Michigan has more local governments and puts more tasks on them than most other states. Other states have shrunk government, but Michigan law makes mergers or dissolving extremely difficult.
Rural Michigan
Posted inMichigan Government
Facing money woes, Michigan villages mull extreme solutions: ceasing to exist
Michigan has 252 villages. Some are older than the state and want to disband. Experts say that should set off alarms in Lansing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Rural Michigan in crisis: Too many governments that too few want to lead
Many of Michigan’s nearly 1,500 townships and villages are run by part-time retirees in their 80s who are begging for help. The system is frayed and, without reform, communities could falter. Lansing isn’t coming to rescue.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Massive data center wins local tax break — but 9 times smaller than requested
‘The Barn’ asked Saline Township for a $147M tax break, after boosting the data center’s value by 9 times from the original request. The township OK’d a cut — but dialed back the amount.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan bill legalizing backyard deer feeding passes, but bans could remain
Deer baiting and feeding has been banned in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula since 2018 to prevent disease spread. A new bill aims to change that, but even if it’s signed by the governor, feeding deer may not be allowed everywhere.
Posted inBusiness Watch
As data centers grow in Michigan, officials ask: How many tax breaks are enough?
Local tax abatements were created for manufacturers that create tons of jobs. As Saline Township is set to approve a local break worth $147 million a year, some ask if local breaks are appropriate for data centers.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan cherry growers brace for small harvest. Some cancel U-Pick
Spring frosts meant summer troubles for Michigan cherry farmers, who are lowering expectations and offerings.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan would allow hunters to kill ‘bonus’ buck under proposed pilot program
Deer hunters who go out in the Lower Peninsula during the 2027 season will be limited to ‘one buck,’ but if the earn-a-second-buck program is implemented, they could potentially kill an additional antlered deer.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Sturgis closure may be ‘first of more’ for Michigan rural hospitals
After more than 100 years, Michigan’s only federally recognized rural emergency hospital closed its doors citing ‘years of ongoing financial challenges.’ Experts say more could follow given the current health care landscape.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | ‘Save Our Bacon Act’ would hurt Michigan’s farmers, rural communities
Congress should respect state authority, uphold voter-approved laws and support a food system that rewards innovation, responsibility and consumer trust rather than weakening those values.