https://www.wcmu.org/tags/local-governments Local Governments en-US Copyright Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:27:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-24/local-officials-declare-opposition-to-proposed-new-state-zoning-restrictions Bills introduced in the state House, with bipartisan support, would preempt local decision-making on some zoning issues, including multi-unit housing like duplexes, lot sizes, and dwelling sizes. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:27:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-24/local-officials-declare-opposition-to-proposed-new-state-zoning-restrictions Sarah Cwiek https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-07-08/battery070225 Interest in constructing battery energy storage systems in Michigan is growing, and more than 70 projects are queued. Experts say these systems store energy that would otherwise go to waste, and can have their benefits and concerns. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:08:11 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-07-08/battery070225 Masha Smahliuk https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-06-11/ai060625 Several cities in Michigan are using artificial intelligence to study customer behavior in their local businesses, help them with recycling and assist in policing. Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:51:36 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-06-11/ai060625 Masha Smahliuk https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-12-03/legislation-to-make-revenue-sharing-more-stable-for-local-governments Local government officials are calling for a change in how the state shares sales tax money. Municipal governments are never sure how much statutory sales tax they’ll get, if they get anything at all. Representatives of cities, townships, and counties called for a change and held up 500 letters from their colleagues, urging the passage of legislation that would help make municipal funding be more stable. Tue, 03 Dec 2024 23:33:39 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-12-03/legislation-to-make-revenue-sharing-more-stable-for-local-governments Lester Graham https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-01-10/senate-bill-1013-110824 A new senate bill may allow county road commissioners access to Michigan's Natural Resources Trust Fund, which is limited to certain local officials. This funding has provide over a billion dollars to purchasing land and improve county outdoor recreational projects since its creation in 1976. Managing Director for the Crawford County Road Commission said he hopes to use the funding to help improve his local trails if passed by the senate. Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:50:12 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-01-10/senate-bill-1013-110824 Blace Carpenter https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-02-29/a-local-business-is-closing-down-after-manistee-banned-bird-feeders-downtown Nicole Bromley says she's been feeding birds in downtown Manistee for 13 years and hasn't had any problems — until recently. Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:18:10 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-02-29/a-local-business-is-closing-down-after-manistee-banned-bird-feeders-downtown Teresa Homsi https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-05-10/aggregate-bills-pack-state-house-with-industry-reps-township-supporters The Michigan state house was packed May 9 as lawmakers heard from aggregate industry representatives and “local control” supporters. The discussion concerned recently introduced legislation that would hand permitting of aggregate mines, from local governments, over to the state. Wed, 10 May 2023 21:58:31 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-05-10/aggregate-bills-pack-state-house-with-industry-reps-township-supporters Teresa Homsi https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-04-12/iosco-county-asking-for-general-operations-funding-on-may-2-ballot The millage has failed the last three times its appeared on the ballot. County officials say the millage will help with fixing the county building and fund various county services. Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:30:34 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-04-12/iosco-county-asking-for-general-operations-funding-on-may-2-ballot Rick Brewer https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-16/a-retired-state-geologist-on-helping-communities-review-deny-aggregate-mines Road construction and infrastructure projects are demanding more sand and gravel resources, and mine applications are sweeping the state. Local communities have the power to approve or reject the mines, but they don’t always know how. Mon, 16 Jan 2023 23:33:26 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-16/a-retired-state-geologist-on-helping-communities-review-deny-aggregate-mines Teresa Homsi https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2020-06-17/grand-traverse-county-board-meeting-discusses-police-reform Grand Traverse County residents had the opportunity to voice their opinions on police reform in a county board meeting on Wednesday, June 17. An… Wed, 17 Jun 2020 20:10:36 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2020-06-17/grand-traverse-county-board-meeting-discusses-police-reform Tess DeGayner