Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Michigan Local Financial Emergency Law [Public Act 436 of 2012]

Published on January 30, 2013
When Michigan voters struck down Public Act 4 (commonly known as the "Emergency Manager Law"), the Michigan legislature passed a new law concerning cities and school districts in fiscal crises.
Detroit Consent Agreement and Emergency Manager Laws

Published on August 20, 2012
Detroit Consent Agreement and Emergency Manager Laws
The Suspension of the Emergency Manager Law and its Implications

Published on August 14, 2012
This FAQ document will outline many of the questions, identify some sources of guidance during this period of confusion, and will serve as a platform for better understanding the challenges in addressing local government financial crises.
City of Detroit: City Employment Terms

Published on August 14, 2012
This FAQ outlines the events leading to the CET, discusses the implications, and lays out further questions to consider as the city continues to address its financial crisis.
City of Detroit: FY 2013 Budget

Published on June 12, 2012
This FAQ explores issues related to the City of Detroit's Fiscal Year 2013 budget, including those issues that directly affect residents and taxpayers.
The City of Detroit's New Revenue Forecasting Process and Multi-Year Budget

Published on June 12, 2012
This FAQ outlines the City of Detroit's decision to adopt multi-year budgeting, which also serves as the city's official deficit-elimination plan.
City of Detroit Financial Stability Agreement

Published on May 19, 2012
This FAQ outlines the Detroit Consent Agreement including what a consent agreement is, Public Act 4, the Financial Advisory Board, the revenue conference, and compares Detroit’s with New York City and Philadelphia.
A Proposed City of Detroit Consent Agreement and Public Act 4 of 2011

Published on May 19, 2012
This FAQ was developed before the official Detroit Consent Agreement was drafted. It deals with legality issues surrounding Public Act 4, which gave the state authority to conduct a financial review of the City of Detroit's finances.
Chapter 9: Municipal Bankruptcy

Published on May 9, 2012
Introduction to Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy, including eligibility, requirements, creditor negotiation tests, the plan of adjustment, Chapter 9 vs. Chapter 11 and the advantages and disadvantages of filing for Chapter 9.
The Lansing-East Lansing Metro Region Fiscal Scorecard

Published on May 9, 2012
This report analyzes the efficiency of the local governments in the Lansing-East Lansing metro region by comparing them to the governments in other similar metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) throughout the United States.