local government

The proportion of Michigan's local officials who trust residents to participate in government responsibly has dropped. But those officials still say they have a well-functioning local democracy.

First, more on a town hall addressing the neo-Nazi content made by a Maple Valley township treasurer's husband. Then, two specialists weighed in on the support needs of families who have suffered pregnancy or infant loss.

A judge has ordered Peninsula Township to pay $50 million to the region's 11 wineries, saying the township's business restrictions were unconstitutional.

M.L. Elrick has spent decades covering local governments in southeast Michigan in the muckraking tradition. He joined Stateside to discuss recent investigations and why local investigations are so important.

Michigan is distributing funds from its 10% adult-use marijuana excise tax, totaling over $331 million, to municipalities, counties, and tribes.

A challenge in court and a planned ballot initiative in 2026 aim to remove the authority given to the Michigan Public Service Commission. The law just went into effect.

Dozens of Michigan municipalities are fighting a state order that lays out how large renewable energy projects could move forward, even if local governments reject them.

Ottawa County Administrator John Gibbs’ lawyer sent a letter to the county's board chair threatening legal action if the board removed Gibbs from his post.

A survey finds links between low wages and low recruitment and retention rates, and indicates harassment of public employees is a growing concern.

A newly elected board of county commissioners in Ottawa County has led to a cascade of changes in the local governance. Not everyone is happy about it.