By Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly
A recent meeting reminded me how one of the things I love most about Lansing is that our neighborhoods don’t exist in silos. Neighborhoods such as Old Town, REO Town, Lansing’s Southside, the Michigan Avenue Corridor and Downtown each have their own personality, businesses and community. And together we create a stronger, more vibrant Capital City. When we show up for one another—attending an event, shopping or dining at a neighboring business, sharing a post, or simply making an introduction - we uplift the entire Lansing community.
That same spirit of collaboration extends to our local businesses. Our downtown businesses are stronger when we support the businesses around us, promote and show up for each other’s events, collaborate on initiatives that affect our city and more. This extends to our neighborhoods as well. We are most effective when we share materials, calendars of events, and approach issues affecting our neighborhoods collaboratively. There is tremendous opportunity for us to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders and unify the work we do. I’m excited to see that happening more and more across Lansing!
That spirit will be especially visible on Downtown Day September 26. We’re inviting our neighbors, merchants and community partners to come downtown, explore, shop, dine and experience everything our city center has to offer. And we invite you to join us in also celebrating and supporting REO Town and Old Town as we all celebrate this day with special activities and merchant features. Look for more on our social media channels. We hope Downtown Day becomes another opportunity to celebrate the connections between all of our neighborhoods and remind residents and leadership - that supporting one part of Lansing supports us all!
Our city is at its best when we show up for each other. I hope to see you September 26 as we come together and commit to keep showing up for the people and places that make our city special - long after Downtown Day is over.
