MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance & Policy

Thrive Local Blog

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  Economic analysis at the local level

  Published on July 14, 2023
  Local elected officials, public administrators, and citizens would like data to answer economic questions. Here are some suggested measures that are jurisdiction specific and timely.

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  City of Hamtramck Short and Long Term Financial Health FY 21-22

  Published on June 19, 2023
  The city of Hamtramck has faced fiscal challenges and is now stable. The pension liabilities remain its greatest current financial risk. However, this risk will be partially alleviated by the state’s new pension grant program.

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  But what if a pension fund is overfunded?

  Published on March 24, 2023
  A lot has been written about pension funds, particularly underfunded pension funds. However, the literature is not as robust about pension funds with too much money.

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  Challenges facing Michigan local governments

  Published on March 16, 2023
  Since the late 1990’s Michigan local governments have experienced significant fiscal setbacks in their ability to provide critical public services to the residents of Michigan.

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  The National Economics of State and Local Governments

  Published on February 13, 2023
  State and local governments represent an important part of the U.S. economy generating $2.8 trillion of the U.S. GDP which is 12% of the U.S. economy.

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  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.

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  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

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  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. 

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  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.

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  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.