Resources

County Government at Work

Published on July 2, 2025
County Government at Work provides a basic overview of the roles and responsibilities of the departments, agencies, and commissions that carry out the health, safety, and welfare functions of county governments.
Investigating the Condition and Investment Needs of Michigan's Drinking Water Infrastructure: Policy and Financing Ramifications

Published on December 5, 2024
This project compiles water infrastructure finance data for Flint and 249 other cities across Michigan.
Time Management Workbook for Food and Farm Entrepreneurs

Published on February 29, 2024
A workbook with guides, multimedia presentation links, and templated resources to assist food and farm entrepreneurs with task management and prioritization.
Van Buren County Annual Report 2022

Published on November 30, 2023
Based on MSU Extension annual reporting and evaluation feedback, 2022 proved to be another good year leveraging resources provided by Van Buren County to help us do our work in the community.
Loan Readiness Toolbox for Food and Farm Businesses

Published on September 15, 2023
The Toolbox includes resources for consumer-packaged goods manufacturers, caterers, restaurants, kitchen incubators, food trucks, and farmers who are ready to monitor and track their financial records and access financing in the next 18 – 24 months.
Relief at the Right Time: How Michigan's Local Governments are Spending their State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds

Published on August 7, 2023
As of March 31, 2023, approximately $1.9 billion, or about 42 percent, has been obligated out of the $4.4 billion dispersed among over 1,700 local Michigan units from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Local Fiscal Recover Funds (SLFRF).
Dealing with the Challenge of Economic Uncertainty

Published on April 20, 2023
Dr. Eric Scorsone discusses the impact of inflation and economic challenges, what direction the economy might be heading in, and steps local governments can take to prepare for a variety of scenarios.
Rethinking Local Government Budgeting

Published on April 18, 2022
In this webinar, participants will have a chance to learn more about the concept of fairness in budgeting, and discuss how ideas of fairness impact their own budget process and decisions.
State Preemption of Local Authority in Michigan

Published on February 8, 2022
In this webinar, Dr. Keith Boeckelman, from Western Illinois University, and Dr. Eric Scorsone, with the MSU, present on recently published research into trends in state preemption as well as discuss examples of preemption here in Michigan.
Budgeting Your Benefits Interactive Worksheet Template

Published on December 3, 2020
The Budgeting Your Benefits Interactive Worksheet Template allows you to input your monthly food budget and subtract expenses as you purchase food throughout the month.