Lake Michigan College (LMC) is seeking voter approval for a 0.48 mill property tax increase over 10 years to fund campus improvements. LMC serves over 7,000 students annually, including high school students, traditional college aged students, and adult learners. If approved, the modest tax increase of $2 per month for homeowners would support critical safety and security upgrades, modernizing outdated classrooms and teaching equipment, and developing new student success centers across LMC's campuses. The tax revenue would preserve existing facilities and programs while helping prepare students for in-demand jobs through expanded training opportunities. LMC currently has the 24th lowest millage rate of all Michigan community colleges and has not passed a capital millage before.

1. LMC Update
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2. OUR
CAMPUSES:
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3. High School
Students
(Early College)
30%
Traditional
Age (18-25)
45%
Adults
(Age 25+)
25%
OUR STUDENTS:
7,000+ Students Annually
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4. OUR EMPLOYER SERVICES:
 Custom Workforce Training
 Apprenticeships
 Internships
 Job Postings & Career Fairs
 Advisory Committees
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5. Problem
Our workforce is under-
prepared for tomorrow’s jobs
By 2020, 70% of Michigan’s jobs
will require college or training
after high school*
Working age residents with at
least an associate degree in**
 Berrien County: 37%
 Van Buren County: 29%
*Georgetown University Center on Education & the Workforce
**Lumina Foundation
2013 Industry Summit Outcomes
LMC’s Solutions
 Modernize programs & facilities
to draw students
 Expand Early / Middle College
 Train a skilled workforce
 Keep college affordable &
accessible
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6. Our Progress: 2013-2016
✓ Bachelor Degree in Energy Production
✓ LMC’s first residence hall
✓ Wine Program (Enology & Viticulture)
✓ Hanson Technology Center
✓ Early / Middle College….
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7. A Little More on Early / Middle College Opportunities
8,834 students since 2009 – and growing
$12 million saved by families – and growing
50+ high school partnerships
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8. Next Steps:
1. Safety & Security Improvements
2. Modernize Classrooms & Teaching Equipment
3. Student Success Centers & Facility Upgrades
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9. 1. Safety & Security Improvements (All Campuses)
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10. Edward Todd Business Education Center
Wine & Culinary
Education Center
 Midwest’s only commercial teaching winery
 Supports Hospitality & Tourism
 50+ classrooms
 Lecture halls
 Technology & equipment upgrades
2. Modernize Classrooms & Teaching Equipment
Classroom Modernization (All Campuses)
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11. Critical Facility Upgrades
 Save money through energy efficiency
 Replace 50-year-old HVAC
 Extend life of existing facilities
 Preserve Mendel Center experience
 100,000 annual visitors
 Music & Theatre education programs
3. Student Success Centers & Facility Upgrades
Student Success Centers
 Creating spaces for 21st century learning:
 Career, academic, and financial aid advising
 Bringing students and faculty together
 Collaboration space for group work and projects
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12. How Can We Support These Projects?
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13. Capital Millage Proposal
November 8 election
0.48 mills for 10 years
Cost to property owner with a $50,000 taxable value
($100,000 market value) =
$2 per month, or $24 per year
LMC’s Current Millage
 1.78 mills – 24th lowest of 28 Michigan community colleges
LMC has never had a capital millage
Last increase was in 1996 (0.25 mills)
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14. Why Now?
 Needs are immediate
 Construction costs continue to rise
 Interest rates are near historic lows
 General election turnout gives more voters a voice
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15. For more information:
• Online: lakemichigancollege.edu/millage
• Email: growinglmc@gmail.com
In Summary:
.48 mills for 10 years to support:
1. Safety & Security Improvements
2. Modernize Classrooms & Teaching Equipment
3. Student Success Centers & Facility Upgrades
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