Kate Litwin

Kate Litwin is the Community Development Director for Downtown Lansing Inc., where she’s all about building better communities and bringing bold ideas to life. From launching public spaces and planning downtown events to securing the funding to make it all happen, Kate turns vision into action—and results.

She’s led projects from concept to completion, managed complex budgets, secured major grants, and helped transform local spaces into award-winning destinations people love. Her work has earned major recognition, including the 2024 USA Today “Best Main Street in America” Award, the Great American Main Street Award from the National Main Street Center in 2018, and multiple honors from the Michigan Downtown Association and Michigan Concrete Association for standout placemaking, streetscape, and community development projects.  Kate holds a BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design and is a recent graduate of the Michigan Municipal League’s Women in Municipal Leadership Program, a statewide initiative that mentors and prepares women for leadership roles in local government.

A connector at heart, Kate brings together residents, city leaders, and business owners to ensure every project reflects the character and needs of the whole community. She’s passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces and opportunities that help downtowns thrive in ways that feel both authentic and sustainable.

With a strong blend of strategy, creativity, and fiscal responsibility, Kate keeps one eye on what needs to happen now and the other on long-term impact—always ready to take on challenges that spark lasting, positive change.