Michigan rural townships struggle as aid bills stall in Legislature

Rural townships across Michigan face growing difficulty filling elected and appointed positions while population and business declines put pressure on local finances. More than 75% of townships and villages reported increasing difficulty filling mandatory elected positions in a recent University of Michigan survey.

Two bills intended to help remain stalled. One would provide $3.5 million for shared administrative services, while another would allow townships to hire certified election officials from outside the township when clerk positions are vacant or the clerk lacks certification. The House approved the latter measure in June, but it has not advanced in the Senate; the funding bills introduced in 2025 have not received a hearing.

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