Escanaba City Council Meeting (April 16, 2026): Bucking the Fiscal Trends, Attracting Investment and Creating a Thriving UP Community

(Illustrative Only)

Hats off to bucking the 
fiscal trends, attracting
investment and creating
a thriving UP community. 

Joe thinks of 
Perpetual Sustainable 
Systems, 

Forcasting the Market,

Economic Social and
Environmental Resistence

Escanaba continues to grow and develop, attracting investment and strengthening its financial position. That is commendable in a market that is investment lukewarm. This shows the city is bucking the trends when compared to broader trends. According to the report by Truth in Accounting 2025, 54 of the 75 largest U.S. cities do not have enough money to pay their bills, reflecting widespread fiscal stress. 😬(This is why you elect the best and brightest).

Escanaba, however, appears to be moving in a different direction. The city is improving its financial condition, drawing new investments, and seeing signs of local economic momentum. Downtown startups are emerging, tourism is increasing, crime appears to be declining, household incomes are rising, pension liabilities are decreasing, and infrastructure investment is growing. Overall, the city presents itself as open for business.

Progress like this does not happen by chance. It reflects a shared vision, a strong sense of community, and a deliberate effort to position the city strategically within the broader market. By reconnecting to economic opportunities, Escanaba is attracting further development that benefits residents and creates new possibilities—some of which may serve as a model for other communities. 💁

While the future is always uncertain, credit is due to those contributing to this progress. It is also a reminder to consider what each of us can do to support our own cities, neighbors, and communities.

The Video is unavailable but you can find information at April 16th, 2026 Escanaba City Council Meeting

(Illustrative Only)

People building their
future together. 

"No Man is an Island"
John Donne

The Power of Community

A Flea and an Island

City Council Meeting Agenda April 16, 2026 Summary

• The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
• Council members will consider setting May 7, 2026, as the date for a fourth public hearing regarding the proposed FY2026-27 City Budget.
• The city is seen as having an upward mobile financial position and strenghthen long term prospects. A result of strategic planning and appropriate use of resource to encourage growth.
• Approval is sought for a bid from Sticky Fingers for food and drink concessions at Ludington Park for the 2026 season.
• The council will review a bid from Stenberg Brothers, Inc. for sanitation services for the 2026-2027 season.
• Administration is requesting approval to purchase a Pierce 100-foot aerial platform ladder truck for public safety at an estimated cost of $1,925,000.00.
• There will be a first reading of Ordinance No. 1319, which aims to amend the Code of Ordinances to establish the Escanaba Tree Advisory Board.
• The agenda includes several annual chemical bids for water and wastewater treatment, involving suppliers such as Hawkins, Inc., Chemtrade Chemical US, LLC, and Brenntag Great Lakes, LLC.
• Engineering services from Dixon Engineering are requested for maintenance on both the north and south water towers, with costs not to exceed $66,200.00 and $63,675.00 respectively.
• A proposal to hire Oberstar, Inc. for a sanitary manhole replacement at 7th Avenue South and South 15th Street for $112,000.00 is up for approval.
• Professional services from C2AE are requested for a risk and resiliency assessment of the drinking water system and an updated DWSRF Project Plan.
• The Downtown Development Authority is requesting the use of public space for the Ludington Street Cruise on May 29 and 30, 2026.
• Council members will discuss next steps in the City Manager selection process following an interview conducted on April 8, 2026.
• Public Works Department employees will be recognized for their dedication and hard work during the winter season.
• The meeting will include an Arbor Day Proclamation for April 24, 2026.

