U-M Detroit Center event discusses emergency manager law

April 9, 2012

On Monday, April 9, from 6-7:30 p.m., the University of Michigan Detroit Center will host Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law: Implications for Detroit.

Michigan’s new “Emergency Manager” law (Public Act 4 of 2011, the Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act) has garnered national attention and ignited debate on fundamental issues of democratic governance.

Among the laws’ most controversial aspects is the transfer of power from local elected officials to unelected emergency managers, providing them the ability to make sweeping changes to local government, including the power to terminate collective bargaining agreements. Currently in the city of Detroit, this law is being taken into greater consideration given the ongoing budget crisis.

The panel discussion will examine the law’s impact on citizens, public employees and elected officials of Detroit.

Panelists include:

  • Eric Scorsone, Economist and Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
  • Jack Lessenberry, Metro Times, Michigan Radio and Wayne State University
  • Dale Thomson, Professor of Political Science from UM-Dearborn and Director of the Institute for Local Government

This event includes complimentary admission, parking and light refreshments. For more information, click here.