Charter Commission adopts five-ward, two at‑large council; vote 7-2

The Lansing Charter Commission on Feb. 18 voted 7-2 to set the proposed charter’s City Council at five wards and two at‑large seats, a change the commission adopted after lengthy public comment and internal debate.

The motion, put forward during the commission’s review of council makeup options, passed by roll call vote. The clerk announced the result as 7 in favor and 2 opposed. The commission’s final decision replaces several earlier proposals that failed on the floor before the 5‑and‑2 proposal prevailed.

Supporters who argued for the change said it balanced the need for neighborhood representation with city‑wide perspectives. Opponents said the change did not go far enough to increase representation and warned that at‑large seats can be dominated by well‑funded campaigns. “I am thoroughly disgusted, and I will be a no vote,” said Commissioner Washington during debate, objecting to a previous motion that would have reduced council seats.

Commissioners exchanged multiple proposals before settling on the 5‑and‑2 plan. Earlier motions that failed included a motion to keep four wards and three at‑large seats and other alternate mixes. Commissioners’ remarks in debate centered on whether the city needs more wards to improve neighborhood representation, whether at‑large seats provide an important citywide check, and how campaign spending can affect at‑large contests.

Public commenters had urged an increase in wards and elimination or reduction of at‑large seats during the meeting’s public comment period. Several residents said neighborhoods are split across existing ward lines and that more wards would improve accountability. Commission members also referenced outreach and emails they had received when explaining their votes.

After the vote the commission requested that the staff attorney revise the draft charter language to reflect the change and prepare updated text for the commission’s next meeting. The commission also noted that map drawing and precise ward boundaries are not set by the charter text itself; if the commission sets the number of wards, the city will later adopt the specific ward map under the charter’s procedures.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to set City Council composition at five wards and two at‑large members — Passed, 7‑2.

The commission scheduled further drafting work and signaled the change will be reflected in subsequent charter drafts before any final ballot language is prepared.