Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS)

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?

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 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 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 rising costs to provide services are as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

To what extent would you support or oppose changing the Emergency Manager Law by making other changes?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that most citizens aren't willing to take the time to become well-informed on issues facing the jurisdiction?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that citizens in your jurisdiction want access to information about the government's finances and operations?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that most citizens you hear from are more interested in complaining than in finding solutions?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that some of your best engagement with citizens happens informally around the community (such as at the grocery store or in a restaurant, etc.)?

To what extent do you agree or disagree that you make opportunities for engagement available, but your citizens rarely take advantage of them?

To what extent do you feel your jurisdiction offers opportunities to citizens for engagement with your jurisdiction in its policymaking and/or operations?

How would you describe current levels of citizen engagement with your jurisdiction? Overall, would you say citizens in your jurisdiction are…

Some believe that more proactive monitoring of local government finances by the State could help avoid local fiscal emergencies through earlier detection and intervention. Others believe this may be unnecessary or even counterproductive. To what extent would you support or oppose more proactive State monitoring of finances for all local governments 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?

To what extent would you support or oppose changing the Emergency Manager Law by adding state-level ombudsperson oversight for citizens and local officials to appeal any Emergency Manager decision?

To what extent would you support or oppose changing the Emergency Manager Law by requiring Emergency Managers to consider citizen input before making decisions?

To what extent would you support or oppose changing the Emergency Manager Law by requiring Emergency Managers to consider local elected official input before making decisions?

To what extent would you support or oppose changing the Emergency Manager Law by requiring Emergency Managers to analyze impact on disadvantaged groups when making decisions?

To what extent would you support or oppose changing the Emergency Manager Law by including provisions for possible new (time limited) local or state revenue options for jurisdictions with Emergency Managers?

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)?

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

In your opinion, how do students in your community compare with others in the state in terms of: Elementary school achievement

For your community, what impact do you believe the following strategies, programs, or laws have had-or would have-on the academic achievement of K-12 students: Another school accountability system (instead of No Child Left Behind)

For your community, what impact do you believe the following strategies, programs, or laws have had-or would have-on the academic achievement of K-12 students: No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

For your community, what impact do you believe the following strategies, programs, or laws have had-or would have-on the academic achievement of K-12 students: Cyberschools or other forms of virtual learning

For your community, what impact do you believe the following strategies, programs, or laws have had-or would have-on the academic achievement of K-12 students: Rigorous teacher evaluation based on student performance

For your community, what impact do you believe the following strategies, programs, or laws have had-or would have-on the academic achievement of K-12 students: The Michigan Merit Curriculum

For your community, what impact do you believe the following strategies, programs, or laws have had-or would have-on the academic achievement of K-12 students: Charter Schools

In your opinion, how do students in your community compare with others in the state in terms of: College enrollment