IPPSR Policy Forums Series
IPPSR's scheduled four must-attend forums featuring time-critical issues and expert panels, for 2010. The dates are Wednesdays, Jan. 27, Feb. 17, March 24 and April 14. The next Forum is set for Wednesday, Feb. 17 with a topic and panelists to be announced soon!
Mark your calendar and plan to attend. Questions or topic suggestions? Contact AnnMarie Schneider at 517-353-1738.
Register by email at ippsr-action@ssc.msu.edu or by phone at 517-355-6672.
MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research annually produces a series of public forums that focus on key issues facing leaders and their communities. Each Forum describes an issue, provides various perspectives on the issue and presents recent research and practices directed at problem resolution. The forums demonstrate how research can inform public policy and how policy proposals might affect our everyday lives. Over the years, the Forum Series has built a network of community advocates, policy leaders and university faculty.
Each forum will be in downtown Lansing in the Mackinac Room of the Anderson House Office Building across from the Capitol, 124 North Capitol, Lansing, MI 48909. The Mackinac Room is on the Fifth Floor. Forums are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There is NO CHARGE to attend. A light lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 2010 Public Policy Forums
Wednesday, Jan, 27, 2010
Michigan's Economic Turnaround
Policy Innovations for Michigan's Entrepreneurs
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m
There are more than 200,000 small business employers in Michigan, many who recognize entrepreneurship as a lifeline to economic vitality. The constraints of economic decline are forcing creative thinking and policy innovation among business professionals.This forum will look at the policy needs of small business employers, incentives for pursuing new ideas and supportive network tools that lend themselves to economic success.
Speakers
- Rob Fowler, President and CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan. See the presentation.
- Denyse Ferguson, President and CEO, Lansing Economic Area Partnership. See presentation.
- Marcia Hune, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Michigan Credit Union League. See presentation.
- Bryan K. Ritchie, Associate Professor, International Relations; Associate Director, External Strategy, Office of Biobased Technologies and
Co-director, Michigan Center for Innovation and Economic Prosperity, Michigan State University. See presentation.
Bios of all panelists
The 2009 Public Policy Forums
IPPSR's 2009 Policy Forums Series focused on infrastructure, a topic which has commanded the state as well as the nation's considerations. These forums presented attention-demanding issues in front of policymakers, Michigan's Legislature and its citizens on:
The 2009 Forum Series examined Michigan's critical infrastructure of the built environment. The first of these forums addressed comprehensive questions, while the following four Forums directed attention to specific areas of need: roads, bridges, modes of transportation, water and sewer systems and related concerns, telecommunications and information technology frameworks and energy production, transfer and efficiency.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Michigan's Critical Infrastructure: Defining, Assessing and Prioritizing Our Needs
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The first of the 2009 Forum Series presented an overview of what is meant by "critical infrastructure," the needs of states across the country, how Michigan stands in comparison, and finally, the role played by public policy in ensuring the good condition of our infrastructure. An engineering, safety and environmental perspective offered examples of best practices as well as sharing the lessons that are learned as communities plan for infrastructure maintenance and redesign to meet future needs.
Speakers included:
- Jim Epolito, former CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and incoming President of Delta Dental of Michigan.
- Ronald Harichandran, Professor and Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University. See the presentation (.pdf).
- Phillip Schertzing, Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at MSU and Director of MSU's Global Community Security Institute. See the presentation (.pdf)
Bios of all panelists
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Critical State Infrastructure: Transportation Needs Assessment and Funding Strategies
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Casual conversation has taken a turn from weather to potholes given the downhill ride that funding for road maintenance has taken. Recent winters paired with a slumping economy have had a horrific effect on roadway longevity. Paved roads have turned to gravel in more than 20 Michigan counties. Difficult budget decisions have called for less preventative road maintenance, reduced equipment purchases and repairs, and fewer work crews. There's also a related worry: upkeep of bridges, tunnels and airports while the discussion lingers about a need for further rail and mass transit.
IPPSR's Forum featured a panel well-versed in the progressive deterioration of our roads and in the comprehensive needs of Michigan's transportation system. Under discussion: What has been the downfall of the current funding system? What proposals can change that direction? How are other states meeting the needs for pay for transportation? What is the public sentiment on paying for Michigan's transportation system, and how do citizens view modes of public transportation in the state?
Panelists included:
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Michigan's Critical Infrastructure: Water and Sewer System Concerns
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The need to replace thousands of miles of old and rusted water pipelines is a statewide issue. Aging pipes have been the cause of numerous problems including high water rates, ruptured pipes, large sinkholes, sewage overflow, contaminated drinking water and flooding. The infrastructure is old, but what should be done about?
During the March Forum, Michigan's built water systems was generally assessed for their level of functionality and safety in delivering clean water throughout our communities. Given the status of decay, how are policy makers, state administrators and community leaders deciding how to distribute priority funding through the federal economic stimulus package? How can we build sustainable water management systems in difficult economic times and in an environment of competing priorities? What is the role of the policy maker in this process?
