MSU Extension Public Policy

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  Wind Turbine Sound and Health Effects - An Expert Panel Review

  Published on August 22, 2016
  In response to concerns, the American and Canadian Wind Energy Associations established a scientific advisory panel in early 2009 to conduct a review of current literature available on the issue of perceived health effects of wind turbines.

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  The Potential Health Impact of Wind Turbines

  Published on August 22, 2016
  The review concludes that while some people living near wind turbines report symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and sleep disturbance, the scientific evidence available to date does not demonstrate a direct causal link.

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  A Voter's Guide to the 2016 Newaygo County Public Safety/Road Patrol Operating MIllage Renewal

  Published on July 19, 2016
  The information is based on MSU Extension’s research and analysis of the proposed millage renewal and is for educational purposes only. MSU Extension does not endorse nor show bias against any position.

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  Open Meeting Act Decision Tree

  Published on May 31, 2016
  Presents a decision tree in the form of a flow chart with “yes” and “no” questions to help a community determine what they may need to do in terms of updating or replacing the resolution or ordinance creating their planning commission and updating or repla

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  Check List #1C: Summary of changes between old Planning Acts and Michigan Planning Enabling Act

  Published on May 31, 2016
  This document summarizes the changes between Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 and the three former planning enabling acts

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  Are We Supporting Sprawl? Revisiting the 1998 State Revenue Sharing Formula Changes

  Published on May 31, 2016
  Revisiting the 1998 State Revenue Sharing Formula Changes is an Informing the Debate Urban and Economic Fiscal Concerns series prepared by Michigan State University’s Urban Affairs Programs and the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR).

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  Legacy Costs Facing Michigan Municipalities

  Published on January 26, 2016
  An update to the 2013 Report: Funding the Legacy -- The Cost of Municipal Workers' Retirement Benefits to Michigan Communities.

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  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.

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  Flint Fiscal Playbook: An Assessment of the Emergency Manager Years (2011-2015)

  Published on November 11, 2015
  This case study seeks to understand the economic and fiscal trends that led to state receivership and analyzes the impacts of the emergency manager policy on the city’s fiscal health. It updates trends presented in a previous case study.

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  Knowledgeable Navigation to Avoid the Iceberg: Considerations in Proactively Addressing School District Fiscal Stress in Michigan

  Published on June 20, 2015
  This paper proposes a proactive, evidence-based financial health indicator system that may prevent many school districts from severe fiscal crisis. Fifty-seven Michigan school districts ended 2014 with a deficit or projected deficit.