Choreographing a Brighter Future for Our City.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here! This campaign is about all of us—our families, our workers, our students, and our future. I invite you to explore, get involved, and share your vision for a stronger, more connected Lansing. Together, we can build a city where every resident feels valued, heard, and supported.
Let's get to work!
Meet Clara
Clara Martinez
Candidate for Lansing City Council At-Large
Lansing is a city full of passionate, hardworking people who care deeply about their neighborhoods, schools, and communities. I’m running for City Council because I believe leadership should be about listening, advocating, and fighting for the people who make Lansing great.
For the past decade, I have been dedicated to serving Lansing’s diverse communities—as an AmeriCorps VISTA, an arts and cultural advocate, and a public school educator. These experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership is about service and that real change starts with listening to the people who know our city best—our neighbors, workers, families, and students.
As Dance Director at Everett High School, I see the brilliance and potential of Lansing’s youth every day. I am committed to expanding municipal resources, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every young person has the opportunities and support they need to thrive right here in our city.
As a proud union member and Building Representative, I know the power of collective action and the importance of fighting for fair treatment, better working conditions, and strong city services. Whether it’s reliable trash pickup, safe and walkable streets, or better public infrastructure, I will advocate for policies that ensure every neighborhood receives the attention and care it deserves.
Above all, I believe people come first. From longtime residents to new residents, from established neighborhood groups to those seeking stable, affordable housing, every Lansing resident deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. I will work every day to make our city more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of its people.
I look forward to hearing from you—what you love about Lansing, what you want to improve, and how we can build a stronger city together.
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Experience
Experience
Experience
A Teacher, Union Member & Leader
Local Teacher
Dance Director
Everett High School
Lansing School District
Master of Social Work in Organization & Community Leadership
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance
The Ohio State University
Union Proud
Building Representative
Lansing Schools Education Association
2025 Delegate
National Education Association
LSEA Representative
Lansing School District Instructional Council
Community Leader
Board Member
All of the Above Hip Hop Academy
Commissioner - 1st Ward
City of Lansing Arts & Culture Commission
Chair Emeritus
Michigan Dance Council
Vision
Priorities for Lansing
I believe Lansing should be a city where every resident—regardless of background or income—has the opportunity to thrive. That means investing in safe and affordable housing, ensuring strong city services, and creating pathways for our children to succeed. It means building safer neighborhoods, enhancing public spaces, and making it easier for families to access the resources they need.
But this vision isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, we can create a Lansing where every voice is heard, and every community is valued. Together, we can build a city that works for all of us.
Opportunity for Our Children
Every child in Lansing deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a supportive environment. By investing in resources and programs that empower our youth, we strengthen families, schools, and our entire community. My vision to create opportunities for our youth includes:
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Expanding Access to Childcare – Partnering with state and local agencies to increase affordable, high-quality childcare options for working families.
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Supporting After-School Programs – Investing in safe, enriching after-school opportunities that help students learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
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Creating Youth Employment & Volunteer Opportunities – Strengthening city partnerships to connect young people with job training, internships, and meaningful service experiences.
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Enhancing Safe Spaces for Youth – Improving access to community centers, parks, and recreational programs that give kids a place to stay active, engaged, and connected.
Exemplary City Services
Lansing residents deserve a city that works for them—one that provides reliable, efficient, and high-quality services year-round. My priorities for exemplary city services focus on ensuring that every neighborhood receives the attention and care it needs:
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Keeping Our City Clean & Maintained – Reliable snow removal, trash collection, and seasonal upkeep (leaves and grass) to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe and livable.
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Fixing Our Roads & Sidewalks – Investing in neighborhood road repairs while improving sidewalks and bike infrastructure to ensure safer, more accessible transportation options.
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Strengthening Our Workforce – Supporting the hiring and retention of public service workers so the city has the staff needed to deliver timely, effective services.
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Improving Access to City Services – Making it easier for residents to navigate city-related issues, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in every interaction.
Safe & Livable Neighborhoods
Every Lansing resident deserves a safe, stable home and a neighborhood where they can thrive. My vision prioritizes housing, public safety, and community spaces to ensure a high quality of life for all.
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Expanding Affordable Housing & Stability – Support the creation and preservation of quality, affordable housing—both rental and homeownership—while investing in resources to help residents secure and maintain stable housing, including homelessness prevention efforts.
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Strengthening Community-Focused Public Safety – Promote collaborative, community-driven safety initiatives by ensuring exceptional emergency services, proactive neighborhood engagement, and strong partnerships to address public safety concerns.
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Enhancing Parks & Public Spaces – Maintain and improve Lansing’s parks to provide free, accessible recreational opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles and strong community connections.
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Supporting Home Upkeep & Neighborhood Investment – Work alongside residents to improve and maintain homes, ensuring Lansing’s housing stock remains safe, stable, and vibrant.
