News

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.
The importance of your Zoning Board of Appeals

Published on March 17, 2023
Maintaining a properly organized and functioning Zoning Board of Appeals is critical to ensure the integrity of the board’s decisions and to avoid potentially serious and costly legal issues.
Zoning district, tax assessor classifications not the same thing

Published on September 1, 2022
Some improperly use tax assessor classifications as an indicator of zoning district, but they are not the same and one should never base zoning decisions on property tax classifications.
MSU Extension, regional partners to provide guidance for local governments on American Rescue Plan Act spending

Published on September 15, 2021
In partnership with member regions of the Michigan Association of Regions, MSU Extension educators are offering 14 workshops exploring Local Fiscal Recovery Fund spending opportunities in a regional context.
A Big Picture Look at Local Governments Finances

Published on March 8, 2021
One year into the pandemic and the local government financial picture is still fuzzy…with 300,000 fewer jobs but property tax revenues are up over 5%. What’s not unclear is the COVID-19 relief stimulus for local government will be welcomed.
Is the Schedule 1099-C a blessing or a curse?

Published on December 11, 2020
Receiving a 1099-C does impact your credit report and score and also has Federal income tax consequences.
Adulting 101 classes offered by MSU Extension

Published on December 7, 2020
Are your older teens ready to leave for college or be on their own? Are they prepared to do adult tasks and have skills to be successful? Consider MSU Extension’s Adulting 101 classes.
The forgotten law: Planning Commission review of capital expenditures

Published on September 1, 2020
When government proposes to buy land, buildings, renovate or build, the proposal should be reviewed by that government’s planning commission first.
Local Government Resources for Novel Coronavirus Response

Published on August 18, 2020
We are also asking for feedback from you and your community to help us understand how MSU Extension can provide support and educational resources now and in the future.
COVID-19 fiscal strategy and resource guides

Published on May 22, 2020
Guides help local governments through the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19.