This paper utilizes a case study as a means to yield some insight into the performance of public participation programs and to gain some information for the improvement of future programs. To these ends, an evaluation of the Phase II public participation programs for the Soil and Water Resources...

Intergovernmental cooperation is an important topic in Michigan's current economic climate and has received a lot of treatment by researchers. However, very few studies have been conducted regarding cost sharing agreements made by cooperating groups, especially in the realm of fire service. This...

In the appendix to this paper an overview of Michigan economic incentive legislation is presented (MSU Ag Econ Staff paper No. 79-79). This described Michigan's economic incentive program without conducting an analysis of the consequences of the program. The purpose of the following discussion...

Economic planning is undertaken in the belief that development can be brought about or accelerated by government intervention. Referring to the countries of South Asia, Myrdal points out that these countries have long remained in a state of relative stagnation, and that "a strong impetus is...

Rapid population growth challenges the ability of local government to keep pace with increasing and changing demand for public services. These challenges may be physical or organizational in nature. Physical challenges arise from the need to upgrade public infrastructure such as water and sewer...

This report discusses the issues of municipal and school district reorganization. For over 100 years, since the so-called progressive era in American history, the issue of local government and school organization has been an important policy debate for policymakers. Over time, local governments...

Recent introduction of HB 4780 and its companion pieces of legislation (HB 4781-4788) has raised a number of questions about the appropriate level of government to deliver services to Michigan residents. Essentially, under provisions contained in the bill, elections, tax collections, and...

Benefit-Cost Analysis involves several steps: development of a program information structure (product categories), estimating the production function, pricing benefits and costs, adjusting for opportunity costs, choice of investment criteria, and incorporating uncertainty. Each step involves...