About Me
I am Chuck Grigsby. Husband. Father. Neighbor. Advocate for East Lansing. My family chose this city because of its people, its schools, and strong neighborhoods. I am running for City Council to listen, build trust, and do the work. I have already knocked on over a thousand doors, and I am still going. What I hear at those doors guides every decision I make.
Rooted in Service
I stepped up here to help build fair, community-centered policy. As Chairperson of the East Lansing Human Rights Commission, I worked with neighbors, law enforcement, city staff, and policy experts to help develop the City’s Independent Police Oversight framework. The goal was simple. Strengthen trust and accountability while supporting the people who serve and protect. Service to the community is not new to me. It is who I am.
Practical Skills in Mediation and Restorative Justice
My work is centered on helping people collaboratively solve problems. I founded Prime Time Mentoring and Tutoring Educational Services to support youth and families through mentoring, tutoring, and restorative practices. I obtained a Mediator and Restorative Justice Certification from Central Michigan University because effective conflict resolution requires training, patience, and follow-through. These are the same skills I will bring to City Hall: listen first, clearly identify the problem, build a mutually agreeable solution, and provide follow-up
Education and Professional Background
I hold a Master of Criminal Justice with a focus on criminology. Earlier in my career I served as an Investigator in the Iowa Attorney General’s Office Crime Victim Assistance Division. That work required careful review of records, clear communication with victims and agencies, and disciplined documentation. I learned to ask precise questions, weigh evidence, and make recommendations that hold up to scrutiny.
I am currently a doctoral student in Criminal Justice Leadership. My coursework and research focus on program evaluation, data-informed decision-making, organizational leadership, and practical policy design. These are the tools I will use as a council member to set clear goals, measure results, and keep the public informed.
Discipline, Resilience, and Teamwork
Before fully embracing community leadership, I was a professional athlete with championship experience in mixed martial arts and basketball. That journey taught me valuable lessons in discipline, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork. I apply these lessons while mentoring youth, collaborating with public safety, and addressing complex city issues. My guiding principles are to prioritize people over ego, be prepared, show up consistently, and see things through to completion.
Why I Am Running
East Lansing has real challenges and real opportunities. I believe in smart ideas, fiscal responsibility, and partnerships built on trust. My focus is clear.
Balance the budget so we protect core services and plan ahead
Make city hall easy to understand with a public page that shows spending, contracts, and progress in plain language
Strengthen public safety with transparency and accountability while supporting first responders
Create more attainable housing with code updates and redevelopment tools that fit Michigan law and respect neighborhood character
Work with MSU and neighborhoods on safety, housing, and a healthy late-night economy
Protect and improve parks and youth programs with a clear maintenance plan that the public can see
Grounded in Research, Led by Values
I believe that government should be transparent, compassionate, and consistent. I take the time to research and collaborate with others to find solutions to problems. My experience as a criminal justice professional and researcher helps me prioritize what truly benefits people. I establish goals, track progress, and communicate the results in simple, clear language.
A Community Centered Vision
We need steady investment in aging infrastructure. We need housing that fits different stages of life. We need to grow revenue without pushing the burden onto residents. That means responsible development that works for neighborhoods and builds a stronger tax base so we can invest in what matters most. Safe streets. Good housing options. Strong infrastructure. Responsible spending. These belong together.
People, Progress, Partnerships
People — Good leadership starts with listening. Residents and city workers deserve to be heard. Services should deliver what people need.
Progress — Progress is smart growth that respects neighborhood character, creates long-term revenue, and helps us balance the budget.
Partnerships — We get more done together. Strong ties with MSU, local businesses, labor, nonprofits, and neighbors help us solve tough problems the right way.
Moving East Lansing Forward. Together.
Join the work
I am building this with neighbors. If you believe in this mission, here are simple ways to help.
Yard sign at your home or business
Host a porch conversation with friends or neighbors
Community walks join me for a few blocks in your area
Neighborhood meetings invite me to listen and answer questions
Share your idea for parks, housing, safety, or city services
Introduce me to a local business or community group
Volunteer a skill or event support
I will keep knocking on doors and doing the work with you. If you have an idea or a concern, tell me. I am listening.
People. Progress. Partnerships.
Ready to make a difference?
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Paid for by Chuck Grigsby For East Lansing, 424 Rosewood Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823.