The first article explores the role of governmental research organizations in state and local government.

The second article provides some explanation for three charter amendments and two propositions to issue bonds that appeared on Detroit’s August 31, 1920, primary election. They included:

• A charter amendment to increase the number of supervisors representing Detroit on the Board of Supervisors of Wayne County
• A charter amendment to provide for a single Commissioner of Recreation in place of the present Recreation Commission
• A charter amendment to change the section applying to the Department of Buildings and Safety Engineering.
• Two propositions sought voter approval to issue a total of $37 million for public works improvements and extensions of the sewer system into newly annexed territory.