Resources

Pennsylvania Offers A Curious Case To Explore Alternatives To Early Warning Systems And State Intervention: Can Michigan Keep Its Horses From Wandering Off?

Published on May 5, 2020
The purpose of this report is to apply the Early Warning System (EWS) used by Pennsylvania with Michigan local government financial and socioeconomic data, as a way to assess potential fiscal distress that cities, townships, and counties may experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reasons and Risks: Pension Obligation Bonding in Michigan

Published on November 1, 2017
This policy brief explores pension obligation bonding in the United States as well as in Michigan specifically.
A Review of Michigan's Local Financial Emergency Law

Published on May 10, 2017
The paper outlines the four versions of local emergency manager law, and discusses pros and cons of PA 436 of 2012. It outlines four major alternatives to the way Michigan addresses local financial emergencies.
Chapter 9 Bankruptcy: Simulation Exercise

Published on December 12, 2016
While not a cure for fiscal stress, Chapter 9 is a tool that a municipality may use to reset its financial course when all other methods fail. This paper identifies several lessons learned through a simulation exercise using live case data.
County Revenue Options

Published on December 1, 2016
Michigan counties have very limited revenue options other than the property tax. Additional revenue options provided to counties include general sales tax, motor fuel tax, alcohol, and tobacco tax.
Beyond State Takeovers: Reconsidering the Role of State Government in Local Financial Distress ...

Published on November 11, 2015
This report’s practical recommendations are aimed at assisting the C.S. Mott Foundation, state and local officials, and Michigan residents in identifying a more effective policy and legal approach to local fiscal crises.