Citizens Research Council Marks 110 Years of Nonpartisan Policy Analysis
The Citizens Research Council celebrates 110 years of nonpartisan policy analysis, currently helping Michigan voters understand the complexities of a potential 2027 Constitutional Convention.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — The Citizens Research Council of Michigan is celebrating 110 years of providing nonpartisan analysis to state residents, currently focusing on educating voters about the complexities of a potential Constitutional Convention in 2027.
Founded in 1916, the organization has maintained its mission of delivering unbiased research on Michigan’s public policy issues without partisan or ideological influence, according to Eric Lupher, who has served as the council’s president for 14 years.
“The mission then is pretty much the mission now, to provide information, to provide analysis of public policy issues,” Lupher told the Michigan Advance, “so that people, citizens, elected officials, civic and business leaders, have good information to make decisions about the lives we live, the government services and how they’re provided and how they’re financed, and who provides them, and who benefits from them.”
Fighting Misinformation Through Facts
In today’s political climate marked by widespread misinformation and disinformation, Lupher emphasized that partisan division is not a new phenomenon. He said the council’s century-plus track record as a trusted organization provides significant value to Michigan residents.
The organization’s approach focuses on establishing a common foundation of facts rather than advocating for specific policy positions. “We’re not trying to convince you of doing something,” Lupher explained. “We’re just trying to provide the information and provide the analysis so that people can apply their own policy lens to it.”
Constitutional Convention Analysis
The council’s current priority involves explaining the nuances surrounding Michigan’s upcoming decision on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention in 2027. This complex issue represents the latest in the organization’s long history of tackling significant policy questions facing the state.
Lupher stressed the importance of having shared factual information as the foundation for policy discussions. Without this common ground, he noted, productive dialogue becomes increasingly difficult.
Decade-Plus Leadership
Under Lupher’s leadership since 2012, the Citizens Research Council has continued its tradition of providing accessible policy analysis to diverse audiences, including everyday citizens, elected officials, and business and civic leaders throughout Michigan.
The organization’s work spans various aspects of government operations, from service delivery and financing mechanisms to identifying beneficiaries of different programs and policies. This comprehensive approach reflects the council’s commitment to addressing the full spectrum of issues that affect Michigan residents’ daily lives.
As Michigan approaches key decisions about its constitutional future, the Citizens Research Council’s 110-year legacy of nonpartisan analysis positions it as a valuable resource for voters seeking reliable information in an increasingly polarized political environment.
