Case Studies

This case study provides an in-depth analysis of the fiscal health and economic condition of Lake County, a rural Michigan community with a tourism-based economy. The county government’s fiscal position is stable in the short term, characterized by s...

This case study examines Idlewild, Michigan, a community of profound historic significance actively working to secure a sustainable future. The analysis finds that the path to economic revitalization hinges on navigating the complex challenges of for...

This case study investigates how capacity building can influence the fiscal health of small municipalities, focusing on the experience of Evart, Michigan. Evart faces challenges common to many rural communities, including limited financial resources,...

This case study examines the fiscal health of Ogemaw County, Michigan, a mostly rural county in the northeast lower peninsula of Michigan, using data from the County’s annual audited financial reports. We find that while Ogemaw County has struggled w...

This case study examines the fiscal health of Pine River Township, Michigan, a mostly rural community in central Michigan, using data from the Township’s audited financial reports. We find that Pine River Township has a sizable and growing General Fu...

This case study takes an in-depth look at the fiscal health stress of two tourist cities (City X and City Y) using a wide range of financial and demographic factors as well as findings from the Michigan Public Policy Survey. This case study highlight...

In this case study, we analyze the financial health and Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS) responses for two municipalities in Michigan: Cities X and Y. Although both municipalities experienced industrial decline throughout the late 20th century, C...

This case study compares two municipalities (Counties X & Y) with similar demographic characteristics and economic growth trajectories across objective and subjective indicators of fiscal health. After studying the financials of Counties X and Y, we ...