Thrive Local Blog

Part 1: Trends in United States Federal Government Spending

Published on February 3, 2023
This is part of a series where the Center will be exploring federal, state and local government in the United States over the past century
City of Lansing Financial Snapshot FY 2022

Published on February 3, 2023
A major concern for the city, yet to perhaps fully be seen, is the potential long term hybrid work of state employees.
City of Saginaw Financial Situation FY 2022

Published on February 3, 2023
The city of Saginaw continues to face a number of economic and financial headwinds in both the short and long-term.
Additional Flexibility in Local Fiscal Relief Fund Use Heading Into the New Year

Published on January 26, 2023
The bipartisan ARPA FLEX Act will provide additional flexibility for the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund authorized under the American Rescue Plant Act.
Checking In On the LIHWAP

Published on January 20, 2023
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is the first comprehensive federal support aimed at assisting water and sewer bill burdened households. Unless Congress acts soon, this vital program will end at the end of 2023.
Federal Revenue Sharing: A Standing Counter-Cyclical Fiscal Policy Mechanism for State and Local Aid

Published on October 18, 2022
The GRS and the SLFRF are examples of counter-cyclical fiscal policy for state and local aid under different economic and political contexts. Targeted use could assist local governments experiencing socio-economic distress (high unemployment and poverty).
ARPA Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in Michigan: Spending Plans as of April 2022

Published on September 26, 2022
Just over 17% of the $4.4 billion allocated to Michigan local governments have been spent. Nearly $3.6 billion funds remain unobligated, $3 billion to be spent by 64 large Michigan local governments, while $642 million for the remaining.
ARPA Fiscal Recovery in Michigan - 2021

Published on September 7, 2022
Planning and spending of American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars in 2021 by Michigan’s largest grant recipients.
How Much Debt Is Too Much?

Published on November 29, 2021
States and municipalities, most of which cannot run chronic deficits like the Federal Government due to state constitutional, statutory and charter prohibitions, must make hard choices if debt becomes burdensome.
A brief history of disincorporation and consolidation in Michigan

Published on October 7, 2021
“To be, or not to be, that is the question”. Residents of some Michigan municipalities have contemplated and others chosen to cease to exist—discorporate, and unify –consolidate into a new governmental entity. How to know when to vote this question?