The primary mission of the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) is to conduct, support and foster applied academic research that informs local, state, and urban policy issues.

The Center is housed within the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, where it helps scholars conduct policy-relevant social science research. CLOSUP functions as an information resource for policymakers and practitioners, academics, students, the media, and the public. The Center works to foster effective communication between academic researchers and the policymakers dealing with today's state, local, and urban policy problems. A second important goal of the Center is to facilitate student learning of and student engagement with the critical local, state, and urban policy issues of the day.

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New Publications

Michigan Research Briefs: A Series on Key Policy Issues

Michigan Research Briefs: Regulation of the Individual Health Insurance Market.

CLOSUP has released the second report in its publication series Michigan Research Briefs: a Series on Key Policy Issues. The briefs provide readers with concise descriptions and nonpartisan analyses of key policy topics facing Michigan today. This second brief examines potential reform of the individual health insurance market in Michigan. Attention is paid to how policy changes would affect both insurers and Michigan residents.

Download the brief.

See other policy reports and briefs.

 

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New Research Projects

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• The Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS): In partnership with the Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Townships Association, CLOSUP has launched a new survey research program focused on local government officials throughout the state of Michigan. MPPS is designed to track fundamental policy issues over time and to delve deeply into important topical issues. More information.
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• Evaluation of Teacher Effectiveness. An evaluation project regarding teacher effectiveness in the public school system of a large southern U.S. city. More information.
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• A Program Evaluation of Operation ABC. CLOSUP is working with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to conduct a program evaluation to determine the effectiveness of Operation ABC in terms of improving reading skills and achievement for struggling readers in kindergarten through second grade in a number of schools in the Detroit Metro region. More information

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Watch Recent Events

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• EPI Seminar: 4/1/2009: “Schooling in Developing Countries: the Roles of Supply, Demand, and Government Policy.”
  Watch video.
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• Panel Discussion: 3/16/2009: “Rightsizing Michigan's Prison Population: Policy-driven Expansion and Reduction in an Era of Mass Incarceration.” Watch video.
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• Panel Discussion: 2/9/2009: “Michigan's Economy in 2009 and Beyond.” Watch video.
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• EPI Seminar: 1/26/2009: “A Pathway to Common Education Standards.” Roy Romer. Watch video.
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• EPI Seminar: 11/19/2008: “Improving Impacts of Classrooms: Professional Development and Classroom Observation.” Robert Pianta. Watch video.

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phone: 734-647-4091   |

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