College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

The Betty and David Morris Chair in State and Local Government Finance and Policy is an endowment of an existing faculty position within the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics that works with state and local governments.

This faculty position engages in research, education and Extension focused on policy analysis that helps governmental units attract people and businesses to communities, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, and advance Michigan’s economic competitiveness.

The Betty and David Morris Chair in State and Local Government Finance and Policy was established from a Morris family gift which came in recognition of the AFRE‘s tradition of decision making asssitance and analysis for state and local government officials.  Mr. Morris served as County Commissioner in Clinton County, Michigan. The endowment is used in support of graduate research assistants and to facilitate programs to improve the effectiveness of Michigan government. 

• View Remembering David C. Morris: A Giant of Michigan Agriculture

Professor Mark Skidmore is the holder of the Betty and David Morris Chair in State and Local Government Finance and Policy. He collaborates with other AFRE and MSU Extension faculty and graduate students focusing on the area of state and local government.

Professor Skidmore’s research has focused on public economics and urban/regional economics. Current research interests include state and local government tax policy, inter governmental relations, the interrelationship between public sector decisions and economic activity, and the economics of natural disasters.

Recent Research and Policy Videos and Presentations 

• Videos and Presentations
• Policy Brief - Lincoln Insitute “Will a Greenbelt Help to Shrink Detroit’s Wasteland?”