Exploring Internal Capacity Building Strategies in Small Municipalities: A Case Study of Evart, Michigan
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, a small administrative staff, and an aging infrastructure system. While state-level training programs exist to support municipal leadership, they are often cost-prohibitive and not designed for communities with small populations. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study draws on local financial data and stakeholder interviews to understand the city’s fiscal condition, its challenges related to training and administrative capacity, and its attempts to identify realistic, targeted strategies for improving capacity and long-term sustainability. Through internal training, interdepartmental collaboration, and a focus on community trust, Evart offers a model of proactive governance in a small-town context.