Public Affairs graduate students in the School of Planning & Public Affairs will partner with the City of West Branch, a small but growing rural community, to assess and support local fiscal policy, budgeting practices, and capital improvement planning. 

Working collaboratively with local government officials and community stakeholders, students will analyze current budget structures, revenue sources, and expenditure priorities, with particular attention to the challenges and opportunities faced by small towns with limited resources.

The project will involve conducting a fiscal health assessment, evaluating the long-term capital improvement needs of the community (such as infrastructure, public facilities, departmental staffing, and equipment), and developing recommendations for sustainable budgeting and investment strategies. Students will apply skills in public finance, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to co-develop a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). 

Deliverables may include a fiscal policy review report, a multi-year CIP proposal, and a presentation to local decision-makers. This project provides valuable, hands-on experience in municipal finance and governance while supporting rural resilience and community-informed policymaking.