Where did all the Michigan residents go? Michigan has approximately 10 million people but is nearly at the bottom of all the states in population growth over the last decade. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau says Michigan lost population in the last year. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed the Growing Michigan Together Council aimed at recommending ways to reverse this trend of slow population growth.
Livingston Dems will learn about the state’s population problem from an expert – Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. Lupher will speak at the Aug. 24 meeting of Livingston County Democrats. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at Re/MAX Platinum Auditorium, 6870 Grand River, between Brighton and Howell. Park in the back, use the rear entrance, and take the stairs or elevator down to the auditorium.
Lupher and Citizens Research Council of Michigan prepared a report on the state’s population trends for the state. He will discuss the report, Michigan’s Path to a Prosperous Future: Challenges and Opportunities, and take questions. “Population growth is important to our future because our political power on the national scene – including representation in the U.S. House – is determined by our population numbers. It also impacts our economic vitality, the value of our homes, and our ability to fund the public services we enjoy here in Michigan,” said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party. “That’s why it’s important for citizens to learn about the issue and what steps we might take as a state to encourage population growth.”
The Citizens Research Council of Michigan is an organization of Michigan citizens founded in 1916 to devote continuing attention to state and local government affairs. Through its research and publications, the Citizens Research Council provides an independent, nonpartisan, and objective source of factual information on state and local policy issues.
The Citizens Research Council does not lobby, support candidates for public office, or take positions on ballot questions, but it does analyze ballot proposals so voters can make informed decisions on their votes.
Eric Lupher has been president of the organization since 2014, having started as an intern in 1987 and working his way up. Much of his recent work has concentrated on local government issues, including government finance, organization, service provision, and the consolidation of local governments.
He has served in leadership positions with the Governmental Research Association and the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC), an advisory body for the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), representing the user community on behalf of the Governmental Research Association. Eric Lupher received a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison College in Michigan State University and a Masters of Public Administration from Wayne State University.
The party’s regular business meeting will follow the talk, followed by a social hour at a location to be announced.
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