The state of Michigan is largely divided in the same way as many other U.S. states , but is distinct in its usage of charter townships . Michigan ranks 13th among the fifty states in terms of the number of local governmental entities.
108-596: Flint is the largest city and seat of Genesee County, Michigan , United States. Located along the Flint River , 66 miles (106 km) northwest of Detroit , it is a principal city within the region known as Mid Michigan . At the 2020 census , Flint had a population of 81,252, making it the twelfth-most populous city in Michigan. The Flint metropolitan area is located entirely within Genesee County. It
216-521: A Birmingham, Alabama based company, became the first to build a production facility in Flint's former Buick City site, purchasing the property from the RACER Trust . Commercially, local organizations have attempted to pool their resources in the central business district and to expand and bolster higher education at four local institutions. Examples of their efforts include the following: Similar to
324-429: A charter . The charter form of government is the most flexible of the three forms of county government. For counties whose population is at least 1,500,000, the proposal submitted to the electorate for reorganization as a charter county must provide for two alternative officers: The major difference between the two options is that the elected county executive has veto power. The proposed options may also differ in how
432-484: A council-manager form of government depending upon their type. Home rule cities are the most numerous in Michigan. Upon the enactment of the Home Rule Cities Act in 1909, all new cities were required to incorporate under this streamlined process, which allowed for a framework for incorporation and for a city to enact and amend its own charter without an act of the state legislature. To incorporate as
540-496: A statutory unit of local government, meaning that they have only those powers expressly granted by state law, any power fairly implied by state law, and those powers essential to the township's existence. They are the most basic form of local government in Michigan, and should be distinguished from survey townships . All Michigan residents who do not live in an incorporated city live in a township. As of May 2024, there were 1,240 civil townships, divided into general law townships with
648-545: A weak mayor-council form of government. The legislative body is a village council composed of elected trustees. An elected village president serves as president of the council. Other elected village officers are a clerk and a treasurer. General law villages are governed under the provisions of the General Law Village Act of 1895, which provide a framework for the governance of villages in Michigan, which like cities had formerly been incorporated by acts of
756-525: A $ 6 million public safety millage on the ballot and sold Genesee Towers to a development group for $ 1 to demolish the structure. The board certified the referendum petition on August 8, returning the previous Emergency Financial Manager Law into effect. With Brown previously temporary mayor for the last few years, he was ineligible to be the Emergency Financial Manager. Ed Kurtz was once again appointed Emergency Financial Manager by
864-415: A brief period, all Chevrolets and Buicks were built in Flint. The first Ladies' Library Association in Michigan was started in Flint in 1851 in the home of Maria Smith Stockton, daughter of the founder of the community. This library, initially private, is considered the precursor of the current Flint Public Library. In 1904, local entrepreneur William C. Durant was brought in to manage Buick, which became
972-524: A cautionary sign warning of falling debris was put on the sidewalk in front of it. An investment company purchased the building for $ 1, and it was demolished (by implosion ) on December 22, 2013. Typical of southeastern Michigan, Flint has a humid continental climate ( Köppen Dfb ), and is part of USDA Hardiness zone 6a. Winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 52 days annually, while dropping to 0 °F (−18 °C) or below on an average 9.3 days
1080-623: A fur trader on cordial terms with both the local Ojibwe and the territorial government, founded a trading post at the Grand Traverse of the Flint River. On several occasions, Smith negotiated land exchanges with the Ojibwe on behalf of the U.S. government, and he was highly regarded on both sides. Smith apportioned many of his holdings to his children. As the ideal stopover on the overland route between Detroit and Saginaw , Flint grew into
1188-424: A home rule city the area seeking incorporation must have a population of at least 2,000 and 500 people per square mile, though a 1931 amendment allowed existing villages within that population range to incorporate as cities without the population density requirement. Prior to the Home Rule Cities Act existed the option of incorporating as fourth class cities. Settlements could incorporate as fourth class cities under
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#17327872245201296-859: A lawsuit was filed by labor union AFSCME , and a restraining order was issued against Brown, his appointment was found to be in violation of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and Mayor Walling and the City Council had their powers returned. The state immediately filed an emergency appeal, claiming the financial emergency still existed. On March 26, the appeal was granted, putting Brown back in power. Brown and several unions agreed to new contract terms in April. Brown unveiled his fiscal year 2013 budget on April 23. It included cuts in nearly every department including police and fire, as well as higher taxes. An Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District
1404-565: A local newspaper. Because of the lack of flexibility, all but a handful of fourth class cities have reincorporated as regular charter cities. All remaining cities that have not yet reincorporated as home rule cities became home rule fourth class cities upon the Public Act 334 of 1976, which allowed fourth class cities to continue to exist by making the Fourth Class Cities Act the charter for this type of city. As part of
