Lansing, like cities across the nation, has overcome challenging times and is a growing and thriving community. Our city has so many new jobs, exciting amenities, more things to do, and a great diversity of residents and visitors alike. We made it through the Great Recession and the COVID pandemic, which stressed our budgets and services. Now we have cranes in the sky, new small and large businesses, additional housing for all incomes, and people coming to Lansing to work and live.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding helped keep the city providing important and necessary services during the pandemic's turmoil, while also allowing investments in long-stressed fleet equipment, public safety and parks. And billions of dollars in investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have provided the path forward for Lansing to once again become a world leader.
The recent $2.5 billion investment in Ultium Cells is projected to create 1,700 good union jobs. The project exemplifies how Lansing is leveraging federal investments to become a hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, repurposing land once used for traditional car manufacturing to now produce batteries for EVs. This ensures the legacy of Michigan putting the world on wheels continues while creating jobs that will allow folks to retire at retirement age.
Lansing is also at the forefront of developing the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles, securing a $8 million grant. This helps cement our city and Michigan as a hub for the future of the automotive industry and the jobs that come with it. Our schools, too, are benefiting from federal investments, with plans for solar panels and new hybrid and electric buses. These initiatives advance our clean energy goals while securing high-paying union jobs for decades to come.
As we continue to reshape Lansing for the future, we can use federal and state funding to help clean up old industrial sites and repurpose them for new manufacturing opportunities. A $19 million state grant, which we hope to supplement with CHIPS Act funds, symbolizes our forward-looking vision, transforming Lansing into a city ready to embrace the future.
This investment and transformation are not only happening here in Michigan but are the talk of mayors — both Republican and Democrat — across this country. We all see the impact of President Joe Biden's investments.
Simply put, we are now able to count on investments not only for our future but also for our children. From infrastructure to clean energy, from public safety to community development, these funds have allowed us to dream bigger and achieve more. The only thing standing in our way of achieving this is if a future presidential administration repealed this funding and rolled back our progress. As mayor of Lansing, I cannot allow that to happen to my community. We must recognize what is at stake and work to continue our community’s forward momentum.
Andy Schor is the mayor of Lansing.
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