News

Registration and online course content is now available for the 2024 New Commissioner School

Published on September 17, 2024
New Commissioner School prepares new and veteran county leaders for their role in county government.
MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy names Mark Skidmore interim director

Published on April 4, 2024
Skidmore will serve in this interim role while a nationwide search for a new director is underway.
Economic analysis at the local level

Published on July 14, 2023
Local elected officials, public administrators, and citizens would like data to answer economic questions. Here are some suggested measures that are jurisdiction specific and timely.
City of Hamtramck Short and Long Term Financial Health FY 21-22

Published on June 19, 2023
The city of Hamtramck has faced fiscal challenges and is now stable. The pension liabilities remain its greatest current financial risk. However, this risk will be partially alleviated by the state’s new pension grant program.
But what if a pension fund is overfunded?

Published on March 24, 2023
A lot has been written about pension funds, particularly underfunded pension funds. However, the literature is not as robust about pension funds with too much money.
Challenges facing Michigan local governments

Published on March 16, 2023
Since the late 1990’s Michigan local governments have experienced significant fiscal setbacks in their ability to provide critical public services to the residents of Michigan.
The National Economics of State and Local Governments

Published on February 13, 2023
State and local governments represent an important part of the U.S. economy generating $2.8 trillion of the U.S. GDP which is 12% of the U.S. economy.
City of Saginaw Financial Situation FY 2022

Published on February 3, 2023
The city of Saginaw continues to face a number of economic and financial headwinds in both the short and long-term.
City of Lansing Financial Snapshot FY 2022

Published on February 3, 2023
A major concern for the city, yet to perhaps fully be seen, is the potential long term hybrid work of state employees.
Part 1: Trends in United States Federal Government Spending

Published on February 3, 2023
This is part of a series where the Center will be exploring federal, state and local government in the United States over the past century