1512-588: A major player in the nascent auto industry. Buick Motor Company, after a rudimentary start in Detroit, soon moved to Flint. AC Spark Plug originated in Flint. These were followed by several now-defunct automobile marques such as the Dort , Little , Flint , and Mason brands. Chevrolet's first (and for many years, main) manufacturing facility was also in Flint, although the Chevrolet headquarters were in Detroit. For
1620-681: A major population center as well as for its importance to the automotive industry. A freighter named after the city, the SS City of Flint , was the first US ship to be captured during the Second World War, in October 1939. The vessel was later sunk in 1943. On June 8, 1953, the Flint-Beecher tornado , a large F5 tornado , struck the city, killing 116 people. The city's population peaked in 1960 at almost 200,000, at which time it
1728-631: A major union, leading to widespread unionization in US industry. The successful mediation of the strike by Governor Frank Murphy , culminating in a one-page agreement recognizing the Union and rehiring workers fired due to strike participation began an era of successful organizing by the UAW. The city was a major contributor of tanks and other war machines during World War II due to its extensive manufacturing facilities. For decades, Flint remained politically significant as
1836-431: A plan in Detroit, Flint is in the process of tearing down thousands of abandoned homes to create available real estate. As of June 2009, approximately 1,100 homes have been demolished in Flint, with one official estimating another 3,000 more will have to be torn down. On September 30, 2011, Governor Rick Snyder appointed an eight-member team to review Flint's financial state with a request to report back in 30 days (half
1944-415: A public health emergency due to lead contamination in parts of the local water supply as well as an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease .The acute lead crisis has been addressed as the city has secured a new source of clean water, installed modern copper pipes to nearly every home, and distributed filters to all residents who want them. However, a legacy of distrust in public authorities remains. The region
2052-446: A regular board of commissioners form of government in which the board shares executive functions with an elected county treasurer and clerk, but performs all other executive functions. But they may operate under a county administrator or a county controller form of government in which a county administrator or county controller carries out many of the day-to-day functions of the government. In either case, these appointed officials serve at
2160-413: A resolution of the county board of commissioners in counties which have appointed road commissioners or by an election in counties with elected road commissioners. A board of county road commissioners consists of three or five members either elected or appointed by the county board of commissioners. Road commissions are responsible for snow removal, maintaining road, bridge and roadside ditches. The city
2268-538: A share governmental function. ACDelco ACDelco is an American automotive parts brand owned by General Motors (manufactured by GM are consolidated under the ACDelco brand, which also offers aftermarket parts for non-GM vehicles. Over its long history it has been known by various names such as United Motors Corporation , United Motors Service , and United Delco . The brand "ACDelco" should not be confused with GM's former AC Delco Systems, formed in 1994 from
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#17327872245202376-421: A small but prosperous village and incorporated in 1855. The 1860 U.S. census indicated that Genesee County had a population of 22,498 of Michigan's 750,000. In the latter half of the 19th century, Flint became a center of the Michigan lumber industry. Revenue from lumber funded the establishment of a local carriage-making industry. As horse-drawn carriages gave way to the automobiles, Flint then naturally grew into
2484-451: A status created by act of the state legislature in 1947, which grants additional powers and streamlined administration of townships. Charter townships that meet certain criteria are also provided greater protection against annexation by a city or village. Townships must have at least 2,000 residents before they can seek charter status. The means by which a charter is approved affects a charter township's taxing ability. If township voters approve
2592-487: A subregion of Flint/Tri-Cities. It is located along the Flint River, which flows through Lapeer , Genesee, and Saginaw counties and is 78.3 mi (126.0 km) long. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 34.06 square miles (88.21 km), of which, 33.42 square miles (86.56 km) is land and 0.64 square miles (1.66 km) is water. Flint lies just to
2700-418: A term set by law; also, only a county executive has veto power. PA 139 also requires any county reorganizing under this act the creation of certain boards, commissions, authorities, and elective offices, while also requiring the abolition of others that may exist prior to reorganization of the county government. The optional unified form of government centralizes and streamlines the administrative structure of
2808-542: A vertically-integrated operation owning hardwood forests and manufacturing its own bodies, wheels, axles, upholstery, springs, varnish and whips. United Motors initially included Alfred P. Sloan 's Hyatt Roller Bearing Company (antifriction roller bearings), New Departure Manufacturing Company (ball bearings), Remy Electric Company (electrical starting, lighting, and ignition equipment), Charles Kettering and Edward A. Deeds ' Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO automotive ignition, starters and generators), and
2916-520: A year; summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32 °C) on 9.0 days. The monthly daily mean temperature ranges from 23.0 °F (−5.0 °C) in January to 70.9 °F (21.6 °C) in July. Official temperature extremes range from 108 °F (42 °C) on July 8 and 13, 1936 down to −25 °F (−32 °C) on January 18, 1976, and February 20, 2015; the record low maximum
