As we reach the end of another year in the heart of Michigan’s Capital City, all of us at Downtown Lansing Inc. are reflecting with gratitude on the energy, progress, and community spirit that shaped Downtown Lansing in 2025. Thanks to supporters like you, our neighborhood continued to grow and experience meaningful momentum and experiences for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
This year was packed with moments that brought our community together in big and small ways. We kicked things off with the chilly fun of the BrrCrawl, followed by the ever-popular Bunny Hop and Easter Egg Hunt that filled our sidewalks and Capitol Lawn with families and joyful discoveries. Our spring clean-up brought volunteers out to help refresh the district, and throughout the year, we kept the momentum going. We celebrated both our volunteer and business champions who make a difference at the Evening of Excellence, welcomed thousands of families downtown for Trick-or-Treat on the Square, and wrapped up the year with a spectacular Big Red Ball — our best yet — with more than 300 supporters coming together to celebrate downtown.
Downtown also welcomed several new businesses whose presence adds vibrancy and fresh energy to our streets. Wake Up Call opened its doors, alongside Notre Dame Credit Union, the Historical Society of Greater Lansing Museum, Craig Ryan Fine Clothing, Jollof Afro-Caribbean Lounge, Great Harvest Bread Co., and more. We were also proud to welcome three emerging entrepreneurs to our Middle Village business incubator, adding even more talent to our growing community. Every new business that chooses to plant roots here shows confidence in downtown’s momentum and its bold future.
Behind the scenes, our organization continued to strengthen the foundation of our work. This year we welcomed two new staff members, Kate Litwin, Community Development Director, and Jenea Markham, Marketing & Brand Specialist, who have brought additional enthusiasm and expertise to our team. Partnering with the Small Business Development Center and Lake Trust Credit Union, our monthly Small Business Learning Series provided education and support to entrepreneurs at all stages, while our Adopt-a-Spot program continued to empower volunteers to take ownership of beautifying public spaces. We also awarded Tenant Improvement Grants — including our Sign Grant — to help small businesses enhance their storefronts and strengthen their presence within the district.
All these accomplishments reflect our mission: to cultivate a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient Downtown Lansing. And none of this would be possible without the generosity and partnership of people who believe in this place. As you consider your charitable giving this season, we invite you to make a tax-deductible donation to Downtown Lansing Inc. Your gift directly supports cleaner streets, thriving small businesses, engaging events, and a downtown that continues to grow and bring people together. Thank you for choosing to be part of our community; for being advocates, champions, investors, dreamers - and for believing in the future of Michigan’s Downtown.
Sincerely,
Cathleen Edgerly
Executive Director, Downtown Lansing Inc.
