Lansing Voters Will Decide on Millage Renewal in November

Residents will vote on a property tax increase to fund local police, fire, and infrastructure services.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in City Hall

A weathered brick municipal building facade with a classic stone entryway under a soft, overcast autumn sky. — Lansing voters will decide on a property tax millage increase this November 2026 to help fund city police, fire, and infrastructure projects. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you support a property tax increase to fund local police, fire, and road maintenance?

Lansing voters will decide on a millage renewal and property tax increase this November 2026. The proposed measure includes a 78 cent increase per $1,000 of taxable home value to support city services.

Why it matters

City officials state the additional funding is necessary to maintain current police and fire staffing levels while addressing the ongoing deterioration of neighborhood streets and sidewalks.

The millage currently generates over $4 million annually for emergency services, supporting 29 police officers and 24 firefighters. The proposed increase is expected to raise more than $2.5 million in its first year.

The details

The property tax levy funds approximately 25 percent of local street projects, which cost the city roughly $8 million per year to maintain. For a home with a $75,000 taxable value, the annual cost of the proposed millage would be approximately $150.

Lansing voters will cast their ballots on the millage proposal in November 2026.

Political Context

This proposal is consistent with the standard procedure for Michigan municipalities managing budget constraints under the Headlee Amendment. The opposition typically focuses on the cumulative tax burden on property owners during periods of rising home valuations.

Taxpayers with a home taxable value of $75,000 can expect an annual cost of about $150 if the measure passes. Failure of the millage could result in reduced emergency service staffing and accelerated decline in street and sidewalk conditions.

The takeaway

Voters must weigh the direct cost to their household property taxes against the potential impact on public safety and local road infrastructure. Residents should review their property assessment notices to estimate their specific financial liability before heading to the polls.