3024-595: Is semi-pro football at Atwood Stadium with the Flint Fury. Atwood is an 11,000+ seat stadium in downtown Flint which has hosted many events, including baseball. When artificial turf was installed, it was no longer able to host baseball games. The Flint Fury have been in action since 2003, and are currently a part of the Great Lakes Football League . The team was founded by two of its players; Charles Lawler and Prince Goodson, who both played for
3132-497: Is River Village, an example of gentrification via mixed-income public housing. To the east of I-475 is Central Park and Fairfield Village. These are the only two neighborhoods between UM-Flint and Mott Community College and enjoy strong neighborhood associations. Central Park piloted a project to convert street lights to LED and is defined by seven cul-de-sacs. The North Side and 5th Ward are predominantly African American, with such historic districts as Buick City and Civic Park on
3240-422: Is also included in the population of the township in which they reside. Village governments are required to share some of the responsibilities and duties to their residents with the township. Hence, village residents pay both township and village taxes. As of 2016, there are 253 villages in Michigan, of which 46 are designated home rule villages, and 207 as general law villages. All villages are required to have
3348-463: Is divided into 83 counties , and further divided into 1,240 townships, 280 cities, and 253 villages. Additionally, the state consists of 553 school districts , 57 intermediate school districts , 14 planning and development regions, and over 300 special districts and authorities . Michigan is divided into 83 counties, the primary administrative division of Michigan. This local government division has its greatest effect on unincorporated lands within
Flint, Michigan - Misplaced Pages Continue
3456-407: Is governed by a board of trustees composed of a township supervisor, clerk, treasurer and either 2 or 4 trustees. In this form of government which combines executive and legislative functions, the township supervisor is the presiding and chief executive officer of the township board and is simply " first among equals " on the board. A unique form of civil township in Michigan is the charter township,
3564-734: Is moderate and somewhat evenly-distributed throughout the year, although the warmer months average more, averaging 31.97 inches (812 mm) annually, but historically ranging from 18.08 in (459 mm) in 1963 to 45.38 in (1,153 mm) in 1975. Snowfall, which typically falls in measurable amounts between November 12 through April 9 (occasionally in October and very rarely in May), averages 52.1 inches (132 cm) per year, although historically ranging from 16.0 in (41 cm) in 1944–45 to 85.3 in (217 cm) in 2017–18. A snow depth of 1 in (2.5 cm) or more occurs on an average 64 days, with 53 days from December to February. As of
3672-435: Is one of two types of incorporated municipality, the other being the village. Of the three types of local government, cities are the most autonomous type as they all have some level of home rule. Upon incorporation a city is withdrawn from the township(s) in which it was incorporated. Cities report to the state through the county or counties in which they are located but they are not subject to county oversight. Cities also have
3780-434: Is organized under Public Act 139 of 1973 in which a county board of commissioners shares executive functions with either an appointed county manager (Unified form, Alternate A) or an elected county executive (Unified form, Alternate B). Differences between these two options include that a county manager is a bureaucrat who serves at the pleasure of the board, while a county executive is a political official who serves for
3888-425: Is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Michigan with a population of 406,892 in 2020. The city was incorporated in 1855. Flint was founded as a village by fur trader Jacob Smith in 1819 and became a major lumbering area on the historic Saginaw Trail during the 19th century. From the late 19th century to the mid 20th century, the city was a leading manufacturer of carriages and later automobiles , earning it
3996-725: Is the site of the Applewood Mott Estate, and Mott Community College, the Cultural Center , and East Village , one of Flint's more prosperous areas. The surrounding neighborhood is called the College/Cultural Neighborhood, with a strong neighborhood association, lower crime rate and stable housing prices. Just north is Eastside Proper, also known as the State Streets, and has much of Flint's Hispanic community. The West Side includes
4104-448: Is −4 °F (−20 °C) on January 18, 1994 , while, conversely the record high minimum is 79 °F (26 °C) on July 18, 1942. Decades may pass between readings of 100 °F (38 °C) or higher, which last occurred July 17, 2012 . The average window for freezing temperatures is October 8 thru May 7, allowing a growing season of 153 days. On June 8, 1953, Flint was hit by an F5 tornado , which claimed 116 lives. Precipitation
4212-552: The Detroit Free Press stated that area community leaders stated that the Hispanic and Latino people made up close to 6% of the city population, while the city also had 142 Arab-American families. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, slightly over 1% of Flint's population was born outside the U.S., and over three-quarters of that foreign-born population have become naturalized citizens. There
4320-632: The November 4, 2014 , ballot with the charter review commission proposal passing along with reduction of mayoral staff appointments and budgetary amendments. Proposals which would eliminate certain executive departments, the Civil Service Commission and the ombudsman office were defeated. Flint elected a nine-member Charter Review Commission on May 5, 2015. With Earley appointed to be emergency manager for Detroit Public Schools on January 13, 2015 , city financial adviser Jerry Ambrose
4428-471: The Upper Peninsula , a township may consist of several survey townships and cover hundreds of square miles. In other areas of the state, townships are typically the 36 square miles (93 km ) of land of a single survey township, or less, due to city formation, irregular geographical boundaries, or when one survey township has been subdivided into two or more civil townships. A general law township
