Local democracy is holding strong, but rural communities are falling behind, new survey of Michigan officials shows

By: Stephanie Leiser, University of Michigan, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 19, 2025

Words: 1,012

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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By Stephanie Leiser, University of Michigan

According to our recent survey of officials in Michigan communities, local democracy is humming along and city hall is taking care of business.

The federal government was shut down in October and November 2025, but cities and towns around the United States continued to fill potholes, purify drinking water, respond to emergency calls and issue construction permits, mostly with little fanfare.

But Michiganders should not …

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