Public Sector
Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing. Bridge will take you beyond the political food fights into the policy decisions that affect everyday life.
Articles
How to solve Michigan’s big problems? Be willing to talk about solutions
Taxes, good government, natural resources, quality of life among the topics discussed at The Center for Michigan/Bridge Magazine’s first Solutions Summit, part of the nonpartisan groups’ 2018 Truth Tour.
Michigan’s infrastructure is in shambles. Answers aren’t easy
The state needs $4 billion in infrastructure fixes. But state, federal and local governments, and private sector, should be involved in a fix.
Michigan’s economy is improving. But suburbs may face next fiscal crisis.
Cities are booming, but problems of unfunded liabilities such as pensions could plague smaller communities.
Pure Michigan faces troubles from climate change to drinking water
Environmental experts weigh in on what the state and communities can do to protect Michigan’s natural resources and prepare for change.
Why don’t Michiganders trust government? Let’s count the ways.
Government records are private. Gerrymandering is common. Dark money is omnipresent. But some say solutions will cause more problems.
Michigan voters may weigh legalizing pot, repealing prevailing wage
Initiatives to repeal Michigan’s prevailing wage law and to legalize recreational marijuana may be on the ballot in November. Those backing and opposing each issue defend their sides.
Michigan governor candidates release tax returns, other assets
Bridge Magazine requested financial data from 19 candidates for governor to shed light on potential conflicts of interest. Here’s a rundown of who responded, and who didn’t.
Which Michigan governor candidates gave financial info
Bridge Magazine asked the 19 candidates for Michigan governor for tax returns and other financial details. Here’s a checklist noting who replied, and who did not.
As hacking fears mount, Michigan election security gets middling marks
Good news: Michigan has new voting equipment. Bad news: No system is secure, and state procedures make it harder to catch tampering.
Michigan’s 2018 infrastructure report card: D+
The state earns a near-failing grade for its roads, water and other infrastructure from civil engineers, with virtually no improvement since 2009.
Where they stand: Michigan governor candidates’ infrastructure policies
From roads to drinking water, Michigan doesn’t spend enough money on upkeep. What would candidates to succeed Rick Snyder do to make long-term fixes, and how would they pay for it?
Where Michigan governor candidates stand on ‘red flag’ gun bills
Bridge asked Michigan candidates for governor if they support “red flag” legislation, that would allow police to seize firearms from ag person deemed dangerous before they commit violence.
Will Florida school shooting nudge Michigan to pass ‘red flag’ gun laws?
A Republican committee chair promises to give a good look to stalled bills to allow relatives and police to petition courts to temporarily remove guns from those who pose risks.
Chaos in Traverse City, as county government wrestles with pension debt
Grand Traverse County is searching for its fourth administrator in three years as county workers go to war over benefit cuts. Could the political upheaval be a bellwether for other distressed communities?
Michigan cities and counties haunted by retiree liabilities
While the political chaos playing out in Grand Traverse County is bizarre, it’s a harbinger of local troubles throughout the state.
Search Michigan counties for the biggest budget shortfalls
Using new state data, Bridge ranks each of Michigan’s 83 counties on how they are handling retiree debt, taxes and revenue.
Want info on Michigan governments? Get out your wallet and prepare to wait
Michigan’s open records laws remain more barrier than gateway. Government officials, though, say they’re besieged by requests.
Map: Use this tool to get information from Michigan governments
Interactive map allows residents to file electronic Freedom of Information Act requests in southeast Michigan
Five tips on getting info from Michigan governments without going broke
Filing a FOIA is often an exercise in frustration in Michigan. Here’s some tips on making the process somewhat less painful.
Want to fill out a FOIA in Michigan? Here’s a sample request form
Use this form to make your life slightly easier when filing a Freedom of Information Act request in Michigan.