Lansing City Council Fourth Ward Candidate: Heath Lowry
Website: www.LowryForLansing.com
Heath Lowry is a community advocate, attorney, and neighborhood leader running for Lansing City Council's 4th Ward. A lifelong public servant driven by justice and equity, Heath is committed to bringing a new perspective for a new future. A perspective that prioritizes transparency, inclusivity, and bold leadership to meet Lansing's evolving challenges head-on.
Heath's roots in community engagement run deep. As President of the Westside Neighborhood Association, he has worked closely with neighbors to address public safety concerns, promote responsible development, and enhance quality of life through beautification efforts and civic events. He believes that real change starts block by block with people who care deeply about their city and are willing to roll up their sleeves and lead by example.
Professionally, Heath brings years of legal and policy experience to the table. As an attorney, he has represented marginalized communities, worked on issues of Indigenous sovereignty, and supported survivors of domestic violence navigating complex legal systems. His background in law gives him the tools to understand and shape city policy, while his passion for service grounds his approach in empathy and equity.
Heath's priorities for Lansing include expanding affordable housing through zoning reform and mixed-income developments, investing in sustainable infrastructure like sidewalks and clean energy, and supporting local workers through pro-labor contracting policies. He is a strong advocate for smart growth—development that builds up neighborhoods without displacing long-time residents. Whether it's addressing outdated zoning rules or ensuring city funds are spent responsibly, Heath brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented mindset to public policy.
One of the defining moments of his time in Lansing came in 2024, when Heath attended the Annual Dance by the River Powwow at Adado Park with his newborn daughter. It was the first public event he brought her to, and it marked a powerful personal and cultural moment, honoring his heritage while standing in community on Lansing's public land. For Heath, it served as a reminder that public service isn't just about policy; it's about people, belonging, and the future we leave for the next generation.
Heath has also been a consistent presence at City Council meetings, advocating for neighborhood priorities and pressing for greater transparency in city governance. He believes residents deserve elected leaders who are accessible, accountable, and deeply rooted in their communities.
Now, Heath is ready to take that work to City Hall. He's running for City Council to build a Lansing where people don't just live, they thrive. Where housing is affordable, streets are walkable, jobs are strong, and the government works for everyone. Heath Lowry for 4th Ward: a steady voice, a fresh perspective, and a fierce advocate for Lansing's future.
City Council members play a vital role in shaping the direction of Lansing. As elected representatives of their wards, they are responsible for legislating city policy, approving the municipal budget, and setting priorities that reflect the values and needs of the community. Council members oversee how public dollars are spent and provide a check on the administrative functions of city government, including decisions made by the mayor's office. They also pass ordinances that influence everything from housing and transportation to public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic development.Equally important is their role as community advocates and conduits for public engagement. Councilmembers listen to the concerns of their constituents and elevate those voices in policymaking discussions. The most effective councilmembers are those who can build consensus while holding true to their values and commitments to the people they serve.To me, serving the City Council means being deeply accessible, regularly present in the community, and committed to transparent and inclusive decision-making. It's more than attending meetings and casting votes, it's about shaping a city that reflects the diversity, resilience, and vision of its residents. It's a role I would carry with humility, urgency, and integrity.
Lansing's housing crisis is real and urgent. We are seeing increasing demand and rising costs that are putting pressure on residents and straining our housing market. As a council member, I will make tackling this crisis a top priority, not just by increasing the number of housing units, but by doing so in a way that promotes equity, sustainability, and neighborhood health.We need zoning reform that encourages responsible density, especially in areas close to transit, jobs, and services. This includes allowing for duplexes, triplexes, and small-scale multi-family housing in previously restricted areas. I will push to streamline the approval process for affordable and workforce housing developments and explore land-use incentives to encourage development on vacant or underutilized lots.Beyond physical development, we must also address the systems that shape affordability. That includes advocating for tenant protections, funding home repair programs for legacy homeowners, and ensuring that city incentives are tied to long-term affordability goals.Addressing the housing crisis isn't just about units, it's about people. We need policies that make it possible for everyone, from young professionals to retirees to working families, to call Lansing home and thrive here.
Disagreements are inevitable in public service, especially when working with a diverse group of leaders committed to their own principles and constituencies. What matters most is how we engage with those differences. If I find myself at odds with a colleague or the Mayor, I will approach the situation with honesty, professionalism, and a commitment to dialogue. I believe the best decisions come from respectful debate grounded in facts, values, and community input.My approach will be to listen first, understand opposing perspectives, and work to find common ground where possible. If consensus isn't achievable, I'll stand firm in my position while being transparent about why. I will clearly explain to the public the rationale behind my vote or stance. Residents deserve to know not only how their representatives vote, but why they vote that way.I also think it's important to demonstrate maturity and collaboration in public service. Lansing needs leaders who can disagree without dividing the community. Leaders who see opposition not as a threat, but as a necessary part of thoughtful policymaking. That's the kind of leadership I bring: principled, clear-headed, and always rooted in service.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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