reviewing.

The discussion highlights a broader debate over how the city sequences spending for public safety, infrastructure and community programs as the administration prepares a formal budget. The administration provided a priorities document to the council in advance of the meeting and committees will continue to refine items before the final draft is returned to the full council for adoption.