Downtown Lansing Inc. (Principal Shopping District)

DLI Board Retreat Meeting May 8, 2025 | 4:00 pm 300 S. Washington Square Ste. 100, Lansing, MI 48933 Board Members Present: J. Estill, J. Hinze, J. Pugh, K. Tomac, K. Dorshimer, J. Flores, J. Durham, N. Thompson-Frazier Board Absent: A. Rusek Board Advisors Absent: Peter Spadafore, Samantha Benson Board Advisors Absent: Samantha Benson Staff Present: Cathleen Edgerly, Mario Gonzales, Audrey Brayton Guests: Kate Litwin and Gary (Local resident) Board Retreat Recap Notes: 1. Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 4:05 p.m. 2. Introductions: Board introduced themselves and role, connections to downtown for context with our Facilitator as well as incoming staff member. 3. Discussion of Strategic Plan, Goals and Priorities: Strengths: • Creating moments • Dreaming big • Creating a buzz • Systems and policies • Connecting the parts • Bringing the joy • Expansion of community events • Positive feedback honoring our diversity • Common focus Goal #1 Foster Downtown as an Energetic, Dense and Walkable Residential Neighborhood. Short-Term Priorities • Be the convener of conversations • Work with developers on transforming vacant office/retail space into residential • Create and implement use of “The Pitch” Long-Term Priorities  • Embrace and enhance development that is coming • Use estimating and forecasting for long-term planning • Ongoing marketing of amenities Goal #2 Nurture a Vibrant, Diverse and Robust Business District. Short-Term Priorities • Develop and implement a formal recruiting system • Collect data needed to improve vacancy rates Long-Term Priorities • Work with other organizations/agencies to improve vacancy rates • B to B marketing of “The Pitch” Goal #3 Cultivate Active and Welcoming Public Spaces Short-Term Priorities • Calendaring and early notification of events • Work with other organizations/agencies to increase greenspace options Long-Term Priorities • Activation of the River Trail • Work with other organizations/agencies to maintain public spaces • Work to grow audiences at all events Goal #4 Build Sustainable Funding for a Sustainable Organization. Short-Term Priorities • Explore and determine potential fundraising staff member/contract options • Improve Lansing EEC and DLI relationship Long-Term Priorities • Investigate expansion of boundaries • Secure ongoing long-term funding mechanisms 4. Review: In closing the consultant, board members and staff reviewed Next Steps and actionable items, our influence and roles, as well as Pitch Discussion with various Board members and staff. 5. Motion to Adjourn: Motion to Adjourn by J. Durham at 7:05 p.m. Second by K. Dorshimer. Motion to adjourn at 7:05 pm.