Local government

News

Youth Policy Lab fellowships bridge public policy and academic research

Mar 5, 2024

Since 2019, the Youth Policy Lab has partnered with the State of Michigan and with local school districts to place early-career professionals in government agencies to make specific, measurable improvements in policies and programs that impact...

News

Students research AI and surveillance regulation for pending Michigan legislation

Nov 30, 2023

This fall, Michigan State Representative Dylan Wegela tasked a group of Ford School students to research the implications of artificial intelligence and surveillance in the workplace. Their project is part of a 2-credit experiential learning...

In the Media

Ivacko reveals factors behind threats to local officials

Mar 24, 2023 Wisconsin Public Radio

Tom Ivacko, Wisconsin Public Radio: "There's been a very concerted, ongoing effort with very strong media behind it to convince people that there are enemies in the public sector, undercutting their own democracy and working against the interests of...

Publication

Bednar emphasizes importance of community, dignity, sustainability and beauty in policymaking

Mar 16, 2023

Human well-being is often measured by economic prosperity metrics, like GDP and poverty rates. In a new article in Daedalus, “Governance for Human Social Flourishing,” Jenna Bednar argues that the framing needs to be expanded beyond purely financial...

News

Michigan local government officials: public employee workforce wages increasing, room for improvement

Jan 24, 2023

Michigan’s local governments report a long trend of increasing employee pay, but a third of local leaders say wages are still too low. The issue is relevant for their finances as 92% of Michigan local governments report having some type of paid...

State & Hill

Think local: CLOSUP checks in with local government officials

Dec 19, 2022

Democracy in the United States and across the globe has been in decline for years, as documented with rigorous tracking methodologies. Freedom House has tracked declines in civil liberties and political rights in the U.S., for example. And the...

Photo of a stone building with a large "City Hall" sign

News

Ivacko provides advice to local officials worried about election tampering

Oct 9, 2022 Michigan Advance

With less than a month until the 2022 election, local officials are worried about election fraud conspiracists sabotaging the election. Tom Ivacko, executive director of the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, gave advice to concerned...

In the Media

Leiser and Ivacko opinion: The new COVID relief bill can be a rebirth for Michigan communities

Mar 10, 2021 Bridge Michigan

In a Bridge Michigan op-ed, Leiser and Ivacko call for COVID relief to foster greater cooperation, trust in government built at the local level. "Across the country, nearly three quarters of U.S. adults say they have a "great deal" or a "fair...

Publication

Policy memo: Leiser and Ivacko on "State and local governments as partners in our national recovery"

Jan 25, 2021

As the Biden administration embarks on its first hundred days, experts from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy have produced a series of policy briefs on key issues. Download the PDF of this brief or read the web-formatted version...

In the Media

Green: City governments more skeptical of tech tool promises

Sep 21, 2020 Wired

“People in city government are much less wowed by the promises of shiny tech tools than they used to be,” says Ben Green. He attributes that to growing distrust of large tech companies, and smart city projects that have underwhelmed or imploded,...

News

As COVID-19 Fiscal Strategy and Resource Guides expand, Ford School research centers launch a new program to support local governments and nonprofits

Jun 11, 2020

The guides have been helping local governments through the impacts COVID-19 will have on budgets and operations. The new COVID-19 Consulting Corps will provide individualized research and data support. Ann Arbor, MI, June 11, 2020 – The...

Arab American Perspectives in Public Policy

Apr 6, 2023, 11:30 am-12:50 pm EDT

Join P3E for a virtual panel discussion with policy experts that explores perspectives on Arab American issues and whether current policies and legislation meet the needs of Michigan’s Arab American population.

Arab American Perspectives in Public Policy Speakers

Women Leading Local Government: An interactive seminar presented by the Michigan Municipal League’s 16/50 Project

Mar 27, 2023, 11:30 am-12:50 pm EDT

Women make up over 50% of the state’s population, but just 16% of Michigan’s local chief administrative officers. The Michigan Municipal League’s 16/50 Project is transforming this leadership gap – getting more women seated in the municipal top spot in Michigan communities.

Cities on the front line: Urban approaches to national issues

Sep 12, 2022, 4:00-5:00 pm EDT

This event brings together mayors from cities across the states of the Big Ten in a discussion about how leadership at the city level shapes our national approaches to some of the most pressing issues of the day.

Geometric shapes over navy background with event title

Women Leading Local Government: An interactive seminar presented by the Michigan Municipal League’s 16/50 Project

Mar 29, 2022, 11:30 am-12:50 pm EDT

Join the Michigan Municipal League’s 16/50 Project for an interactive panel experience to meet the force of women leading communities in Michigan, engage with local government challenges, and learn more about the municipal management profession.

Public service through serving on boards and commissions

Mar 23, 2022, 11:30 am-12:50 pm EDT

This event will explore how individuals can impact public policy by being appointed to advisory boards and commissions specifically focusing on Ann Arbor as an example.