Mayor Shore told the City Council on Jan. 5 that he has requested the fire board recommend Carrie Edwards Clemens for appointment as fire chief, calling her a "fantastic leader" and thanking firefighters and board members who weighed in.

"It is my request of the fire board to recommend to me the appointment of Chief Carrie Edwards Clemens," the mayor said, adding he had heard support from the IAFF and board members. The mayor asked the council to welcome the announcement and noted the appointment process is a request to the fire board; a formal appointment will follow the board's recommendation and any required procedural steps.

The mayor also noted recent and upcoming city programs: playground equipment replacements at Hunter Park, Ferris Park and one Wilson Park; the Economic Development Corporation's facade improvement program launching Jan. 7 (applications available); a tree-planting program with a Jan. 30 deadline for tree orders; and additional grants (HRCS) with closing dates in February (exact date to be announced). He directed residents to lansingmi.gov/grants for details.

These program announcements aim to deliver neighborhood improvements and support business and community grants funded through the city's budget process.

Next steps: The fire board will consider the mayor's request and make a recommendation; the mayor indicated additional grant dates will be provided at a future meeting or via the city's grants web page (SEG 230–SEG 291).