MSU ExtensionPublic Policy

Resources

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  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.

• Sample Online Meeting for Local Government (Video)

  Published on April 13, 2020

  A quick example of one option for conducting a local government meeting online, including directions for elected officials, public comment, and keeping your meeting secure.

• Virtual Meeting Prep: Agendas, Public Notice, and Tips for Success (Video)

  Published on April 13, 2020

  Tips for what to include in your online meeting agenda, public notice, and best practices for making your local government online meeting a success.

• How To Set Up Secure Zoom Meetings for Local Governments (Video)

  Published on April 13, 2020

  A brief overview of how to set up a Zoom meeting in order to conduct local government meetings online, and how to use security features to make your Zoom meeting secure.

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  Sample Land Division Review Worksheet

  Published on March 24, 2020

  Sample land division review worksheet for use by the official responsible for approving or rejecting proposed land divisions.

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  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.

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  Marquette Area Climate and Health Adaptation Guidebook - Volume III: Prioritizing and Implementing Recommendations

  Published on September 19, 2019

  This volume of the Marquette Area Climate and Health Adaptation Guidebook outlines action steps and further stakeholder engagement options.

• Dealing With the Threat of Invasive Species

  Published on September 3, 2019

  MSU Extension educator Julie Crick and Emmet Conservation District manager and program coordinator Jackie Pilette discuss the threat of invasive species and the challenges they pose for Michigan communities.

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  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.

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  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.