On April 15, 2026, the Ford School's Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) celebrated a quarter century of impact. Approximately 75 current and former CLOSUP directors, staff, students, collaborators, and state legislators gathered in Lansing to mark the milestone.
"CLOSUP was created in the spirit of service," said CLOSUP Director Stephanie Leiser. "For 25 years, we have been finding innovative ways to provide research as public service."
Leiser emphasized why that mission matters now. "It's no secret that we're living in a moment of extreme division, where people don't trust government, they don't trust each other, and they don't trust institutions like the University of Michigan," she said. "We believe this public service mindset and commitment to strengthening democracy at the grassroots, that has been so intentionally cultivated at CLOSUP for 25 years, is the key to meeting the moment."
The anniversary event put a spotlight on CLOSUP's investment in students—creating opportunities for them to engage directly with state and local government and preparing them for careers in public service. Working with students has always been central to CLOSUP's mission, Leiser noted, and "it's more important now than ever."
Current Ford School student research assistants attended, and several presented projects featuring community case studies, explorations of urban–rural differences, and innovations in survey research methods. Student participants included Ava Hoffman (BA '26), Elizabeth Mugo (MPP '26), Veronica Goonan (MPP '26), Annelise Loveless (MPP '26), Ellie Wilson (MPP '27), John Blake (MPP/SEAS '26), and Ann Wilkinson (MPP '26).
Ford School Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes highlighted the role of sustained relationships in creating impact. "CLOSUP represents our ongoing engagement with Michigan's communities and our mission to serve the public good, especially here in our own backyard," she said.
Over the years, CLOSUP has strengthened that engagement through long-standing partnerships with state agencies and organizations including the Citizens Research Council, the Michigan Townships Association, the Michigan Association of Counties, and the Michigan Municipal League—helping inform citizens and policymakers about issues affecting communities statewide.
Related:
- Read about CLOSUP's history in "25 years of CLOSUP."
- View photos and key milestones in CLOSUP history.