City of Escanaba. (2026). City Council meeting agenda: April 16, 2026. https://www.escanaba.org/meetings/recent

Financial State of the Cities 2025

• Provides a comprehensive analysis of the fiscal health of the 75 largest U.S. cities using audited financial reports and pension data
• Finds that 54 of the 75 cities do not have enough money to pay their bills, indicating widespread fiscal stress
• Highlights that many cities meet balanced-budget requirements in appearance but fail to account for long-term obligations like pensions and retiree healthcare
• Identifies a key issue as the shifting of costs to future taxpayers by underfunding pension and benefit obligations
• Uses the concept of “taxpayer burden” to estimate how much each taxpayer would need to contribute to cover city debts
• Grades cities based on financial condition, with many receiving low grades due to high debt and insufficient assets
• Emphasizes that unfunded pension liabilities are a major driver of city debt and financial imbalance
• Suggests that current accounting and budgeting practices can obscure the true financial condition of cities
• Aims to improve transparency so taxpayers and policymakers can make more informed financial decisions

Truth in Accounting. (2025). Financial state of the cities 2025. https://www.truthinaccounting.org/library/doclib/Financial-State-of-the-Cities-2025.pdf

Graduate Student Resilience: Developing Human Capital by Reducing Barriers

Attending graduate school or pursuing a doctorate is a significant rite of passage that requires sustained effort and commitment. Success is not just about grades—although many programs overemphasize them—but about the quality of learning, persistence, and the ability to accept feedback, adapt, and grow. Whether in school or beyond, it is valuable to listen to informed perspectives, reflect on feedback, and apply it to improve over time.

Graduate students face a range of challenges. These include financial pressures, balancing work and personal responsibilities, and navigating demanding academic environments. For underrepresented groups, these challenges can be even greater, with increased exposure to microaggressions and reduced access to academic and professional opportunities. When these barriers go unaddressed, they result in lost potential and wasted human capital.

At a broader level, increasing the number of education and human capital are essential for national competitiveness, particularly as global innovation continues to rise. Addressing barriers in graduate education is not just an individual concern but a collective one. When institutions support all students effectively and create inclusive environments, they strengthen long-term outcomes across industries and the economy. The social impact of a well-educated population—especially those with advanced skills—is substantial, contributing to innovation, economic growth, and overall societal progress.

Graduate Student Resilience: Influential Success Factors in U.S. Graduate Education

• Graduate education provides career and personal advancement opportunities, yet many students face structural and psychological challenges that impact persistence and success.
• The study analyzed survey data from 648 graduate students across 23 U.S. universities, offering a broad and diverse sample.
• Mentorship quality was a key predictor of success, with students reporting stronger academic outcomes when they had consistent faculty support.
• Imposter feelings were common, with a notable proportion of students reporting frequent self-doubt that negatively affected confidence and performance.
• Financial stress was a significant barrier, with many students indicating that limited funding impacted their ability to remain enrolled or fully engage in their programs.
• Underrepresented groups reported higher instances of microaggressions and reduced access to academic and professional opportunities.
• Peer support and resilience were positively associated with persistence, highlighting the importance of social networks in graduate education.
• The study concludes that institutional support systems, including mentoring, funding, and mental health resources, play a critical role in improving student outcomes.

Collier, K. M., & Blanchard, M. R. (2024). Graduate student resilience: Exploring influential success factors in U.S. graduate education through survey analysis. Trends in Higher Education, 3(3), 637–680. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu3030037

2026 JP Morgan's U.S. Business Leaders Outlook (Places to Expand Firms and Start-Ups)

 

(Illustrative Only)

As the economy is 
wait and see
there is space to open
a new business or 
consider expanding 
operations. 
One might consider 
putting a firm in
 a place that has 
strong quality of life
benefits, data lines,
and infrastructure.
Start ups would
also likely do well
as the entreneurial 
community grows.

Check out
Escanaba DDA

JPMorgan’s 2026 U.S. Business Leaders Outlook survey shows that most business leaders are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. Many expect continued growth and are planning to increase headcount, although some other surveys suggest a more cautious, wait-and-see approach. Concerns about a potential recession remain, even as confidence at the company level appears stronger than sentiment about the national economy.

Leaders are focusing on strategic growth, innovation, and expansion, with ongoing adoption of artificial intelligence playing a key role. At the same time, 2026 is widely viewed as a year of monitoring and adapting to change. Most believe the economy will ultimately remain stable, but outcomes will depend in part on geopolitical developments.

