The Current Issues Affecting Michigan Local Governments Webinar Series was designed for elected and appointed officials at all levels of local government and their staffs, as well as any Michigan resident interested in learning about the biggest issues public officials are dealing with. The webinar series is organized by MSU Extension public policy specialist Eric Walcott in partnership with the Michigan Association of Counties and Michigan Townships Association and the MSUExtension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy.
Upcoming Webinars
The most recent webinar, "Current Trends and Future Challenges in Michigan Local Government featured a presentation from Samantha Zinnes, a Law Fellow for the MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy . The presentation focused on current trends in local government in Michigan and future challenges. The presentation focuses on the current financial condition of Michigan local governments, the service solvency of local units, the preemption of local autonomy by state government in recent years, and what can be done to address these challenges. The recorded webinar is available on the Resources tab on this page.
The next webinar will take place in August, with details coming soon.
Previous webinars are recorded and can also be accessed on the Resources tab on this page.
Potential Future Topics
Topics are always subject to change based on interest and emerging issues.
- Assessing and Addressing Local Service Needs
- Road and Transportation Funding
- Tourism and short-term rentals
- Public Engagement on “Wicked” Issues
- Strategic Planning in Local Government
- Fiscal Sustainability
- Engaging the Public in the Budget Process
Contact
Eric Walcott, MSU Extension, walcott3@msu.edu; 517-353-9106