Thomas M. Ivacko

Local Leaderss Views on Elections in Michigan: Accuracy, Problems, and Reform Options

This report presents the opinions of Michigan’s local government leaders on issues related to election administration in their jurisdictions, including problems encountered, worker recruitment and training, updating voting equipment, and potential reforms. These findings are based on statewide surveys of local government leaders in the Spring 2017 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).

Michigan Local Governments Increasingly Pursue Placemaking for Economic Development

This report presents Michigan local government leaders’ opinions regarding the community and economic development strategy known as placemaking, and its use by Michigan jurisdictions. By engaging in placemaking, policymakers attempt to capitalize on local assets in order to create appealing and unique places where people want to live, work, and play. When used for economic development, placemaking seeks to help a community attract and retain talented workers and the businesses that seek them. The findings in this report are based on statewide surveys of local government leaders in the Spring 2013 and Spring 2009 waves of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).

Trust in Government Among Michigan's Local Leaders and Citizens

This report presents the opinions of Michigan’s local government leaders regarding their trust in the federal, state, and other local governments, based on statewide surveys conducted in the Spring 2013 and Spring 2009 waves of the Michigan Public Policy Survey. The report also includes comparisons to Michigan citizens’ trust in government, based on Michigan State University’s Winter 2013 State of the State Survey.

Local Government Leaders Say Economic Gardening Can Help Grow Their Economies

Economic gardening is a new economic development strategy used to grow local economies by cultivating existing businesses, rather than, or in addition to, hunting for new businesses to relocate from the outside. This report presents findings about economic gardening and related activities in communities across Michigan, as well as the opinions of Michigan’s local government leaders about whether or not the strategy can succeed in their communities. The report is based on statewide surveys of local government officials conducted in the Spring 2010 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).