MSU Students Create City Budget Simulation to Boost Engagement

Two Master of Public Administration students at Morehead State University, Taylor Bishop (Class of 2025) from Greensburg and Savannah Jackson (Class of 2024 & 2025) from Morehead, have developed a City Budgeting Simulation Activity as part of a Community Development course.

Modeled after the City of Morehead’s budget, the simulation aims to increase civic engagement by giving participants a hands-on look at the challenges of municipal decision-making.

“This simulation allows participants to roleplay as a city council member and decide on department budgets, as well as which programs they would like to fund or cut,” said Jackson. “This will provide insights on what programs the public values most in different scenarios, as well as give people the opportunity to put themselves in a position where difficult decisions between competing priorities must be made.”

Two simulation events will be held this November:

• Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 4 p.m. in Rader Hall 102 for MSU students.
• Monday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m. in the Morehead Police and 911 Facility’s Conference Room (309 West Main Street) for community members.

“This simulation bridges the gap between classroom learning and community engagement,” said Department Chair & Professor of Political Science Dr. James Masterson. “By stepping into the role of a city council member, participants, whether students or residents, gain firsthand experience with the tough choices and trade-offs that define public budgeting.”

Bishop will graduate in spring 2026 with a double major in political science and history, as well as credits toward an MPA degree.

“This simulation shows the endless opportunities that students can expect to gain by attending Morehead State University,” he said. “MSU gave us the opportunity to develop a city budgeting simulation that not only engages students in the civic process but also the local community.”

For more information about the simulation, email Masterson at j.masterson@moreheadstate.edu.

To learn more about the program, contact the Department of History, Philosophy, Politics, Global Studies & Legal Studies at 606-783-2655 or email hpgl@moreheadstate.edu.