Overall, the report reflects a balance of optimism and caution. Businesses are preparing for growth while remaining aware of risks such as inflation, structural economic challenges, and global uncertainty. Although these risks are present, they have not yet fully materialized, reinforcing a broader trend of slow, cautious optimism seen across multiple surveys.

2026 U.S. Business Leaders Outlook (JPMorgan)

• Business leaders enter 2026 with cautious optimism, with about 74% expressing confidence in their company’s outlook despite broader economic uncertainty
• Strong growth expectations persist, as roughly 73%–76% anticipate increased revenue and about 64%–76% expect higher profits
• Hiring plans remain positive, with around half of firms planning to increase headcount, signaling continued labor demand
• Concerns about a recession have declined, with only about 27% expecting one in 2026, reflecting improved confidence compared to prior periods
• Economic uncertainty is the top challenge (around 49%), followed by pressures related to revenue growth, tariffs, inflation, and labor costs
• There is a disconnect between company-level optimism and national economic sentiment, with fewer leaders optimistic about the broader economy
• Businesses are prioritizing strategic growth initiatives such as new products, market expansion, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions
• Technology adoption—especially artificial intelligence—is accelerating and viewed as critical for maintaining competitiveness
• Overall, the outlook reflects resilience and adaptability, as firms continue to pursue growth while navigating inflation, policy changes, and global uncertainty

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (2026). 2026 U.S. business leaders outlook. https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/markets-and-economy/business-leaders-outlook/2026-us-business-leaders-outlook

La Noche Blanca July 18th, 2026 (Orphans Philanthropy)

 Corazon de Vida is a charity I support sometimes through philanthropy and sharing their information. I have gone down a few times to visit the kids and hope to do more. You can donate to my page Donation Page and/or attend one of their events. I need to check my calendar and see if I can attend. Excellent event. We have to make time for the kids both in this country and overseas. 💗

La Noche Blanca Fundraising Event

Recruiting and Retaining Firefighter Statistics in 2026 (Donate to an Upper Peninsula Department)

Firefighting is a critically important profession that serves communities in multiple ways. Firefighters protect lives and property, respond to medical emergencies, and play a growing role in addressing the impacts of environmental challenges such as increasingly frequent and intense wildfires. As these risks rise, the need for well-trained firefighters continues to grow. The supply of new recruits doesn't grow as fast.

At the same time, many departments operate under tight budgets, which makes volunteer firefighters essential to maintaining adequate coverage. However, volunteer recruitment has declined significantly over time, creating additional strain on already limited resources. This challenge is compounded by the physical and mental demands of the job. 

Firefighting requires a high level of physical fitness, as individuals must handle heavy equipment and operate in dangerous, high-stress environments. In addition, a notable percentage of firefighters experience PTSD symptoms at some point in their lives, highlighting the importance of mental health support within the profession.

The role also requires extensive training, which can make it less appealing compared to other careers that may offer higher pay or fewer risks. Despite this, some departments are actively working to reverse recruitment trends. For example, one department in the Upper Peninsula has successfully brought in a large number of younger recruits under the age of 25 and is investing in their training and development. You can be part of that mission.

Efforts are also underway to identify funding opportunities, including state and federal grants, to support these new firefighters. Community support can make a meaningful difference, as donations help cover the costs of training and essential equipment—needs that are especially pressing in rural volunteer departments. Contributions not only enhance public safety but also create opportunities for growth and development within these communities.