Flint, Michigan - Misplaced Pages Continue
4536-505: The census of 2010, there were 102,434 people, 40,472 households, and 23,949 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,065.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,183.4/km). There were 51,321 housing units at an average density of 1,535.6 units per square mile (592.9 units/km). The racial makeup of the city was 56.6% African American , 37.4% White, 0.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.9% of
4644-473: The stock market crash of 1929 and subsequently ran a bowling alley in Flint until the time of his death in 1947. The city's mayors were targeted for recall twice, Mayor David R. Cuthbertson in 1924 and Mayor William H. McKeighan in 1927. Recall supporters in both cases were jailed by the police. Cuthbertson had angered the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) by the appointment of a Catholic police chief. The KKK led
4752-427: The "Green Slate" of candidates who won in 1931 and 1932 and he was select as mayor in 1931. In 1935, the city residents approved a charter amendment establishing the Civil Service Commission. For the last century, Flint's history has been dominated by both the auto industry and car culture. The Sit-Down Strike of 1936–1937 saw the fledgling United Automobile Workers triumph over General Motors and establish itself as
4860-639: The Buick Motor Co. Durant asked to see some of his prototypes. Buick at that time was using Rajah spark plugs. Durant thought they could manufacture spark plugs to Champion's design cheaper than buying them from Rajah, and set Champion up in a workshop in Flint, Michigan as part of the budding auto industry there . Champion went to work producing spark plugs to be used in Buick automobiles. Champion and Durant formed "Champion Ignition Co." Very shortly later,
4968-643: The Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board. Two lawsuits were filed in September 2012, one by the city council against Kurtz's appointment, while another was against the state in Ingham County Circuit Court claiming the old emergency financial manager law remains repealed. On November 30, State Treasurer Andy Dillon announced the financial emergency was still ongoing, and the emergency manager
5076-520: The Fourth Class City Act of 1895. A settlement seeking to incorporate under this act had to have populations between 3,000 and 10,000 to incorporate. They were required to have a weak mayor-council form of government in which the mayor could only appoint certain city officers with the council's consent, and the city clerk was required to be an elected position. Fourth class cities were also required to publish their annual financial report in
5184-431: The Home Rule Cities Act, a provision was made for the incorporation of fifth class cities. The provision was added to allow for villages that weren't large enough under the provisions of the main act to become home rule cities. The only difference between a fifth-class city and a regular home rule city was that settlements only had to have a population between 750 and 2,000 with a density of 500 people per square mile - though
5292-554: The Home Rule Village Act of 1909. Like home rule cities, the act provides a framework for a home rule village to create and amend its charter giving them more flexibility than general law villages. For any settlement to incorporate as a village, be it home rule or general, it must have a population of at least 150 and have a population density of at least 100 people per square mile. Home rule villages must have an elected president, clerk and legislative body and indicate
5400-545: The Mid-West and the Mid-Atlantic. Since the late 1960s through the end of the 20th century, Flint has suffered from disinvestment , deindustrialization , depopulation and urban decay , as well as high rates of crime, unemployment and poverty. Initially, this took the form of " white flight " that afflicted many urban industrialized American towns and cities. Given Flint's role in the automotive industry, this decline
5508-579: The Perlman Rim Corporation. Durant appointed Alfred P. Sloan, who had been president of Hyatt, as president of United Motors. In the next two years, Sloan bought the Harrison Radiator Corporation , Lovell-McConnell Manufacturing Company (renamed Klaxon company to make Klaxon horns) in September 1916, and organized United Motors Service to sell and service the entire line of products nationwide. United Motors
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#17327872245205616-499: The Stranahan brothers ("Champion Spark Plug Co.") informed them they could not use the name "Champion" as they had it trademarked. At that time the name was changed to reflect Champion's initials. "AC Spark Plug" was trademarked in 1908. In 1927 AC became a division of General Motors. In 1974, in an effort to streamline its operations and marketing, General Motors merged AC Spark Plug's aftersales operation with United Delco to create
5724-537: The area from a high of 80,000 in 1978 to under 8,000 by 2010. From 1960 to 2010, the population of the city nearly halved, from 196,940 to 102,434. In the mid-2000s, Flint became known for its comparatively high crime rates and has repeatedly been ranked among the most dangerous cities in the United States according to crime statistics. The city was under a state of financial emergency from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2011 to 2015. From 2014 to 2019, Flint faced
5832-492: The basic powers of local government, and charter townships with somewhat superior authority and privileges. All townships function under a weak mayor-council form of government, and must have an elected supervisor, clerk, treasurer and a number of trustees. General law townships form the majority of civil townships in Michigan; these offer the most basic of services, and generally follow the boundary lines of survey townships . In sparsely populated areas of Northern Michigan and
