What I learned in a year of attending Lansing City Council meetings, by ‘What Lansing Council’ podcast host Jill Dombrowski

A bored, surly kid bounced in front of me during a long city council meeting, his body unable to stay still as he listened intently and nodded along in agreement with the officials.

“All of those in favor say ‘aye,’” boomed a voice.

“I,” said the kid, immediately shushed by an embarrassed parent.

This is my most cherished memory from attending all the council meetings this year.

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I decided to attend all the meetings; I just knew I needed a break from focusing on national happenings. What I didn’t expect was that I’d enjoy it. Maybe it’s the glow of the outdated spotlights or the exquisite silk patterned suits sported by our city clerk.

Maybe it’s the rush from hearing an excruciatingly petty argument by someone who should know better or the heartbreak of hearing a clear-eyed homeless youth reveal their circumstances.

I am here for it and I want to tell you about it.

I host and produce a podcast, “What Lansing Council,” that aims to recapture the magic of each meeting. In every episode, I explain the meeting happenings to a guest and marvel at how they all have something interesting to add, even though they always start with: “Oh, I don’t really follow local politics.”

A year into this project I see the city differently.

I care more about the people here and I know what genre each security guard reads. The real charm of the meetings is the time for public comment, because of the interesting exchange of power. Council members must sit and listen to their constituents and members of the public are forced to stand under the bright lights and speak coherently.

Everyone involved is a little out of their comfort zone, and everyone involved is a person trying their best in an imperfect system.

One hopeful trend I’ve noticed is people supporting their friends and family. People came to speak and stand together when a friend’s house was ordered to be torn down or when a friend was going to have to pay more for medical care because of an administrative oversight or when a friend felt unsafe because of bigoted violence.

I want to change your mind about local politics: it is for you.

Maybe you think the process of change is too slow, that the council members don’t share your values or your voice doesn’t matter. But the people who influence our lives are there, taking up space – your landlord, Old Town business owners and maybe even your mom. The people who speak up are shaping the politics of this city and seeing change.

The things we focus on and think about gain value.

I invite you to tune into “What Lansing Council,” wherever you get your podcasts, every Wednesday, after the Monday council meetings. And if you come to the council meetings to be part of the action, you can let your voice be heard as part of the chorus of council members approving the consent agenda.