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| (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, 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
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| (Illustrative Only) People building their future together. "No Man is an Island" John Donne The Power of Community A Flea and an Island |
- 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.
- 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
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