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Lift Up Local in

 Downtown 

Lansing

 

We aim to Help, Engage, Attract and Retain Talent in Downtown

Our Misson

Downtown Lansing Inc. is committed to promoting the culture and sustainability of our downtown district. As a community connector and solution creator – we are dedicated to balancing the needs of our residents, businesses and visitors to build a stronger future where Downtown Lansing is known for our culture, opportunities, and activities at all hours of the day.

Our Values

The DLI Board of Directors, staff and volunteers believe that a Downtown that is vibrant, economically strong, and culturally dynamic adds value to the lives of all those who live, work, and visit Downtown Lansing.

Foster a Vibrant Downtown District Environment

DLI strives to foster a vibrant downtown district environment by working collaboratively, professionally, and respectfully with stakeholders and residents.

Encourage Open Participation and Communication

DLI encourages open participation and communication with all stakeholders and residents that will allow us to creatively capitalize on our existing assets and attract new organizations, in an effort to implement the organization’s goals and objectives.

Cultivate a Positive and Supportive Environment

The DLI Board, staff and volunteers all work to cultivate a positive and supportive environment that focuses on teamwork and building a strong sense of community, while proactively addressing downtown issues, questions or concerns.

Strive to Be a Reputable and Respected Organization

Above all, DLI strives to be a reputable and respected organization held in high esteem, and perceived and considered a valuable resource by all downtown stakeholders, residents and the general public.

Boundaries of Downtown Lansing

(Central Business District)

Established in 1996, the capital city’s Central Business District contains over 1,000 businesses in a 64 block area. The district is bounded by St. Joseph Street on the South, the east side of Captiol Avenue to the West, Larch Street on the East and Shiawassee Street to the North.

The downtown area is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 Want to get involved?

  Join one of our teams! Learn more about each one below:

Organization Team

 

This team handles the nuts and bolts, behind-the-scenes action that is vital to the program’s success–fundraising, public relations, communications, board nominations and volunteer management.

Projects:

 

  • An Evening of Excellence – Downtown Awards & Volunteer Recognition

  • Monthly Merchant Communications

  • Short videos for social media/website

  • Website Development

  • Monthly E-Newsletter/Volunteer of the Month

  • Annual Report

  • Volunteer Recruitment & Retention

This team meets the first Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. via Zoom  or at the Downtown Lansing Inc. Office, 112 S. Washington Sq.

DESIGN & PUBLIC SPACES

From streetscapes to historic renovations, this team works to create a welcoming atmosphere and enhance the look and feel of downtown Lansing for residents and visitors.

FY 2022 Work Plans:

 

  • Wayfinding

    •  New Pedestrian Wayfinding Kiosks with Historic Interruptive panels & Map

    • Retro-fitting  newspaper kiosks into pedestrian wayfinding system

  • Sidewalk Café Furniture Grant Program

  • Sign Grant Program

  • Summer Walking Tours

  • Façade Lighting Silver Bells

  • Wallscape Public Art Project (Joint venture with Public Spaces)

This team meets on the third Thursday of the month at 8:30 a.m. at the Downtown Lansing Inc. office.

ECONOMIC VITALITY TEAM

This team works to support local businesses through education and marketing assistance. It strives, through market analysis, to retain existing businesses and recruit new businesses that support the economic fabric of downtown Lansing.

 

FY 2022 Work Plans:

 

  • Continue with Implementation of Ready to Recruit

  • Vacant Storefront Signs

  • Property Profiles

  • Annual Business Owner Survey

  • Monthly Downtown Business Huddle

  • Business Owner Workshops

  • Re-design of business directories

  • Ribbon Cuttings

This team meets the second Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Downtown Lansing Inc. office

PROMOTIONS TEAM

This team works to market our downtown’s unique qualities and to create a fun, vibrant environment through special events, image building campaigns and promotions.

 

FY 2022 Work Plans:

 

  • Taste of Downtown

  • Trick-or-Treat on the Square

  • New Lunchtime Concert Series

  • Forks & Corks

  • Lansing Winterfest

  • Holiday TV Co/Op Ad Campaign

  • Continue Downtown Brand Implementation

  • Block Aid

This team meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3:45 p.m. at the Downtown Lansing Inc. office.