COVID-19, economic challenges, an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and public policy choices have complicated an already difficult year, according to the Center for Local, State and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) at U-Mâs Ford School of Public Policy, which conducts the MPPS every spring. âThe last year has brought significant challenges for our state, its communities and citizens, including many impacts from the historic pandemic,â CLOSUP Director Tom Ivacko said in a statement. âLocal leaders across Michigan are telling us that state leaders havenât met these challenges yet, and as a state weâre heading in the wrong direction today.â