Citizens Research Council of Michigan

10/30/2026

💲💲💲 It's a good time to repost this too -- if you haven't voted yet, here is everything you need to know before voting on Proposal 2 -- Mop Up Michigan (or Money Out of Politics). 💲💲💲

Independent, nonpartisan, no bias.

10/30/2026

If you haven't voted yet, you can find everything you need to know about Proposal 1 -- should Michigan hold a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) -- right here: papers, a summary, webinar and even a podcast series: https://crcmich.org/publications/2026con-con-2

At the November 3, 2026, general election, Proposal 2026-01 will ask voters whether a constitutional convention should be convened for the purpose of a general revision of the 1963 Michigan Constitution. Approval of this question would trigger subsequent election of delegates, their convening in Oct...

10/30/2026

A great podcast review of what's at stake with a "yes" vote on Proposal 1! Click to listen if you have any questions before voting on Prop. 1 - whether Michigan should hold a Con-Con. 🗳️

We analyzed each of the 12 articles of Michigan's Constitution and assessed what could, should, or likely would change if voters call for a Constitutional Convention. You can find the series, including a summary, here: https://crcmich.org/publications/2026con-con-2

In a timely new episode of Mi Business Matters, Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Holcomb sits down with our own Wendy Block, Doug Pratt of the Michigan Education Association and Eric Lupher of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.

The big questions: Together, they unpack how a constitutional convention would work, what could be at stake and why organizations with different priorities are raising similar concerns.

The bottom line: Proposal 1 appears on the November general election ballot. Before voting, understand what's at stake – and why the Michigan Chamber believes the risks of a constitutional convention far outweigh any potential benefits and urges a NO vote.

🎧 https://apple.co/3Wc7GVS

Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests

Paid for with regulated funds by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, 600 S. Walnut, Lansing, MI 48933. Authorized by Protect MI Constitution From Special Interests.

10/29/2026

🎃🦇👺🍬👻 An oldie - October 2023 - but goodie. Trick or Treat!

Halloween provides an opportunity to intuitively observe what makes for sustainable development.

“Trick-or-treatable” neighborhoods provide an example of development patterns that support the social and economic health of a city and its residents.

Sprawling, auto-oriented cities cost more per resident to deliver infrastructure, utilities, and public services.

Municipalities would benefit from calculating the cost of services related to density and land-use type when evaluating the fiscal sustainability of new developments.

Halloween provides an opportunity to intuitively observe what makes for sustainable development. Neighborhoods that are “trick-or-treatable” provide an example of development patterns that support social and economic health of a city and its residents.

10/23/2026

If you live in Detroit, make your voice heard and plan your vote! Skip Election Day lines and vote early beginning tomorrow, Saturday, October 24th. The last day to vote early and in person is Monday, November 2.

We're proud to be a partner in this fun In Person/Early Voting initiative led by Civic: Empowering Voters, Energizing Elections, along with the City of Detroit Government Department of Elections, Detroit Future (DFC), All Voting is Local (AVL), Politics on the Go (POGO), and Detroit community leaders.

The EVC targets Detroit’s busy, working professionals by highlighting the accessibility and ease of early voting and driving competition to spur collective action.

Check out the "Detroit Issues Guide 2026 - Updated Edition", created in partnership with DFC, which breaks down five key issues: public transit, public education, tax policy, rental affordability, and crime and safety.
https://detroitfuturecity.com/data_reports/detroit-issues-guide-2026-updated-edition/

Chris, Lloyd and Jamie talk about early Voting in Michigan with T.J. Winfrey, Co-Founder of CIVIC. There is a non-partisan effort to get out to vote (no matter the party) in the City of Detroit.

10/22/2026

Glad to help Michigan Chamber of Commerce get the facts out about Proposal 1 on their podcast . Proposal 1 - Should Michigan Hold a Constitutional Convention (or Con-Con).

Find a summary of our months-long work on a Con-Con here: https://crcmich.org/publications/2026con-con-2

You can also watch/listen to podcasts (14 in total) on a possible Con-Con here: https://crcmich.org/podcast The first pod dropped March 25, 2026 and the most recent one dropped September 25, 2026.

10/21/2026

For voters living in Oakland and Wayne counties, here is another non-partisan analysis of another ballot issue you will be facing on your General Election ballot:

Southeast Michigan Public Historical Museum Authority Millage Proposal

🗳️The proposal would give Detroit’s major museums stable funding, free admission for Wayne/Oakland residents, and expanded educational programs. Cost: ~$20/yr on a home with a $100K taxable value. Without it, museums risk layoffs, reduced hours, and fewer exhibits.

Ballot Question: Shall a 0.2 mill tax on all taxable property located within Wayne County/Oakland County be imposed by the [Southeast Michigan Public Historical Museum] Authority for a period of ten (10) years, being years 2026 through 2035, inclusive, to provide historical museum services for the b...

10/16/2026

🤔Will She or Won’t She❓

If Governor Gretchen Whitmer opts in to the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program before year’s end, Michigan would join 35 other states that provide families with a private school choice option starting in 2027, despite a decades-long state constitutional ban on public funding for private K-12 schools.🏫

Unlike similar state-run school choice tax credit programs, a Michigan program would be governed by federal law and funded by private donations that donors recoup through a federal tax credit.

That is why participation is generally viewed as consistent with the constitutional ban, and also why Michigan policymakers would have little say in how the program works.

In a Nutshell Despite a decades-long state constitutional ban on public funding for private K-12 schools, Michigan could join 35 other states that provide families with a school choice option starting in 2027. That is if Governor Gretchen Whitmer opts in to the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit pro...

10/14/2026

🤹‍♀️ 💲 🤹‍♂️ Updated state budget news! On this week's podcast, Guy Gordon and Senior Research Associate for State Affairs Bob Schneider discuss MI's budget outlook: new revenue data shows the budget picture is more complicated than anyone expected. A “fiscal cliff” awaits the next governor and legislature.

In this episode of , host Guy Gordon reconnects with Bob Schneider, Senior Research Associate for State Affairs at the Citizens Research Council, for a timely update on Michigan’s budget outlook. Their July conversation (“The Budget That was Balanced – But Not Transparent”) warne...

10/12/2026

We are deeply grateful to every one of our sponsors, whose generosity made this evening possible. Their support elevates our annual public policy dinner and reflects a shared belief in the importance of thoughtful, nonpartisan dialogue about Michigan’s future. We simply could not do this without them.