Doug Roberts epitomized the very highest standard as to what it means to be a public servant.  

He was a highly respected economist particularly in areas of tax policy and an expert in public finance.  The State of Michigan was a much better place because of his work and efforts in state government and other public policy arenas which included serving as State Treasurer, deputy state budget director, deputy state school superintendent, Director of the Senate Fiscal Agency, the State Employer, chair of the State Tax Commission, as a member of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees and, for 15 years following retirement from state government, as director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University.

While highly educated with a wide breadth of professional experience, one of Doug’s greatest assets was his capacity to engage and listen to the ‘other side’ regardless of their political persuasion, collaborating with them to find viable solutions. Those who knew Doug will also never forget his sense of fairness, his caring and empathetic approach to everyone, and his love of laughter and appreciation of a good joke.

“Doug’s keen understanding of the economy, taxation, public policy, and state government operations helped steer the state and its local governments through some very difficult economic and financial conditions,” said Eric Lupher, President of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. “Because Doug wanted to make Michigan a better place for all who live here, his even-handed approach to the problems confronting the state made him a trusted financial and policy advisor to five governors from both major political parties, as well as legislators, treasurers, and budget directors during his four decades serving the state.”

For that, Doug was the third person ever honored by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan with the Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr. Public Service Award for an exemplary lifetime in public service.

We are honored to have known Doug, we are deeply saddened by his loss, and we hold his sons and grandchildren in our hearts during this time of tremendous grief.

Eric Lupher

July 15, 2024