5940-535: The board in a charter county is not additionally limited in size by the population of the county. Macomb County and Wayne County operate under the charter form of government, and both have chosen the county executive option. While considered a part of the county government in Michigan, the county road commission is a separate independent unit of government from the general county government. A county road commission may be dissolved and its powers, duties, and functions transferred to general county government either by
6048-565: The board on February 17, 2004, the City Retirement Board agreed to four proposals reducing the amount of the city's contribution into the system. On March 24, Kurtz indicated that he would raise the City Council's and the mayor's pay, and in May, Kurtz laid off 10 workers as part of 35 job cuts for the 2004–05 budget. In June 2004, Kurtz reported that the financial emergency was over. In November 2013, American Cast Iron Pipe Company ,
6156-679: The center of manufacturing for and profits from the nation's carriage industry until the 1920s and are the site of many well-preserved Victorian homes and the setting of Atwood Stadium. The University Avenue corridor of Carriage Town is home to the largest concentration of Greek housing in the area, with fraternity houses from both Kettering University, and the University of Michigan-Flint. Chapter houses include Phi Delta Theta , Sigma Alpha Epsilon , Delta Chi , Theta Chi , Lambda Chi Alpha , Theta Xi , Alpha Phi Alpha , Phi Gamma Delta , and Delta Tau Delta Fraternities. Just north of downtown
6264-475: The charter status, the township may levy up to 5 mills without voter approval. If the charter status is approved by the township board alone, the township board may not levy any millage beyond that allowed for general law townships without voter approval. As of April 2001, there were 127 charter townships in Michigan. A charter township is governed by a board of trustees composed of a township supervisor, clerk, treasurer and 4 trustees. A significant difference in
6372-453: The city's southwestern corner); Powertrain North, Flint Tool and Die and Delphi East. The largest plant, Buick City, and adjacent facilities have been demolished. Half of Flint's fourteen tallest buildings were built during the 1920s. The 19-story Genesee Towers, formerly the city's tallest building, was completed in 1968. The building became unused in later years and fell into severe disrepair:
6480-405: The city's voters recalled Mayor Woodrow Stanley . On May 22, Governor John Engler declared a financial emergency in Flint, and on July 8 the state appointed an emergency financial manager , Ed Kurtz. The emergency financial manager displaced the temporary mayor, Darnell Earley , in the city administrator position. In August 2002, city voters elected former Mayor James Rutherford to finish
6588-410: The county executive or chief administrative officer is removed. For counties whose population is less than 1,500,000, only the elected county executive alternative is permitted. In all counties organized under the charter form of government, the county board of commissioners must have no fewer than 5 members and no more than 21 members. Unlike in the general law or optional unified counties, the size of
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#17327872245206696-458: The county with some executive powers with several elected executive officers as required by the state constitution from the sheriff , county clerk, county treasurer, register of deeds, and prosecuting attorney. With few exceptions, most local government services in Michigan are provided at the city or township level. County governments are limited mostly to operating the local criminal justice system, maintaining vital records and partnering with
6804-419: The county, and can provide service which can include law enforcement , justice administration, health care, among other basic services. Where places within the county are incorporated , and thus granted home rule , the power of the county government is greatly diminished. The government of the state's counties is generally structured as county board of commissioners, which function as the legislative body of
6912-464: The county, but provides for less administrative flexibility than either general law or charter counties. Bay County and Oakland County operate under the optional unified type of government, and both have chosen the Alternate B county executive form of government. A charter county is organized under Public 293 of 1966 (amended in 1980) which permits a county to exercise limited home rule under
7020-745: The defunct Flint Falcons semi-pro team. The team is now solely owned by Lawler. The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram II , born and raised in Grand Blanc, attended his final year of high school at Flint Southwestern Academy. He won the Heisman with 1304 total votes. Ingram attended the University of Alabama and is their first Heisman winner. He was a member of the National Champion 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team . Administrative divisions of Michigan#City The state
7128-429: The density requirement was waived for settlements which had already incorporated as villages - and that all elected officials had to be elected at-large . No fifth class cities currently exist. All cities incorporated by act of the state legislature before the enactment of the Fourth Class City Act of 1895 became "special charter cities" upon its enactment. These cities were governed by the charters enacted directly by
7236-461: The division manager, which carried with it a GM vice-president title and a position on the GM board. In 1923 he became President of General Motors and was Chairman when he retired in 1956. Charles Kettering , co-founder of Delco, was head of research at General Motors for 27 years. Herbert C. Harrison was President of Harrison Radiator until his death in 1927. William C. Durant lost control of GM for
7344-402: The election or appointment of other essential officers and boards. However unlike general law villages, the president in a home rule village may be elected by the village legislative body from its own ranks instead of being directly elected by the village electors. Other than these basic requirements, home rule village governments vary greatly in structure and size. In Michigan, townships are
