Expunging Criminal Records Offers Clear Benefits—But Few People Take Advantage
New research finds that automatic expungement of nonviolent criminal records could be a boon for eligible offenders, but few apply when the process is complicated.
States Revamp Economic Development Incentives
COMMENTARY | Requirements for regular reviews to guide changes to state programs help ensure that they serve intended purposes.
Dangerous Winter Blast Puts Upper Midwest, Great Lakes in Deep Freeze
Polar vortex brings coldest temperatures to many areas in decades.
Detroit Gears Up for Decennial Effort to Avoid Census Undercounting
In a city with a long history of population losses, Mayor Mike Duggan announces the city’s point person to lead community outreach to promote the 2020 count.
Michigan’s New Governor Sends Strong Message to State Employees
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Pennsylvania pension changes … N.Y. gov.’s about-face on marijuana ... San Diego scooter safety ... and Kentucky open-records lawsuits.
A Guarantee of Tuition-Free College Can Have Life-Changing Effects
A mailer sent to low-income students with that promise led to a major jump in enrollment at the University of Michigan, according to a new study.
Detroit’s Long-Term Budget Stability Finds Firmer Fiscal Footing
“Eliminating this debt cliff removes another major roadblock for Detroit’s long-term recovery,” according to Mayor Mike Duggan.
Wisconsin Democrats Mull Litigation After GOP Lame-Duck Session
As Republicans move to preserve their political power in Wisconsin, Michigan and North Carolina despite election losses, many anticipate legal challenges.
Revitalizing Michigan Communities Through Investment Crowdfunding
2018 NAVIGATOR AWARD WINNER: Katharine Czarnecki, Senior Vice President for Community Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
A Thumbs Up and a Thumbs Down for Proposals to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
There’s now a 10th state where weed will be legal. But not an 11th.
Michigan Voters OK Proposal to Overhaul State’s Redistricting Process
Previous GOP-led district-drawing efforts gave Republicans an advantage in congressional and state legislative races.
Marijuana on the Ballot: What States Will Consider in November
Five states have marijuana-related ballot initiatives primed for the general election on Nov. 6.
Michigan Has a Growing Salt-Water Problem
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Lime squeezed out of a Nevada city … more Valley fever cases in California … and a judge says Louisville must release its Amazon HQ2 proposal.
A Grassroots Call to Ban Gerrymandering
Voters Not Politicians gathered an astounding 425,000 signatures in Michigan to secure a spot on the November ballot for a proposed constitutional amendment creating a citizens’ commission for redistricting.
Water Quality Concerns Prompt Shut-Offs for All Detroit Schools
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Another real-life test for quake early-warning tech … Vermont leaders see a hotspot for blockchain … and a not-so-secret “secret” DMV in N.C.
Enhancing Access to Federal Benefits Through State Pilot Projects
The Integrated Benefits Initiative, a partnership between Code for America, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Nava Public Benefit Corporation, is spearheading the effort.
State Official in Mich. Will Face Trial for Involuntary Manslaughter in Flint Deaths
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Trump vs. Portland’s mayor … pathway to six-figure teacher salaries in Texas … and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. scrambles after City Hall fire.
The Policy Trifecta Resilient Communities Are Built On
“To truly be a resilient community you can't just pay attention to one leg of the stool. You really have to look at all three,” according to Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.
Michigan Daycare Center Reports High PFAS in Its Water
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Trial runs for the dreaded L train shutdown in N.Y.C. … job losses in Trump counties … and Maine is not prepared as tick-borne diseases spread north.
Michigan Local Government Officials More Optimistic About State
The Center for Local State and Urban Policy found more local leaders than last year saying they are optimistic Michigan is heading in the right direction.
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