Bernero gives 'Accelerate Lansing' State of City Address

LANSING - Mayor Virg Bernero delivered a spirited State of the City Address on Tuesday with an "Accelerate Lansing!" theme that focused on the city's progress made since he took office in 2005 and what he believes the future holds.

Bernero embraced the high-tech backdrop as he strolled to the stage while the Tom Petty song "I Won't Back Down" played and blue laser lights flashed above him. Bernero's speech was held at the Niowave Radioisotope Production Facility on Port Lansing Road, adjacent to Capital Region International Airport. The Lansing-based company builds superconducting electron accelerators used in a variety of fields like health care and national security.

"I wouldn't trade places with any mayor in America!" Bernero said smiling.

Before Bernero makes his 2017 fiscal year budget public next week, he offered several initiatives he believes will help revitalize neighborhoods, improve city services, spur economic growth and improve relationships with regional partners.

The Bernero administration intends to create a housing ombudsman position and a new program called Block By Block (B3) to create customized improvement plans city-wide pertaining to issues like crime prevention and blight removal.

"We will take stock of each neighborhood's assets and opportunities as well as its challenges," Bernero said. "Together we will create a tailor-made plan for every neighborhood in Lansing."

For the third straight fiscal year, Bernero said the city is expected to have a budget surplus. Another year of sound financial footing appears to give the city more opportunities to reinvest.

Bernero stressed the importance of technology investments, including the launch this year of police officer body cameras, and referred to a "Lansing 3.0" approach with a soon-to-be launched new website and mobile app.

Similar to other speeches, Bernero reinforced his belief in the need for more regional cooperation and sharing of resources. He supports moving the city's offices out of City Hall to the former Lake Trust Credit Union Headquarters at 501 S. Capitol Ave.

Bernero said the move from City Hall, at 124 W. Michigan Ave., to the site would likely cost "nearly half" the $50 million to $60 million it would cost to maintain the current City Hall. He mentioned the current City Hall site, across from the State Capitol, could be a catalyst for downtown development.

"It's one of the most desirable parcels in the city," Bernero said.

In terms of economic development, Bernero showed his support for incentives to entice developers and investors to the region. He pointed to the success of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, a Lansing-made car, as proof the city is a good place to do business. An electric blue Camaro was on display at the Niowave facility during Bernero's speech.

While expressing the spirit of cooperation, Bernero mentioned' it's a new era for local partnerships. He claimed to have an improved relationship with Lansing Township now that Diontrae Hayes is its new supervisor.

Bernero vowed to work with Hayes to find a developer to invest in former General Motors sites in those communities. He joked the city's new relationship with the township is historic.

"And you thought Obama's trip to Cuba was big deal!" Bernero exclaimed, drawing laughs.

Flint Mayor Karen Weaver attended Bernero's speech and signed a pledge that makes Flint the first Michigan city to participate in Lansing's Sister Cities Program.

The program will allow Lansing and Flint organizations in fields like education, business and the arts work together on a variety of initiatives, Bernero said.

Another notable guest was viral video star Monntel West, an 18-year-old Everett High School senior, who performed a keyboard version of the "Star-Spangled Banner."

West received national attention for a viral iPhone video shot Jan. 22 at the Lansing Mall while he was playing a piano.

Bernero made public his 2016 State of the City Report on Jan. 25. It can be viewed on the city's website, lansingmi.gov. Tuesday marked the first State of the City Address he's held in March. His current term expires in 2017.

Eric Lacy is a reporter for the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at 517-377-1206 or elacy@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricLacy

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