Meet Julie Vandenboom: A Lansing Leader Rooted in Community

Julie Vandenboom is running for Lansing City Council At-Large to bring bold, inclusive leadership to the city she calls home. With deep roots in Lansing and 16 years of experience at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Julie has dedicated her career to policy analysis, program planning, and evaluation focused on improving community well-being.

Julie serves as a board member for the Capital Area District Library, the Eastside Neighborhood Organization, and Friends of Bancroft Park, where she brings collaborative leadership and a passion for community-driven solutions.

“I’m going to knock on 5,000 doors before the primary,” says Julie. “I’m over halfway there. The front porch conversations are the bread and butter of our campaign.”

One of the top issues Julie has heard from Lansing residents is housing. She supports tenant protections like just cause eviction ordinances and rental licensing reform. More importantly, Julie believes in centering the voices of those most affected by housing insecurity, building policy with neighbors, not for them.

In these challenging times, when many neighbors feel anxious about the national political climate, Julie brings empathy and compassion to her leadership. She understands the fears people face and believes local leaders must meet those concerns with openness and real action. “We have to look out for each other,” she states. 

Julie also recognizes that Lansing’s infrastructure is struggling, including roads and sidewalks in need of repair. She is committed to addressing these everyday issues that impact the quality of life for all residents.

As an active member of the Rent is Too Damn High Tenants Union, NAACP Lansing, and Strong Towns Lansing, Julie brings a transparent and accountable style of leadership. She believes real progress happens when leaders listen deeply and act boldly.

If elected, Julie plans to prioritize affordable housing and improved infrastructure and build a Lansing where everyone belongs. Please consider voting for Julie Vandenboom in the August 5 primary.