How We Help Communities

The MSU Extension Center for Local Government, Finance and Policy is committed to helping communities thrive, including entering into consulting partnerships, offering expertise or becoming a member of a municipal finance team. Visit the Our Services page to learn more about how the Center can help your community.

Here is a snapshot of how Center staff have helped several Michigan communities in need.

Detroit

Center staff have partnered with the City of Detroit since 2011 on revenue analysis, revenue forecasting and internships in the finance department. Center staff have also provided a source of public information and analysis about the city of Detroit bankruptcy.

Flint

The City of Flint has had a long-term relationship with Center staff via revenue and financial analysis, strategic planning, performance measurement and general support to Flint City Council and the mayor’s office in partnership with the C.S. Mott Foundation.

Cass County

Cass County has recently partnered with the Center on conducting a strategic planning exercise and budget training for county commissioners and other county elected officials.

Lansing

The Center serves on the staff for the City of Lansing Financial Health Team.  This work has included financial analysis, pension and OPEB analysis, budget training and management and assistance to both the mayor’s office and city council.

Muskegon and Livingston counties

In the last few years, both Muskegon County and Livingston County have worked with center staff on strategic planning, budget training and performance measurement projects.

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