Nobody is immune to COVID-19, and we cannot afford to go backward.

• Physical distancing is a proven way to slow the spread of illnesses.
• It is an action that has been used throughout history when treatments and vaccines were not available.
• It’s simple. Whether you are at the beach, a neighborhood park, in a meeting or at a store, stay at least six feet away from one another.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• That also means stay home if you are sick and get tested.

View all Coronavirus-related Executive Orders and Directives here.

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The Michigan State University Extension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE), both in East Lansing, are partnering with finance experts from around the state to produce fiscal strategy memos and guides to assist local governments in navigating the new environment produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first resource memos cover topics such as budget strategies using federal CARES Act funds, strategies for short- and long-term fiscal sustainability, strategies for managing operating expenses and spending cuts, and the potential effects on property taxes.

Stephanie Leiser; Ford School Lecturer in Public Policy

“This crisis, combined with the ongoing municipal funding challenges in Michigan, will require an even greater effort on behalf of local officials and administrators to quickly assess resources, respond to changing policies and legislation, and develop the tools and insights to maintain sustainable operations and budgets,” says Stephanie Leiser, leader of CLOSUP’s Local Fiscal Health project.

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Friday, May 22, 2020

Via Zoom
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Public Engagement Artice and Video Here

The coronavirus pandemic creates a set of complex, unanticipated challenges for businesses and organizations. The Wolverine Caucus will feature Dr. Scott Page and his partnership with the MI Economic Growth Institute working to assist with planning a safe reopening for businesses, municipalities and other organizations. Dr. Page’s guidelines are intended for both leaders and teams in structuring work flow to reduce physical contacts, and for team members wanting to create work lives that maintain a shared sense of mission in spite of limitations or prohibitions on physical connections. Bruce Barron will provide his experiences and how his company is utilizing UM resources to ensure Barron Industries Inc. has a public health informed re-opening.

Dr. Page’s guidelines are intended for both leaders and teams in structuring work flow to reduce physical contacts, and for team members wanting to create work lives that maintain a shared sense of mission in spite of limitations or prohibitions on physical connections.

Dr. Scott Page,
John Seely Brown Distinguished University Professor of Complexity, Social Science, and Management

Scott Page is the John Seely Brown Distinguished University Professor of Complexity, Social Science, and Management at the University of Michigan. He is also the Williamson family Professor of Business Administration, professor of management and organizations, Stephen M. Ross School of Business; professor of political science, professor of complex systems, and professor of economics, LSA.

Scott is also an external faculty member of the Santa Fe Institute. In addition to his departmental appointments, Scott holds a faculty associate position at the Institute for Social Research.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Scott is a highly sought after speaker and frequently gives talks on complex systems to non academic audiences on diversity and on complexity and has consulted on projects ranging from the possibility of panic at Y2K and the demand for movies, to the economic impact of the World Cup.

Vikesh Chandrashekar,
Project Manager, Economic Growth Institute

Vikesh Chandrashekar is a Project Manager at the Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan. Under the First Customer Program he supports tech entrepreneurs and start-ups across Michigan by addressing critical gaps in technology commercialization and new-customer acquisition. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters in Industrial and Operations Engineering after completing his B.E in Mechanical Engineering.

Bruce Barron,
President and CEO, Barron Industries Inc.

A 1983 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a BS in Chemistry. Started career with the Stepan Chemical Company in Northfield, IL before joining the family metal casting and machining business, Barron Industries, in Oxford, MI in 1984.

Over 35 years of metalcasting and machining experience in sales, engineering, operations and Senior level management. Former Chairman of the Investment Casting division of the American Foundryman’s society, member of the Investment Casting Institute, Vice-Chair of the Oakland Schools Regional Advisory Committee.

Currently serving on the boards of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan, St Catherine of Siena Academy and past Board Chair of Notre Dame Prep and Marist Academy in Pontiac MI.