7452-514: The fact that anticorrosive measures were not implemented. After two independent studies, lead poisoning caused by the water was found in the area's population. This has led to several lawsuits, the resignation of several officials, fifteen criminal indictments, and a federal public health state of emergency for all of Genesee County. Flint lies in the Flint/Tri-Cities region of Michigan . Flint and Genesee County can be categorized as
7560-476: The final time in 1920. United Motors Service would become a fully integrated division of General Motors in 1944. Around 1960, the division's name was changed to United Delco. With the Delco name becoming more well known with consumers, the “Delco” name was incorporated into all of the division's branches (Delco Remy, Delco Harrison, Delco Packard (Packard Electric), Delco Moraine). A red and blue semicircular logo
7668-464: The form of government between a charter township and general law township is that a charter township may appoint a township superintendent as the township's chief administrative officer (CAO) who is delegated specific duties and responsibilities by law. If a charter township does not appoint a superintendent it can employ a township manager as the township's CAO, however, the township manager only has duties and responsibilities directly delegated to it by
7776-438: The governor's home. The next day, Brown filed a financial and operating plan with the state as mandated by law. The next month, each ward in the city had a community engagement meeting hosted by Brown. Governor Snyder on March 7 made a statewide public safety message from Flint City Hall that included help for Flint with plans for reopening the Flint lockup and increasing state police patrols in Flint. On March 20, 2012, days after
7884-443: The incorporation of villages. Thus, all settlements seeking to become villages must first incorporate as home rule villages, and can then choose to adopt the provisions of the General Law Village Act as their charter. General law village must have a president elected by the village electors, but can have an appointed clerk and treasurer instead of an elected clerk and treasurer. The village council may establish additional officers of
7992-591: The largest manufacturer of automobiles by 1908. In 1908, Durant founded General Motors (GM), filing incorporation papers in New Jersey, with headquarters in Flint. GM moved its headquarters to Detroit in the mid-1920s. Durant lost control of GM twice during his lifetime. On the first occasion, he befriended Louis Chevrolet and founded Chevrolet, which was a runaway success. He used the capital from this success to buy back share control. He later lost decisive control again, permanently. Durant experienced financial ruin in
8100-495: The legal time for a review). On November 8, Mayor Dayne Walling defeated challenger Darryl Buchanan 8,819 votes (56%) to 6,868 votes (44%). That same day, the Michigan State review panel declared Flint to be in a state of a "local government financial emergency" recommending the state again appoint an emergency manager. On November 14, the City Council voted 7 to 2 to not appeal the state review with Mayor Walling concurring
8208-753: The main site of the 1936–37 sit-down strike, the Mott Park neighborhood, Kettering University, and the historic Woodcroft Estates, owned in the past by legendary automotive executives and current home to prominent and historic Flint families such as the Motts, the Manleys, and the Smiths. Facilities associated with General Motors in the past and present are scattered throughout the city, including GM Truck and Bus, Flint Metal Center and Powertrain South (clustered together on
8316-474: The mayor. The Receivership Transit Authority Board was formally dissolved by State Treasurer Nick Khouri on April 10, 2018, returning the city to local control. In April 2014, during a financial crisis, state-appointed emergency manager Darnell Earley changed Flint's water source from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (sourced from Lake Huron ) to the Flint River. The problem was compounded with
8424-432: The merger of AC Rochester Division and Delco Remy Division. In 1995 Delphi Automotive Systems absorbed AC Delco Systems. United Motors Corporation was formed by William C. Durant in 1916 as an automotive component and accessory holding company. Durant was the owner of Buick and founder of General Motors in 1908. After he lost control of General Motors in 1910, he founded Chevrolet in 1911 with Louis Chevrolet and
8532-429: The most delegated responsibilities and duties of any municipality having more things they shall do than may do. As of 2016 , there are 280 incorporated cities in Michigan of which 275 have a regular charter, one a special charter, and four a fourth class charter ( Harrisville , Omer , Sandusky , and Yale ). Cities may choose between a mayor-council form of government, a city commission form of government, or
8640-432: The next day. Governor Snyder appointed Michael Brown as the city's emergency manager. On December 2, Brown dismissed a number of top administrators. Pay and benefits from Flint's elected officials were automatically removed. On December 8, the office of ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission were eliminated by Brown. On January 16, 2012, protestors against the emergency manager law including Flint residents marched near
8748-608: The nickname "Vehicle City". General Motors (GM) was founded in Flint in 1908, and the city grew into an automobile manufacturing powerhouse for GM's Buick and Chevrolet divisions, especially after World War II up until the early 1980s recession . Flint was also the home of a sit-down strike in 1936–37 that played a vital role in the formation of the United Auto Workers . Since the late 1960s, Flint has faced several crises. The city experienced an economic downturn after GM significantly downsized its workforce in
8856-487: The north, and Sugar Hill, Floral Park, and Kent and Elm Parks on the south. Many of these neighborhoods were the original centers of early Michigan blues . The South Side in particular was also a center for multi-racial migration from Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Deep South since World War II. These neighborhoods are most often lower income but have maintained some level of economic stratification. The East Side
