South Martin Luther King JR. Corridor Improvement Authority (S. MLK CIA)

The South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor, a major north-south thoroughfare and once home to a bustling retail scene has seen steady deterioration due to increased retail competition, loss of high wage paying employment opportunities and the decrease in population of South Lansing residents. 

In 2019, Mayor Schor proposed and the Lansing City Council approved the establishment of the South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Corridor Improvement Authority (S.MLK CIA) with the goals to correct and prevent deterioration in the business districts, redevelop the city’s commercial corridors and promote economic growth. 

In the effort of revitalizing the South Martin Luther King Jr. corridor, there have been surveys, stakeholder interviews, and previous planning efforts completed soliciting input from residents, property owners, stakeholders, municipal staff, and public officials. Through these community engagement efforts, the Authority identified key challenges and areas of need including concerns with safety due to high traffic speeds, deterioration of the corridor due to neglected and vacant properties, absence of vibrancy due to lack of green spaces, and a lack of diversity in the businesses along the corridor including dining options. 

Fund related updates: The S. MLK CIA captured its first year tax increment revenue in fiscal year 2023. 

Additional Items

· The South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Commercial Corridor

The South Martin Luther King Corridor Improvement Authority (S. MLK CIA) was established to oversee the strategic economic development of the South Martin Luther King Blvd. Corridor. The S. MLK corridor is a commercial corridor that runs south on MLK Blvd. in the City of Lansing. The S. MLKCIA’s sole purpose is to generate economic development and revitalization along the commercial corridor to improve the overall community. 

Current Projects 

· The S. MLK Jr. Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) has installed street sign toppers along the corridor to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., officially branding the area as “Dream Blvd.”

· The S. MLK Jr. CIA is hosting an art competition to select artwork for decorating covered bus shelters along the corridor. To learn more, visit the Project Guidelines, and to apply, visit the Art Competition Application 

APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31st. 2025

· The S. MLK Jr. CIA, in collaboration with key stakeholders in Southwest Lansing, is launching “The Thrive Program,” a business operations course designed to support local entrepreneurs. Led by Operations School , this intensive four-week program will provide education and consulting to help business owners enhance their operations, increase success, and ensure long-term sustainability. Click here to learn more and apply https://lansingedc.com/thrive-program

Q: What is a commercial corridor? 

• A Commercial Corridor is a major street/ passageway with primarily businesses and commercial activity that serves the surrounding community.

Q: What is the purpose of the South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Corridor 

• Improvement Authority (S. MLK CIA)? The S. MLKCIA was established to oversee the strategic economic development of the S. MLK Blvd. Corridor. The S. MLKCIA’s sole purpose is to generate economic development and revitalization along the S. MLK Blvd. commercial corridor, in hopes of increasing the corridor’s yearly tax revenue and overall activity.

Q: What are the S. MLK Corridor’s Boundaries? 

• The S. MLK Corridor runs south along S. MLK Blvd from Bishop Rd. to Victor Ave.