Because firefighters are out putting themselves at risk to help others give them support. You may be interested in the study below. If interested in donating tax free or know of a grant send a message to the right in the contact form>>>>>>>

Recruiting and Retaining Firefighters in 2026

• Fire departments continue to face critical staffing shortages, with 65% of agencies reporting they have reduced services or eliminated units due to lack of personnel
• The fire service depends heavily on volunteers, yet participation has declined by about 25% since 1984, dropping from roughly 898,000 volunteers to around 677,000, even as the U.S. population grew significantly
• Aging workforce trends and retirements are increasing demand for new recruits, while declining volunteer participation adds further strain on departments
• Recruitment strategies are expanding to attract more candidates and position firefighting as a long-term career opportunity
• Retention efforts focus on mentorship, career development, and continuous training to improve engagement and reduce turnover
• Mental health is a major factor in retention, with research showing approximately 20–30% of firefighters experience PTSD symptoms, far higher than the general population
• Public support remains strong, with about 62.8% of surveyed residents supporting increased firefighter staffing levels

CentralSquare Technologies. (2026). Recruiting and retaining firefighters in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.centralsquare.com/resources/articles/recruiting-retaining-firefighters-in-2026

State of Courts Public Opinion Through the Lens of the Story of the Clan

(Illustrative Only)

Our society is nothing 
more or less than
its continued belief
in a higher moral purpose
of freedom and liberty.
Lets pass those values
onto the next generation.
Even if they are unpopular
in some social circles.

You must only continue
to believe in democracy
and encourage our leaders
to do the same. 

Everyone is judged by their intent (Maybe in this life and maybe in the next but we can't escape it). When harmful behavior is openly accepted, ignored, or allowed to stand without correction, it signals a deeper problem. It suggests that some of those with authority may be acting with a biased or self-serving agenda, rather than upholding shared values and protecting the integrity of agreed upon systems. History shows that when hate, corruption, and aggression are tolerated, trust breaks down and accountability weakens. A long tail begins to form to rear its head later (i.e. slower moving natural systems).

Most people act with integrity and want to do the right thing (We are biologically and psychologically driven to collaborate. i.e. a society around core values). Society deserves a system that supports ethical behavior and protects those who are harmed. Justice should be applied fairly—regardless of race, religion, politics, power, or wealth. When people begin to feel that rules apply only to some, confidence in the system declines, even if it continues to function in many areas (Yet some are confused as to why).

Experiences of intimidation or misconduct like we find in the learning allegory Story of the Clan, especially when left unaddressed, can deepen that mistrust (i.e. knowing they were being rewarded before targeting people.). Poor actors went on for years and gained from misbehaviors despite widespread knowledge of coordination. When individuals report wrongdoing and are met with indifference or retaliation, it creates the perception that accountability is inconsistent. Even a few unchecked cases can have a broader impact, making it seem as though harmful behavior is tolerated or even encouraged.

As a society, there is a responsibility to challenge wrongdoing and uphold shared moral standards. Values like fairness, accountability, and respect for others are essential to maintaining a healthy system. Institutions should serve the common good, not narrow interests, and should reflect the principles they were built upon. There is greater good in encouraging what is just and right in the face of hate and corruption. The philosphical thought experiment the Story of the Clan highlights what happens when hate, corruption and social networks break down the moral order as a shared standard. 

While problems may persist, there is also reason for cautious optimism. Public awareness, civic engagement, and a commitment to ethical leadership can drive reform. We must only encourage the best and brightest to come forward. They have the power to improve systems and undo (Highly vetted, connected, partisan and PAC paid should not be the standard. Democracy is more important than that.) Over time, pressure for transparency and accountability can lead to meaningful change. A system grounded in justice depends on people continuing to speak out, support one another, and work toward fairness for all.

The philosopher of democracy John Locke stated, "In the races of mankind and families in the world, there remains not to one above another...." leading to "All men are created equal....". One of the reasons why we protect freedom of speech and religion. Make your own opinion.

State of the State Courts 2025: Public Opinion Poll Findings Summary

• Public trust in state courts remains stable, with about 62% of Americans expressing confidence, and state courts continuing to be the most trusted branch of government.
• Perceptions of equal justice are declining, with only 44% believing courts provide equal justice for all, down significantly from previous years.
• Many Americans increasingly view the justice system as “two-tiered,” influenced by factors such as wealth, politics, race, and complexity of legal processes.
• Younger individuals (especially ages 18–29) tend to have more positive views of courts, seeing them as fair, transparent, and innovative.
• Public skepticism toward artificial intelligence in courts is high, with many believing AI may do more harm than good.
• Concerns about judicial safety are rising, with about half of respondents believing threats against judges and public officials have increased.
• Cost and complexity of legal processes are major barriers to access to justice, contributing to dissatisfaction with the system.
• Strong support exists for legal education reform, including more practical training for lawyers and changes to the bar exam to better reflect real-world skills.
• The public calls for greater community engagement and transparency from courts to improve trust and accessibility.

