CLOSUP Lecture Series

Marijuana Policy in the U.S.: From the War on Drugs to Rapid Reform

Sep 26, 2016, 4:00-5:30 pm EDT
Weill Hall, Betty Ford Classroom (1110)
In a new book, Marijuana: A Short History, the Brookings Institution’s John Hudak profiles how policy has evolved; how factors like economics, racism, politics, and public opinion have shaped policy, and what the future of marijuana policy may hold.
CLOSUP Lecture Series

Michigan’s Municipal Water Infrastructure: Policy Choices and Issues Conference

Mar 22, 2016, 8:30 am-12:00 pm EDT
Lansing Convention Center
The “Michigan’s Municipal Water Infrastructure: Policy Choices and Issues” conference is being sponsored by a consortium of universities across the state, with the hope of bringing a voice of academic research and analysis to the topic of municipal water policy in the state (particularly relevant in the face of the crisis in Flint). Faculty will present on a range of issues: from water supply engineering issues to municipal funding needs to health and environmental impacts to state and federal regulation.For more information and to register, please visit http://events.anr.msu.edu/MMWI/  This conference is free, however space is limited so please register early to secure your spot.
Ford School

Community Conversation - restoring public trust in state government

Mar 30, 2016, 4:00-5:30 pm EDT
Weill Hall, Annenberg Auditorium (1120)
Join us for a Community Conversation about Restoring Public Trust in Michigan's State Government. Topics will include state government services, management of the public purse, and oversight of Michigan's political system.  We invite you to share thoughts, insights, and ideas! 
Ford School
CLOSUP Lecture Series

Child care policy and advocacy in federal states: Ontario and Michigan in comparison

Mar 14, 2016, 11:30 am-1:00 pm EDT
Weill Hall, David G. and Judith C. Frey Classroom (1210)
Universal child care has been a longstanding goal of child care advocates in both Canada and the United States since the 1960s, yet in 2016 that goal remains stubbornly elusive in both federations despite decades of activism. Responsibility for child care delivery has been shared in both countries between federal, “meso” (provincial/state), and local governments with more of that responsibility being downloaded to the state/provincial level since the 1990s. Dr. Collier will present two meso level cases (Ontario and Michigan) to understand how child care advocates have navigated these decentralized landscapes. What factors explain successful policy outcomes and what barriers persist? Are universal programs and longer term social justice advocacy claims viable in decentralized federations?  View the poster.
Ford School
CLOSUP Lecture Series

Philanthropic Foundations and the Grand Bargain in Detroit

Mar 17, 2016, 10:00-11:30 am EDT
Weill Hall, Betty Ford Classroom (1110)
Mariam Noland has been widely recognized as the "hero of the Grand Bargain," the landmark effort to save Detroit from bankruptcy. She was a central figure in organizing a collaborative of foundations to donate $816 million to bail out Detroit's pension system and protect the Detroit Art Institute's art from being sold, and will help oversee the Foundation for Detroit's Future, which was established to oversee Grand Bargain funds, for the next 20 years. Ms. Noland will engage in conversation with Megan Tompkins-Stange, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, about her experience as a foundation professional, her views about the role of philanthropy in providing for public needs, and how community foundations act as agents of social change. 
Ford School

Cheap and Clean: How Americans Think About Energy in the Age of Global Warming

Nov 23, 2015, 11:30 am-1:00 pm EST
Weill Hall, Annenberg Auditorium
How do Americans think about energy? Is the debate over fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable energy highly partisan and ideological? Are people’s preferences for different energy sources idiosyncratic, or is there a common pattern that explains how people view energy across sources? How much does concern about climate change weigh on these opinions? 
Ford School
CLOSUP Lecture Series

What the best-dressed ideas wear to Lansing’s policy Oscars: If the State of the State is Lansing’s policy Oscars, where does an idea go to rent a tux?

Jan 25, 2016, 11:30 am-1:00 pm EST
Weill Hall, Betty Ford Classroom (1110)
On January 19th, Governor Snyder delivers his 6th State of the State address. And, for lawmakers, lobbyists, and interest groups, the annual speech is the opportunity to create a red carpet moment for their policy goals. So, what does it take to get there? It's Just Politics co-hosts Zoe Clark (of Michigan Radio) and Rick Pluta (of the Michigan Public Radio Network) will talk about the marketing, the relationship-building, the polling, and the background research that’s needed to push some issues past the competing interests to get that rare, valuable mention as the governor sets his agenda for the year.