Lansing residents have an opportunity today, Monday, October 12, to help move a proposed Fair Chance Access to Housing ordinance forward. Contact council members and attend tonight’s 7 PM City Council meeting to offer public comment in support.

The proposal was brought forward by Councilmember Tamera Carter and Council Vice President Trini Pehlivanoglu. It would give housing applicants an opportunity to correct inaccurate criminal history information and present evidence of rehabilitation or other circumstances before a housing provider makes a final decision based on that history.

Tonight is an opportunity to help advance the proposal through the council process. It is not listed for final passage, and it does not change Lansing’s housing rules today.

What would the proposal do?

Under the draft, landlords could continue conducting criminal background checks. Before taking an adverse action, such as denying an application based on criminal history, they would generally have to:

• Tell the applicant in writing which record items are behind the proposed decision.
• Provide a copy of any background-check report obtained.
• Give the applicant an opportunity to correct inaccurate information and present evidence of rehabilitation or other mitigating circumstances.
• Consider that information before making a final decision.

The draft includes exceptions. Housing providers would retain decision-making authority while following the required review process.

A criminal record should not become a lifelong barrier to finding a home. An individualized review gives people a fair opportunity to demonstrate who they are today. Access to housing matters for people working, caring for children, reconnecting with family, and rebuilding their lives.

Contact council members today

Email or call your ward representative and the four at-large council members, or contact all eight. Ask them to support and advance Fair Chance Access to Housing.

The proposal and related request to set a public hearing appear as agenda items 30 and 31, identified as PEND-4621 and PEND-4622.

General council contact: city.council@lansingmi.gov or 517-483-4177.

Although today is a holiday, the council meeting is scheduled. You can email or leave a voicemail if staff are unavailable.

Here is a message you can personalize:

“Hello, my name is [name], and I live in Lansing. I urge you to support and advance the Fair Chance Access to Housing proposal on tonight’s agenda. People with criminal records deserve an individualized review and an opportunity to demonstrate who they are today. Fair access to housing helps residents build stability, support their families, and move forward. Please help move this proposal forward.”

If you have experienced housing barriers or supported someone who has, consider explaining why this matters to you. Share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Attend tonight and offer public comment

Monday, October 12, 2026
7 PM ET

Tony Benavides Lansing City Council Chambers
David C. Hollister Lansing City Hall
124 W. Michigan Avenue, 10th Floor
Lansing, Michigan

Arrive early so you have time to sign up for public comment.

The agenda provides a Public Comment on City Government Related Matters period near the end of the meeting. Speakers must sign up on a YELLOW form and may speak for up to three minutes.

There is also an earlier public-comment period on legislative matters using a BLUE form. Because Fair Chance Housing appears under communications and referrals, ask the City Clerk or meeting staff which comment period applies when you arrive.

You do not need a formal speech. Introduce yourself, state your support, explain why fair consideration matters, and ask council members to advance the proposal.

For example:

“My name is [name], and I live in Lansing. I support Fair Chance Access to Housing because a past conviction should not tell the whole story when someone applies for a home. Applicants should have a chance to correct inaccurate records and present evidence of rehabilitation. Please advance this proposal.”

For disability accommodations, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 517-483-4131, TTY 711. Some accommodations may require 24 hours’ notice, so contact the office as soon as possible.

Thank you to Councilmember Carter and Council Vice President Pehlivanoglu for bringing this proposal forward.

Email, call, attend, and share this information with other Lansing residents. Tonight is an opportunity to demonstrate support for fair access to housing as the proposal moves through the council process.