Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS)

One way of thinking about the proper role for citizen engagement in local policymaking is along a spectrum from low engagement to high engagement. At the low end, citizen engagement would focus just on keeping citizens informed about issues. At the high end, citizens would actually make decisions for the jurisdiction. While it might differ depending on the issue, in general, what do you think the majority of your jurisdiction’s citizens believe is the proper role for citizen engagement in local governance?

One way of thinking about the proper role for citizen engagement in local policymaking is along a spectrum from low engagement to high engagement. At the low end, citizen engagement would focus just on keeping citizens informed about issues. At the high end, citizens would actually make decisions for the jurisdiction. While it might differ depending on the issue, in general, what do you personally believe is the proper role for citizen engagement in local governance?

Now thinking about particularly controversial issues, who do you think should have the final say on the most controversial issues in your jurisdiction?

During the next twelve months, do you think your community will have good times financially, or bad times?

Thinking about the financial needs of your jurisdiction, would you say that your unit of government is less able or better able to meet its financial needs in this fiscal year compared to the last fiscal year?

Thinking about the financial needs of your jurisdiction, would you say that your unit of government is less able or better able to meet its financial needs in the next fiscal year compared to this fiscal year?

Has there been a decrease, an increase, or no change from the previous fiscal year in revenue from property taxes for your jurisdiction?

Has there been a decrease, an increase, or no change from the previous fiscal year in revenue from fees for services, licenses, transfers, etc. for your jurisdiction?

How much of the time do you think you can trust the federal government in Washington to do what is right?

Aside from any standard property tax exemptions for residents below the poverty level, does your jurisdiction currently have any formal local programs or policies of its own to address poverty or economic hardship in the community?

Whether or not your jurisdiction has resources or authority to implement a particular policy, which of the following, if any, have been topics of discussion within your jurisdiction’s government — including at Board/Council meetings — within the past 12 months? (check all that apply)

h. Drug treatment programs

Thinking about communication between state and local officials specifically regarding State actions affecting your jurisdiction, in a typical 12-month period, how often does a state official contact your jurisdiction?

Thinking about communication between state and local officials specifically regarding State actions affecting your jurisdiction, in a typical 12-month period, how often do you or a representative of your jurisdiction contact state officials?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that state officials should frequently reach out to local officials to get feedback on pending policy changes?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that local officials should try to influence state policy issues affecting local governments?

How much of the time do you think you can trust other local governments to do what is right?

How much of the time do you think you can trust the state government in Lansing to do what is right?

To what extent, if any, does your jurisdiction partner with local groups (e.g., schools, community organizations, churches, nonprofits, etc.) to provide resources or services for low-income residents in your jurisdiction?

How much of the time do you think Michigan’s state officials trust local governments to do what is right?

To what extent, if any, would you say the State’s system of funding the local government has had a positive or negative impact on the relationship between the State and local governments in Michigan?

To what extent, if any, would you say the behavior of local officials (professionalism, ethics, etc.) has had a positive or negative impact on the relationship between the State and local governments in Michigan?

To what extent, if any, would you say the behavior of state officials (professionalism, ethics, etc.) has had a positive or negative impact on the relationship between the State and local governments in Michigan?

To what extent, if any, would you say term limits for state officials have had a positive or negative impact on the relationship between the State and local governments in Michigan?

To what extent, if any, would you say communication between state and local officials has had a positive or negative impact on the relationship between the State and local governments in Michigan?

Thinking about the relationship between the State government and local jurisdictions, overall, to what extent do you agree or disagree that the State unfairly treats some jurisdictions (or types of jurisdictions) better than others?

Thinking about the relationship between the State government and local jurisdictions, overall, to what extent do you agree or disagree that the State’s decision-making is transparent to local officials?

In your opinion, do the majority of your jurisdiction's Board/Council think your jurisdiction currently does too much, about the right amount, or too little to address local poverty or economic hardship?

In your opinion, do the majority of your jurisdiction's residents think your jurisdiction currently does too much, about the right amount, or too little to address local poverty or economic hardship?

In your opinion, do you in your role as a local official think your jurisdiction currently does too much, about the right amount, or too little to address local poverty or economic hardship?

Which of the following best describes your jurisdiction’s approach to allowing medical marijuana facilities in the jurisdiction?