National Center for State Courts. (2025). State of the state courts: 2025 public opinion poll findings. https://www.ncsc.org/resources-courts/state-state-courts-2025-public-opinion-poll-findings

Snappy Employee Engagement Survey 2026: Don't Forget to Recognize Your Employees (Human Capital Development)

(Illustrive Only)

Every employee
desk receives spring
flowers with a note.

The note,

"Dear XXXX,
We want to thank you
for making this
company a market
leader. Each one 
of you are vitally important
to us and to fulfilling
our mission and goals.
Please take this coffee
 card and have
a free latte on us.
No special event
other than to say
thank you. 😊"

The executive team
knows that people 
perform at their best
when they feel
they are appreciated.
 Productivity and strong
ideas seem to be 
more common when
people feel a sense
of engagement.
Greener improves the
environment and
reduces stress
leading to long
tail benefits. 

 Sometimes gifts
 are custom
for individuals
and sometimes they
are for everyone.

One might order 
flowers from 
Pam's Pedals on
Ludington Street 
in Escanaba. 
Escanaba is becoming
a hot spot for investment
and start-ups.

Human capital and employee engagement are essential not only for organizations but for the economy as a whole. When people are united around a shared vision—whether within a company or even a society—they are better able to work together, adapt, and succeed. The more individuals who actively contribute ideas and stay engaged in their work, the more likely it is that performance improves and true synergy is created.

Some may view employee engagement and recognition as unimportant, but the reality is different. Organizations are made up of people who choose to contribute their time and effort, and their level of engagement directly affects outcomes. Every organization depends on internal interactions, and those interactions are shaped by how motivated and valued employees feel.

Low recognition comes with real costs. It can lead to reduced performance, lower motivation, higher turnover, and declines in creativity and innovation. Employees may also become unclear about expectations, which further impacts results. On the other hand, strong recognition helps employees feel valued and encourages them to contribute their best work.

Effective leaders understand the importance of the human element. They create environments where employees feel encouraged to share ideas and perform at a high level. Recognition can be simple—such as positive feedback in everyday conversations—or more structured through formal programs. Often, a combination of both works best.

At the end of the day, employees play a central role in organizational success. Their engagement and effort can determine whether an organization grows and thrives or struggles to keep up.

The State of Employee Engagement in 2026

• Only about 31% of employees in the U.S. are engaged at work
• Recognition is a key driver of engagement:
  • Can increase engagement up to 20x
  • Improves performance and productivity by about 14%
• Recognition strongly impacts motivation:
  • Around 84% of employees say it motivates them
  • 37% say it is their top motivator
• Lack of recognition hurts performance:
  • 42% of employees feel less productive without it
  • 20% say they never receive recognition
• Recognition improves business outcomes:
  • Increases retention by about 31%
  • Can raise profitability by about 23%
• Recognition boosts behavior and performance:
  • Creativity increases by about 30%
  • Employees are more engaged with customers
  • Workers are 2.8x more likely to be engaged with regular feedback
• Small, frequent rewards matter:
  • Engagement can rise by 22–25 points with milestone recognition
  • 46% prefer small, unexpected rewards
• 2026 workplace trends:
  • More real-time feedback instead of yearly reviews
  • More personalized recognition
  • Stronger focus on manager effectiveness

Snappy. (2025). The state of employee engagement in 2026: Insights on recognition, motivation, and performance. Retrieved from https://www.snappy.com/blog/the-state-of-employee-engagement-in-2026-insights-on-recognition-motivation-and-performance