Michigan has more local governments and puts more tasks on them than most other states. Other states have shrunk government, but Michigan law makes mergers or dissolving extremely difficult.
Other states shrink local governments. Michigan law preserves archaic ‘mess’
Posted inMichigan Government
Facing money woes, Michigan villages mull extreme solutions: ceasing to exist
Michigan has 252 villages. Some are older than the state and want to disband. Experts say that should set off alarms in Lansing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan counties, towns spend $30B a year. Could collaboration get more done?
Governors have repeatedly called on, cajoled and enticed Michigan’s 1,856 local governments to work better together. Locals say they already are, but experts say more could be done.
Posted inMichigan Government
Rural Michigan in crisis: Too many governments that too few want to lead
Many of Michigan’s nearly 1,500 townships and villages are run by part-time retirees in their 80s who are begging for help. The system is frayed and, without reform, communities could falter. Lansing isn’t coming to rescue.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan prisons paid millions over inmate deaths, disability discrimination
The Michigan Department of Corrections paid nearly $7 million to resolve 161 lawsuits and legal claims during fiscal year 2024-25, more than doubling its legal costs from the previous year despite fewer cases.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge Michigan News Quiz, Aug. 7: Post-election trivia
The elections are over. Did you pay attention to the news that really mattered?
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As Michigan ages, are we overlooking a critical type of caregiver – the friend?
Friends may not see themselves as caregivers, yet when they help with activities of daily living, they are crucial to a person’s independence and longevity. That, in turn, can save tax dollars by curbing the odds at nursing home care.
Posted inMichigan Government
Progressives won big Michigan primaries. Now comes the hard part
Abdul El-Sayed headlined a banner day for Michigan progressives. But experts say their primary wins could complicate the general election for Democrats.
Posted inMichigan Government
Jocelyn Benson, John James race may be eclipsed by interest in Senate campaign
Jocelyn Benson and John James will be atop the ballot in November, but their race could be overshadowed by the US Senate contest between Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers.
Posted inElection 2026, Michigan Government
Donavan McKinney ousts Shri Thanedar, vows to deliver for working people
McKinney says his top priorities are universal child care, Medicare for All, and getting corporate money out of politics.
