10-year Anniversary -- 2025

During his long career as a U.S. Senator, Levin developed a keen interest in making government accountable and responsible to the people. This commitment stemmed from his experience in local Detroit politics, where he witnessed corruption and incompetence at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The failure of the federal government to follow through on the implementation of new laws had devastating consequences for Detroiters, and Levin grew deeply involved in legislative oversight. 

A power implied by the Constitution’s system of checks and balances, legislative oversight is the duty of Congress and the 50 state legislatures to conduct investigations. These inquiries, which can be conducted by individual lawmakers or committees, examine issues and abuses. Using facts, lawmakers can establish new or improve existing government programs to create positive change. 

“Good government is impossible without good oversight,” said Jim Townsend, director of the Levin Center. “In a time of deep divisions and rising skepticism about our government, fact-based congressional oversight is more important than ever. Government in a democracy must be a conversation based on fact-finding in good faith.” 

Aligning directly with Wayne State’s inaugural Year of Focus theme, “Dialogue and Discourse in Divisive Times,” the Levin Center has been dedicated to promoting civic discourse and dialogue among all levels of government.  “At the Levin Center we work to equip lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and across America with the tools and know-how to bring facts to light for the benefit of all,” said Townsend. 

The center also plays a critical role in educating the public about issues related to the legislative branch, such as the misrepresentation of congressional power in our current administration. While oversight is a critical part of American democracy, it often remains misunderstood, even by legislators at all levels of government.