East Lansing revisiting its charter as population grows

EAST LANSING — The blueprint for a booming East Lansing may be changed, and the city is recruiting people to suggest changes to its charter, the document laying out its operations and organization.

To revamp the charter, the city will use a charter review committee of seven people who will make recommendations for changes.

The committee will have a year to "propose various modifications to the document and eliminate certain provisions that are no longer operative or in conflict with state law," according to a statement from the city.

Voters will ultimately get to decide whether to accept the changes.

Applications for committee members will be accepted through June 15. The council will appoint the members, who will get assistance from the city attorney and manager's office.

To apply, visit the city's website, www.cityofeastlansing.com.

East Lansing city council members voted on May 14 to start the charter review process.

In a statement, city council member Mark Meadows said it had been a long time since the last review of the charter.

"From campaigning last fall, I know that there is enough interest in the community in this process," he said.

East Lansing added more people than any other city in the state last year, except for Detroit, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released last week.

Detroit grew by 1,852 people, East Lansing grew by 1,266 people to 46,077 people. On a percentage basis, East Lansing was the eighth-fastest growing city, according to census figures.

Follow Mike Ellis at mellis@lsj.com or 517-267-0415

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: East Lansing seeking residents for new charter review committee