MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance & Policy

Municipal Fiscal Distress – Financial Condition Analysis, Early Warning Systems, Municipal Bankruptcy

There are no entries at this time.

Revenue – State Revenue Sharing, Proposal A & Headlee, Michigan State Budget

There are no entries at this time.

Service Solvency - Legacy Costs, Infrastructure, Public Safety

There are no entries at this time.

Local Government Policy

There are no entries at this time.

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  A closer look at legacy costs and local actions in Michigan in the wake of PA 202

  Published on January 1, 2020
  Legacy costs have imposed challenges on local governments in Michigan. The lack of funding for retirement benefits, including pension and other postemployment benefits (OPEB) such as healthcare, affects the wellbeing of public employees.

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  Guide to Michigan County Government 5th Edition (E3209)

  Published on August 1, 2019
  Revised and updated by public policy experts with Michigan State University Extension

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  Local Governments in Michigan: Current Trends and Future Challenges

  Published on December 20, 2018
  The purpose of this brief is to provide a tour of the current financial and service landscape of local governments in Michigan and discuss state policies impacting local finance.

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  Workforce and Labor Market Information Briefing for the New Governor

  Published on November 6, 2018
  This white paper, part of the Michigan at a Crossroads policy guide, puts Michigan's labor market in context, comparing current conditions to recent laws and pre-recessionary peaks.

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  Michigan's Post-Recession Spending

  Published on September 1, 2018
  Over the past eight years, the state’s economy has seen significant improvements. Even with these increases, there remain significant concerns regarding funding for key public policy priorities in the state.

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  A new approach to evaluating the fiscal health of Michigan local governments: Comparing fiscal performance relative to available resources

  Published on June 1, 2018
  The purpose of this report is to develop a scoring system for Michigan local governments that accurately reflects their fiscal condition.

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  Michigan's Local Financial Emergency Manager Law: Considering the Alternatives

  Published on May 30, 2018
  MSU Extension gathered stakeholder feedback on the feasibility of possible alternatives to PA 436 of 2012 to determine which alternatives have the most support within the group.

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  Michigan Cities and Michigan Cannot Thrive Without Major Changes in Our System of Financing Local Governments

  Published on May 25, 2018
  Local government finances are primarily driven by property value growth and state revenue payments. Cities with TV per capita below $20,000 are likely to experience financial problems, particularly in a recession.

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  Michigan Budget Policy for the Incoming 2019 Gubernatorial Administration

  Published on April 1, 2018
  This paper is intended to provide a general overview of key budgetary issues that incoming elected officials can expect to and should be prepared to tackle in the coming years.

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  Michigan Tax Policy for the Incoming 2019 Gubernatorial Administration

  Published on March 7, 2018
  This is paper one in the ongoing Michigan at a Crossroad Series. The purpose of this policy brief is to provide a concise summary of some of the most important features of the tax system in Michigan, along with a brief guide to some policy proposals.