News

County government at work, indeed

Published on July 11, 2025
Michigan counties provide vital health, safety, and welfare services. An updated resource helps officials and residents better understand the roles of county departments, agencies, and commissions and how they serve and support residents locally.
The forgotten law: Planning commission review of capital expenditures

Published on June 6, 2025
When government proposes to buy land, buildings, renovate or build, the proposal should be reviewed by that government’s planning commission first.
MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy names Erika Rosebrook director

Published on January 21, 2025
Rosebrook joins the Center from MSU’s Department of Political Science, following a nationwide search.
Tough Questions

Published on January 16, 2025
A webinar series by MSU’s Food Security Group exploring critical issues in international development research, featuring leading experts tackling ethics, policy pipelines, A.I. impacts, and more.
Michigan Compiled Law may be the preferred way to cite state law

Published on September 15, 2023
There is more than one way to cite state law. There are several reasons to use the MCL citation over the Public Act number.
Zoning and police power ordinances are not the same, and should not be mixed together

Published on September 15, 2023
There are three types of ordinances local government might adopt. Important to focus on the difference between police power ordinances and zoning ordinances.
Qualifications-based selection, not bidding, is best to contract with professional services

Published on August 3, 2023
Many believe governments should bid for jobs over a certain dollar amount. But bids are not always the best selection system. When hiring professional services Qualifications-Based Selection is the better system to use.
The financial behaviors that may support financial well-being

Published on June 15, 2023
If you are concerned about your financial state of being, learn how to manage your money.
Is the Schedule 1099-C a blessing or a curse?

Published on June 14, 2023
Receiving a 1099-C does impact your credit report and score and also has Federal income tax consequences.
Six things to know about buying a foreclosed house

Published on May 16, 2023
Buying a foreclosed house is different than purchasing from a private seller—be prepared for the differences.