Panelists included:
- Chip Heckathorn, of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, exploring the state's response to the federal stimulus options, how the money is flowing and what state policy makers are doing to foster decisionmaking for immediate and long-term needs
See presentation (.pdf)
- David Worthams, of the Michigan Municipal League, looking at how local communities are paying for large-scale water systems during a weakened economy, and how they are reassessing their priorities in light of the broader economy.
- Chuck Hersey, of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, reviewing the needs in that region and the activity underway to assess and prioritize refurbishment and new construction of water systems.
See presentation .(pdf)
- Jan Beecher, Ph.D., Director of MSU's Institute for Public Utilities, supporting informed, effective and efficient regulation of the infrastructure-intensive network industries providing essential utility services -- electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunications. Online at http://www.ipu.msu.edu
Bios of all panelists
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Michigan's Critical Infrastructure: Telecommunications
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The marvel of telecommunication transmits signals over a distance for the purpose of communications -- by computer, radio, television and telephone. All are means of telecommunication and of information technology, and telecommunication and information technology are now major contributors to and catalysts for a strong economy.
This Forum explored such questions as: Where should Michigan invest in the telecommunications arena? How can the state plan policy to accommodate telecommunication and information technology of the future? With rapid change in information technology, what are the recommended best practices to accomplish our investment and policy objectives?
Panelists included:
- Johannes Bauer, Ph.D., Co-Director of the Quello Center for Telecommunication Management at Law at MSU, researching a wide range of issues related to the evolution of communications and information industries.
See presentation (.pdf)
- Kurt DeMaagd, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in MSU's Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media, focusing on the value of information and communication technology in developing economies.
See presentation (.pdf)
- Robert LaRose, Ph.D., Director of M.A. Studies in MSU's Telecommunications Department. His research projects include the effects of broadband internet in rural America.
See presentation (.pdf)
See "Closing the Rural Broadband Gap: Final Technical Report"
- Steven Wildman, Ph.D., James H. Quello Professor of Telecommunication Studies at MSU. An economist, his focus is on economics and policy within communication industries.
See presentation (.pdf)
Bios of all panelists.
IN THE NEWS
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Michigan's Critical Infrastructure: Energy
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Pending energy-related questions on both the domestic and international front are all about energy independence, environmental stewardship and job and economic growth through innovation in energy technologies. How does that generate meaningful text for Michigan policymakers?
Where should Michigan invest in the energy arena? How well is Michigan prepared to accommodate future energy needs? In what ways can the energy industry stimulate job growth in Michigan? Given the success of other states, what are some of the recommended practices for Michigan?
These questions and others were discussed by an expert panel, including:
- Bruce Dale, Ph.D., Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University.
See presentation (.pdf)
- Ken Rose, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Institute of Public Utilities, Michigan State University.
See presentation (.pdf)
- Greg White, Legislative Liaison for the Michigan Public Service Commission, an agency within the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.
See presentation (.pdf)
- Satish Udpa, MSU College of Engineering Dean and Professor of Electrical and Chemical Engineering.
See presentation (.pdf)
This forum is co-sponsored by the Michigan State University Office of International Studies and Programs (ISP) and the Michigan State University Center for Advanced Study of International Development (CASID).
 
About our co-sponsors and speakers
Bios of all panelists.
Prior Event Resources
Check out our online clearinghouse of prior forum resources and photos. Resources include
presenter handouts, electronic presentations, and biographical information.
IPPSR Forum Series - General Information 
In its 16th year, the IPPSR series of forums provides
an opportunity to hear and interact with experts on critical issues
that are faced by Michigan communities. It is a venue for meeting
people with similar interests and learning of new information resources,
as well as expressing your point of view. It brings together a network
of campus faculty, policymakers, capitol staff, and policy advocates.
Current policy-relevant research is discussed, perspectives are
exchanged, and solutions are cultivated.
2008 Series Events
The year 2008 was a presidential election year, focusing on topics of great urgency and heightened public interest. Together, our presenters from Michigan State University and the community explored energy, international education in our K-12 schools, homeland security and infrastructure needs crucial to our national transportation flow and economic vitality.
IPPSR extends a sincere thank you to those presenters and participants who helped to engage and to connect through scholarship, research, policy and varied perspectives.
2007 Series Events
IPPSR’s 2007 season of forums concluded in a special dialogue showcasing the significance of Michigan’s major research universities to the state economy. Our forum series this year has given a new and informed perspective to the most pressing problems of our times: healthcare, climate change and economic challenge.
We now send a sincere thank you to those who presented new research and those who attended our forums from Michigan State University, state government, local government and local businesses. Our public dialogue is engaged by such a community and our society is enriched by our discourse.
2006 Series Events
Special thanks are extended to all 2006 forum presenters and to all who attended the 2006 IPPSR Public Policy Forum Series. It was a banner year for tough and timely topics, as well as participation. As a whole, the series hosted 27 speakers and 625 attendees. The average forum audience was 125 with the highest audience count of 185 registering to attend the February Forum regarding the Economy and Michigan Cities.
Running one day a month from January to May, the series attracted the attention of more than 47 legislative offices and several state departments in addition to the Governor’s Office and Michigan’s U.S. Senators. Forum panelists have received additional inquires on their topics and invitations to further address the forum topic on which they presented during the series. Every forum received media coverage.
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