8964-599: The northeast of the Flint hills. The terrain is low and rolling along the south and east sides, and flatter to the northwest. Flint has several neighborhoods grouped around the center of the city on the four cardinal sides. The downtown business district is centered on Saginaw Street south of the Flint River. Just west, on opposite sides of the river, are Carriage Town (north) and the Grand Traverse Street District (south). Both neighborhoods boast strong neighborhood associations. These neighborhoods were
9072-432: The number of trustees to four, appointing the clerk and treasurer or creating the position of village manager takes a village ordinance approved by a two-thirds majority of the council subject to referendum. Additional village boards, both appointed and ex officio, can include the boards of registration, election commissioners, election inspectors and cemetery trustees. Home rule villages are governed and incorporated under
9180-538: The ombudsman's office. In September, a 4% pay cut was agreed to by the city's largest union. In October, Kurtz moved in favor of infrastructure improvements, authorizing $ 1 million in sewer and road projects. Don Williamson was elected a full-term mayor and sworn in on November 10. In December, city audits reported nearly $ 14 million in reductions in the city deficit. For the 2003–2004 budget year, estimates decreased that amount to between $ 6 million and $ 8 million. With pressure from Kurtz for large layoffs and replacement of
9288-447: The pleasure of the board. The differences between the county administrator and county controller form is that it requires a 2/3 majority to dismiss a controller but only a simple majority to dismiss an administrator. General law counties are the most numerous; 79 of the state's 83 counties are governed under the general law form with 61 choosing an administrator or a county controller option. An optional unified form of county government
9396-470: The population. Non-Hispanic Whites were 35.7% of the population in 2010, compared to 70.1% in 1970. There were 40,472 households, of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 23.1% were married couples living together, 29.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.8% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who
9504-608: The profits from this permitted him to regain control of GM in 1916. At approximately the same time, he assembled United Motors. Durant's founding of United Motors has parallels in his earlier experience in the horse-drawn carriage industry in Michigan. In the late 19th century he was co-owner of the Durant-Dort Carriage Company , one of the nation's leading carriage manufacturers. Concerned that they could not source components and raw materials at affordable prices or in sufficient quantities, Durant-Dort created
9612-455: The recall effort and supported Judson Transue , Cuthbertson's elected successor. Transue however did not remove the police chief. McKeighan survived his recall only to face conspiracy charges in 1928. McKeighan was under investigation for a multitude of crimes which angered city leaders enough to push for changes in the city charter. In 1928, the city adopted a new city charter with a council-manager form of government. Subsequently, McKeighan ran
9720-526: The remainder of Stanley's term of office. On September 24, Kurtz commissioned a salary and wage study for top city officials from an outside accounting and consulting firm. The financial manager then installed a new code enforcement program for annual rental inspections and emergency demolitions. On October 8, Kurtz ordered cuts in pay for the mayor (from $ 107,000 to $ 24,000) and the City Council members (from $ 23,000 to $ 18,000). He also eliminated insurance benefits for most officials. After spending $ 245,000 fighting
9828-543: The return of overpayments to the pension fund. However, in December, the state attorney general stated that emergency financial managers do not have authority over the retirement system. With contract talks stalled, Kurtz stated that there either need to be cuts or layoffs to union employees. That same month, the city's recreation centers were temporarily closed. Emergency measures continued in 2003. In May, Kurtz increased water and sewer bills by 11% and shut down operations of
9936-560: The state in providing social services. Counties are organized into three types or options: general law, optional unified, and charter, and six forms: county board of commissioners, county administrator, county controller, county manager, and county executive. The type of government dictates the form of government. A general law county is governed under general law in which the county board of commissioners shares executive and legislative functions with other county-wide elected and appointed officials. Most general law counties operate under
10044-566: The state legislature, and all changes to these cities charters had to be amended by the legislature. All but one these cities has since re-incorporated under the Home Rule Cities Act: Mackinac Island . Villages are the second kind of incorporated place in Michigan. Unlike cities, villages are not completely administratively autonomous of the township(s) in which they are located, reducing their home rule powers. Because of this, statistically, their population
10152-490: The state legislature. The act brought all existing villages under its provisions eliminating their special act status. General law villages can make basic changes to their local laws, but are prohibited from changing their form of government. While the act has provisions for governance of a general law village, the Home Rule Villages Act of 1909 superseded the General Law Village Act of 1895 as it related to
10260-410: The takeover, the City Council ended the lawsuits on October 14. Immediately thereafter on October 16, a new interim financial plan was put in place by the manager. This plan initiated controls on hiring, overnight travel and spending by city employees. On November 12, Kurtz directed the city's retirement board to stop unusual pension benefits, which had decreased some retiree pensions by 3.5%. Kurtz sought
