About this episode

The episode discusses the potential impact of a constitutional convention on Michigan's local government structure, focusing on Article VII and its historical evolution.

In this episode of #FactsMatter, Guy Gordon and Research Council President Eric Lupher continue their deep dive into the question Michigan voters will face in November 2026: Should the state convene a constitutional convention? They break down Article VII-Local Government and discuss how Michigan’s local government system has evolved from the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 to today’s sprawling network of 1,800+ counties, cities, townships, villages, and the hundreds of special authorities that have emerged over time. Lupher explains that despite never having been amended, the structure is riddled with unresolved structural issues that a con-con could finally address. He also walks through why this structure creates both local control and major inefficiencies, how state laws have steadily eroded home rule, and why outdated constitutional language no longer reflects how counties operate. Their conversation traces the origins of Michigan’s local government map to the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, explores how townships evolved into major population centers, and examines the proliferation of special authorities—now numbering more than 400 statewide—created to deliver services that…

People in this episode

Host: Guy Gordon

Guest: Eric Lupher

Topics covered

• Michigan local government
• constitutional convention
• Article VII
• home rule
• government efficiency
• special authorities

Keywords

• Michigan
• local government
• constitutional convention
• Article VII
• home rule
• government efficiency
• special authorities
• Northwest Ordinance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Citizens Research Council of Michigan

Places: Michigan, Northwest Ordinance of 1787

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