New federal resources to help restore infrastructure and speed pandemic recovery resources to the nation -- including to Michigan -- inspired content and questions at IPPSR's year-ending Public Policy Forum.
“We’re exploring how communities are preparing to invest in infrastructure,” said Matt Grossmann, director of Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). “We’ll also look at how additional federal financing through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will extend resources as communities recover from the effects of COVID-19.”
Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, designed to expand resources for critical infrastructure and local services, just last month. The new law promises billions of dollars for Michigan’s maintenance and upkeep of essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, schools, water and water systems, public transportation, dams, railways and energy systems.
IPPSR Forum speakers included:
- Eric Scorsone, Director, Center for Local Government, Finance and Policy, MSU Extension, Michigan State University
- Eric Frederick, Vice President for Community Affairs, Connected Nation-Michigan
- Mark Polsdofer, Policy Advisor, Michigan Department of Transportation
See the video and presentations, and complete an evaluation to inspire 2022 IPPSR Forums.
"We're looking forward to the 2022 and our spring series," said Arnold Weinfeld, associate IPPSR director. "We're happy to have your ideas for content and speakers of the future. Just email to me at at [email protected]."
Presentations and videos from past IPPSR Public Policy Forums – ranging from COVID-19, to K-12 educational reforms, mental health, criminal justice and water safety crises – are available at http://bit.ly/2nImpSR.
As a unit of the College of Social Science, IPPSR is focused on public policy, political leadership and survey research. It administers the Michigan Political Leadership Program, the Michigan Applied Public Policy Research Program, the Office for Survey Research and State of the State Survey.