Michigan Public Policy Survey Questions and Data Tables

How do you generally think authority should be divided between the state and local levels of government in how local governments conduct business (e.g., open meetings, public notices)?

Now, how would you describe the overall relationship between the State government and your jurisdiction in particular?

Now, how would you describe the overall relationship between the State government and other local jurisdictions overall?

While any particular jurisdiction in fiscal distress faces unique challenges, in general, how important—if at all—do you think population loss is as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

While any particular jurisdiction in fiscal distress faces unique challenges, in general, how important—if at all—do you think economic decline is as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

While any particular jurisdiction in fiscal distress faces unique challenges, in general, how important—if at all—do you think rising costs to provide services are as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

While any particular jurisdiction in fiscal distress faces unique challenges, in general, how important—if at all—do you think citizen opposition to millage or other revenue increases is as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

While any particular jurisdiction in fiscal distress faces unique challenges, in general, how important—if at all—do you think State decisions affecting local government (e.g., revenue sharing, Headlee / Proposal A, local revenue options, unfunded mandates, etc.) are as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

While any particular jurisdiction in fiscal distress faces unique challenges, in general, how important—if at all—do you think local government corruption and/or mismanagement is as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

While any particular jurisdiction in fiscal distress faces unique challenges, in general, how important—if at all—do you think local government decisions to provide generous retiree pensions/benefits and/or decisions to underfund retiree obligations are as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

To what extent do you support or oppose allowing local units in a financial emergency the choice between a consent agreement, Emergency Manager, mediation (e.g., with creditors), or bankruptcy proceedings?

To what extent do you support or oppose allowing an Emergency Manager to reject, modify, or terminate collective bargaining agreements?

To what extent do you support or oppose allowing an Emergency Manager to set aside decision-making powers of local elected officials?

To what extent do you support or oppose allowing an Emergency Manager to recommend (with approval of the State) the sale, transfer, or lease of the local jurisdiction's assets?

To what extent do you support or oppose allowing a State-appointed advisory board to have ongoing oversight powers after the Emergency Manager leaves?

Thinking overall about local governments that have faced—or will face—a financial emergency, how effective or ineffective do you believe the Emergency Manager Law has been, or will be, at restoring fiscal health in the short-term (i.e., balancing the books)?

Now, still thinking overall about local governments that have faced—or will face—a financial emergency, how effective or ineffective do you believe the Law will be at establishing sustainable financial conditions for the long-term?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Emergency Manager Law is undemocratic?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Emergency Manager Law helps difficult decisions to be made because the Emergency Manager is an "outsider"?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Emergency Manager Law is racially discriminatory (by design, or as implemented)?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Emergency Manager Law pays insufficient attention to the underlying structural problems leading to local fiscal stress?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Emergency Manager Law serves the interests of local residents by improving their jurisdiction’s fiscal sustainability?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Emergency Manager Law leads to an overemphasis on cost-cutting at the expense of service quality, public health and safety, or other important considerations?

Thinking overall, to what extent do you support or oppose the Emergency Manager Law?

To what extent would you support or oppose changing the Emergency Manager Law by requiring Emergency Managers to plan for improving factors beyond just finances (e.g., service delivery, infrastructure, quality of life)?