10368-628: The township board of trustees. Special districts and other public bodies may be set up as authorized by the legislation required by the State Constitution Article VIII sections 27 (Metropolitan governments and authorities) and 28 (cooperative agreements) . The primary laws passed under sections 28 was the Urban Cooperation Act 7 of 1967 (Ex. Sess.) that allow cooperative agreements between existing municipalities to form joint governmental bodies to operate
10476-483: The village such as a village manager, who is appointed by the president with the council's consent. Besides the president, clerk and treasurer the village council may have either four or six trustees with six as the default number. Villages under the act elect three trustees annually for two-year terms with a president elected annually. However, they have the option to elected three trustees biennially for four-year terms or all six biennially for two-year terms. Reducing
10584-419: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.13. The median age in the city was 33.6 years. 27.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64; and 10.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female. In 2016, Niraj Warikoo of
10692-401: Was October 31. He was succeeded by Saginaw city manager (and former Flint temporary mayor) Darnell Earley. Earley formed a blue ribbon committee on governance with 23 members on January 16, 2014, to review city operations and consider possible charter amendments. The blue ribbon committee recommend that the city move to a council-manager government. Six charter amendment proposals were placed on
10800-822: Was created by Manager Brown in June 2012 for 11 downtown Flint properties. On July 19, the city pension system was transferred to the Municipal Employees Retirement System by the city's retirement board which led to a legal challenge. On August 3, 2012, the Michigan Supreme Court ordered the state Board of Canvassers to certify a referendum on Public Act 4, the Emergency Manager Law, for the November ballot. Brown made several actions on August 7 including placing
10908-634: Was exacerbated by the 1973 oil crisis with spiking oil prices and the U.S. auto industry's subsequent loss of market share to imports, as Japanese manufacturers were producing cars with better fuel economy . In the 1980s, the rate of deindustrialization accelerated again with local GM employment falling from a 1978 high of 80,000 to under 8,000 by 2010. Only 10% of the manufacturing work force from its height remains in Flint. Many factors have been blamed, including outsourcing , offshoring , increased automation , and moving jobs to non-union facilities in right to work states and foreign countries. This decline
11016-664: Was highlighted in the film Roger & Me by Michael Moore (the title refers to Roger B. Smith , the CEO of General Motors during the 1980s). Also highlighted in Moore's documentary was the failure of city officials to reverse the trends with entertainment options (e.g. the now-demolished AutoWorld ) during the 1980s. Moore, a native of Davison (a Flint suburb), revisited Flint in his later movies, including Bowling for Columbine , Fahrenheit 9/11 , and Fahrenheit 11/9 . By 2002, Flint had accrued $ 30 million in debt. On March 5, 2002,
11124-416: Was home to several Ojibwe tribes at the start of the 19th century, with a particularly significant community established near present-day Montrose . The Flint River had several convenient fords which became points of contention among rival tribes, as attested by the presence of nearby arrowheads and burial mounds. Some of the city currently resides atop ancient Ojibwe burial grounds. In 1819, Jacob Smith ,
11232-569: Was implemented, designed by Lance Wyman (who would later famously design the graphic identity for the 1968 Mexico City Olympics , among other projects). In 1899, Albert Champion came to the U.S. as a champion bicycle racer. He found a job with the Stranahan brothers, who had started Champion Spark Plug Company in 1905 or 1906 and began production in 1907. Champion was not happy in his job because he had no control over his work. He already had at least one spark plug patent (from 1898) before leaving Europe. In 1908, he went to see William C. Durant of
11340-451: Was originally independent of General Motors , selling to all manufacturers until 1918, when the company was acquired by General Motors for $ 45 million (three quarters debentures and one quarter common shares) and integrated into GM on December 31, 1918. United Motors became United Motors Service and continued to operate essentially as it had before. However, all of its production was now devoted to GM's brands. Alfred P. Sloan continued as
11448-544: Was selected to finish out the financial emergency with an expected exit in April. On April 30, 2015 , the state moved the city from under an emergency manager receivership to a Receivership Transition Advisory Board. On November 3, 2015, Flint residents elected Karen Weaver as their first female mayor. On January 22, 2016, the Receivership Transition Advisory Board unanimously voted to return some powers, including appointment authority, to
11556-400: Was still needed. Michael Brown was re-appointed Emergency Manager on June 26, 2013, and returned to work on July 8. Flint had an $ 11.3 million projected deficit when Brown started as emergency manager in 2011. The city faced a $ 19.1 million combined deficit from 2012, with plans to borrow $ 12 million to cover part of it. Brown resigned from his position in early September 2013, and his last day
11664-578: Was the second largest city in the state. The decades of the 1950s and 1960s are seen as the height of Flint's prosperity and influence. They culminated with the establishment of many local institutions, most notably the Flint Cultural Center . This landmark remains one of the city's chief commercial and artistic draws to this day. The city's Bishop International Airport was the busiest in Michigan for United Airlines apart from Detroit Metropolitan Airport , with flights to many destinations in
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