MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance & Policy

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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.

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  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).

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  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.