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In This Issue:

  • LRCC and Regional Partners Request Help for Downtown Lansing
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce launches LetsRebuildAmerica.com
  • Downtown Lansing Receives Support From Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Documents
  • Current State Legislation
  • Waverly Pathway Project

LRCC And Regional Partners Request Help For Downtown Lansing

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) sent a letter to Governor Whitmer and the Capitol Caucus (members of the State Senate and State House of Representatives who represent the Greater Lansing region) to request funding support for Downtown Lansing, Inc. (DLI). The requested funding would provide small business support, develop a plan of action to offset the vastly reduced presence of state workers, and develop a comprehensive downtown market analysis.

The LRCC was joined in the letter by our regional partners from Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau (GLCVB), and DLI, and the Capital Council of Governments (CAPCOG). This is a small piece in a larger discussion of downtown Lansing’s future.

Why This Matters

It is essential to make sure that the region’s core is thriving, so the rest of the region will grow. The LRCC is focused on working with our regional partners and DLI to make that happen!

Downtown Lansing Inc. Funding Support Letter

FOX 47 Interview with LRCC & LEAP

Add This Link To Your Browser: LetsRebuildAmerica.com

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched LetsRebuildAmerica.com to keep you informed about all the latest updates related to implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We will continue to send you timely updates and host webinars on implementing the new law when we receive that information from our partners at the U.S. Chamber. 

Downtown Lansing Receives Support From Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced its support to DLI through the Michigan Main Street and Redevelopment Ready Communities technical assistance programs. DLI will be embarking on a comprehensive market analysis to understand better the needs of those looking to live downtown and review the business blend and priority sites for a strong future for downtown Lansing. This review will also look at a new model for downtown Lansing that relies less on 8-5 workers and more on permanent residents.

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Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Documents

U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ team has compiled several documents for those that can apply for funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law related to programs such as transportation, energy and the environment, broadband internet access and more. These are categorized by federal agency.

There is helpful information, including descriptions, deadlines, and helpful recommendations on preparing a successful grant application. Contact Steve Japinga, vice president, public affairs, LRCC, at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org with any questions or concerns.

Related links are listed below a video explanation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also available below. You can also find specific information on how this law helps communities of color, workers, rural communities and a whole lot more.

Competitive Funding Opportunities by Federal Agency



Competitive Funding Opportunities for Local Governments by Issue Area

Video: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Follow The Money – American Rescue Plan Act Tracker Now Available

The Brookings Institution has put together an online resource to explain how large cities and counties (250K+ population) are spending the American Rescue Plan Act state and local recovery fund dollars.

Local Government ARPA Investment Tracker

Current State Legislation Of Interest

The LRCC is currently following several pieces of legislation. Below are a few key pieces of legislation we would like to highlight.

  • House Bill (HB) 5524 – Passed by the State House of Representatives in late January 2022, HB 5524 would provide $184.6 million from the federal COVID-19 relief funds for several COVID-19 relief programs, and license and fee relief offsets. $53 million of the $184.6 million would go toward an Affected Health and Fitness Industry Business Relief program to provide grants to health/fitness industry businesses in Michigan impacted by the pandemic.
  • House Bill (HB) 5080–5081 – Passed by the State House of Representatives and now in the Senate Finance Committee, HB 5080 – 5081 would work together to amend the General Sale Tax and the Use Tax acts to exempt certain delivery and installation prices if those charges were separately stated on the invoice, bill of sale or similar document given to the buyer.
  • Senate Bill (SB) 768 – Passed by the Senate Finance Committee, SB 768 would amend the Income Tax Act to do the following: reduce the individual income tax from 4.25% to 3.9%, reduce the corporate income tax from 6.0% to 3.9%, and provide additional claims on qualified dependents.
  • Senate Bill (SB) 565 – Passed by the State Senate and now in the State House of Representatives, SB 565 provides $3.3 billion in federal funding to address several issues related to water, including infrastructure, dams, lead, PFAs, wastewater, drinking water, etc.

Waverly Pathway Project

The Waverly Pathway Project is a perfect example of our regional units of government working together across jurisdictional lines to improve the infrastructure and create safer pathways for residents, businesses, workers, and visitors. Waverly Road is unique because it sits between Delta Township and Lansing Township as well as two counties, Eaton, and Ingham County. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission also aided with this project. CAPCOG has played a critical role in working with Delta Township, Lansing Township, MDOT and Tri-County Regional Planning. This was a key project for CAPCOG and the LRCC.

Video: The Waverly Pathway Project

In Case You Missed It

Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC sat down with Chris Holman of the Michigan Business Network to talk about General Motor’s battery plant project in Lansing.

Watch Video