By Maggie LaNoue – Contributing Writer
October 6, 2025
Mayor Victoria Garcia-Snyder called the October 6 Albion City Council meeting to order, welcoming attendees and outlining the evening’s agenda, which included updates on economic development, the arts, public safety, and inclusion.
The first presentation came from Interim EDC Director Bruce Nelson, who provided an update from the Albion Economic Development Corporation. Nelson said his first priorities this year were to stabilize finances, improve community relations, and focus efforts on a small number of key initiatives. Those include home-repair grants, new affordable housing on Watson Street, and upgrades at the city’s East Industrial Park.
“We are now about three fourths of the way complete on two million dollars in home-repair grants from the State of Michigan, going into more than 130 homes,” Nelson said. He added that the EDC expects a decision later this month on a one-million-dollar grant to build 15 new single-family homes on Watson Street. The state recently approved another one-million-dollar grant for improvements at the East Industrial Park. Nelson also described plans for a new innovation center in Albion and said a permanent EDC president has been selected, with a public reception to be held in November.
The Albion Economic Development Corporation offices are located at 115 North Superior Street in downtown Albion. Nelson said a series of press releases will be issued over the next several weeks to update the public on EDC projects and the introduction of the new EDC director.
Mayor Garcia-Snyder and council members thanked Nelson for his service as interim director and praised staff members Amber Kidder and Margaret Avery for their work managing the grant programs. “We’re seeing progress you can measure,” Garcia-Snyder said. “And it’s coming from strong partnerships between our city staff, our residents, and the EDC.”
The next presentation came from Mary Slater of the Albion Arts Commission, who shared news that the group will soon have a new home in the red brick building at 107 East Cass Street. Slater, who helped launch the Arts Commission two years ago, said the building, owned by artist and business owner Casey Merrill, will become a community arts hub offering space for classes, workshops, exhibits, and small performances. “We want to include everyone, all ages, all abilities, all income levels,” she told the council. “This building will be a central hub for Albion to focus all of its arts things.”
The Albion Arts Commission was created by city ordinance to advise the council on arts programs, promote cultural events, and review public art proposals. Current members listed on the city website are Mary M. Slater, Nancy K. Doyal, Juanita Solis-Kidder, Stella Santamaria, and Bradley T. Arndts. The group also welcomes new members and community partnerships through the city’s Boards and Commissions application process.
The commission has organized exhibitions such as Celebrating Albion’s Black Artists and Celebrating Albion’s Young Artists, connecting local schools, the NAACP, and downtown businesses. With the new Cass Street location, Slater said, “this is an important time for the arts in Albion.”
Councilmember Donivan Williams commended the group for its work, noting that art helps drive local economies. “Art moves the economy forward, especially in small cities like ours,” he said. “People travel for events that are art and culturally related, and that has been the focus of the Arts Commission here in the community.”
Councilmember Vivian Davis and Mayor Pro Tem Andy French reported next on the Michigan Municipal League conference they attended in September. Their remarks focused on leadership, civility, and the importance of placemaking. Davis shared lessons about creativity in city planning and quoted one of the conference speakers: “Art is not a luxury; art is a precondition to success in a world increasingly driven by creativity and innovation.” French reflected on leadership, saying that “before you can lead others, you have to lead yourself.”
Police Chief Aaron Phipps introduced a new officer, Joseph Prentler, who joined Albion Public Safety from the Springport Police Department. Phipps said three officers are currently attending Fire Academy training, bringing the department to 18 members. “We’re proud of the new recruits coming through,” Phipps said. “It shows the city’s commitment to maintaining a strong and well-trained team.”
Mayor Garcia-Snyder then presented a proclamation declaring October 11 as Albion Pride Day. Members of the Albion Pride steering committee came forward, led by Pastor Lorraine Grinnell of Salem United Church of Christ, to describe plans for the weekend’s celebration. Events include a family-friendly drag show at the Bohm Theatre from 2 to 5 p.m., a community mixer at the Ismon House from 5 to 7 p.m., and an evening social at Albion Malleable Brewery from 7 p.m. to close. Grinnell said the committee has worked to make the events accessible for everyone. “Everything is free,” she told the council. “We’ve done fundraising so no one will be excluded because they can’t afford a ticket.”
Lois Parr, also a member of the Albion Rainbow Connection and the Pride planning committee, added that the event will include special guests. “We’re very excited that a representative from Governor Whitmer’s office is coming,” Parr said. “They will bring a tribute to the Rainbow Connection and help us celebrate our second annual event.”
Wesley Dick, Professor Emeritus of History at Albion College, also spoke in support of the proclamation. Dick, who has written and taught extensively about civil rights and social movements, reminded the council that 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of Albion’s non-discrimination ordinance. He also reflected on the legacy of civil-rights leader Julian Bond, who visited Albion College in the 1970s to speak about equality and civic responsibility. Bond, a founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and longtime Georgia legislator, was remembered for linking the struggle for racial justice with the fight for LGBTQ rights.
“Julian Bond emphasized that gay rights are civil rights and human rights,” Dick told the council. “He said the humanity of all Americans is diminished when any group is denied rights granted to others.”
State Representative Steve Frisbie also addressed the council, bringing news of state funding that will benefit the city. Frisbie said Albion will receive approximately $394,000 in additional annual road funding through the new state budget, plus $70,000 from the Public Safety Trust Fund for equipment and officer training. He also announced grants to upgrade body cameras and tasers for regional law enforcement. “It’s been a pretty good couple of weeks for Albion in Lansing,” Frisbie said. “We finally have a roads plan that will fix roads statewide from the driveway to the highway.”
Council members voted unanimously on several resolutions, including reappointing Eric Krause to the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority and approving an amendment to the Albion Building Authority bylaws to remove references to Maple Grove. Council members also discussed the need to update the city’s website, including information about the Housing Commission and other departments. During that discussion, it was noted that Maple Grove Apartments, a senior housing facility near the Marshall Opportunity School, is now privately managed while continuing to serve the same purpose under the same name. The sale of the property has strengthened the city’s general fund, indirectly supporting infrastructure and road improvements.
City Manager Doug Terry provided an update on the upcoming Dean, Magenta, and Hogan Street infrastructure projects, saying the city’s engineering team is finalizing plans for spring construction. “These projects represent the city’s ongoing commitment to improving our neighborhoods,” Terry said.
Chief Phipps concluded with a summary of public safety operations during the Festival of the Forks, reporting a smooth and successful event. He said new barricades and the use of a county drone team improved safety and visibility. “We received a lot of comments about how effective those measures were,” he said. “It allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the day.”
The Albion City Council continues to hold its meetings at the Marshall Opportunity School while City Hall renovations are underway. Thanks go to Marshall Public Schools for making the space available. Residents can still follow council meetings on YouTube, and recent upgrades to the streaming setup have made the sound much clearer. The delay in completing the City Hall elevator is tied in part to supply-chain constraints and tariffs affecting elevator components. For now, the high-school space remains accessible and welcoming, ensuring that residents of all abilities can continue to take part in city government.
A future council meeting will also introduce the new director of the Albion Economic Development Corporation, whose arrival marks the next step in continuing the city’s economic momentum.
The October 6 meeting offered an exceptional range of topics, from housing and industrial growth to the arts, accessibility, and inclusion. Together they reflected Albion’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its economy, celebrate creativity, and build a community where all residents can take part and feel valued.
