Jim Townsend, an attorney, former congressional staffer and state legislator, is Director of @Levin_Center
Detroit, MI
Joined April 2009
- Tweets2.3K
- Following1.1K
- Followers1.6K
- Likes1.6K
On September 17, 2026 at 4 pm I will be moderating a panel discussion at the Levin Center on how rebooting Congress can help save American democracy. It will feature Philip Wallach, Steven Winter, and Barbara Comstock. RSVP here: levin-center.org/constitutio…
Jim Townsend retweeted
Check out @Levin_Center director @JimTownsend's column in today's @freep!
freep.com/story/opinion/cont…
Jim Townsend retweeted
On this day in 1789, the first session of the United States Congress convened at Federal Hall, launching the new government created by the United States Constitution. The First Congress would soon pass the Bill of Rights — helping shape American democracy. #OnThisDay #America250
Jim Townsend retweeted
"The White House and Immigration and Customs Enforcement should abandon this stonewalling which runs afoul of the U.S. Constitution and federal law," writes @Levin_Center director @JimTownsend.
Read more at @TheHillOpinion.
thehill.com/opinion/congress…
Jim Townsend retweeted
“Denying members of Congress access to facilities is a direct assault on our system of checks and balances. What [they] are trying to do now is to be part of a proud bipartisan tradition of...oversight by showing up," director @JimTownsend told @latimes.
latimes.com/politics/story/2…
Jim Townsend retweeted
Statement by the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democacy of the Public Violence that Occurred in Minnesota on June 14, 2025
#MinnesotaAssassinations
levin-center.org/wp-content/…
I'm now on BlueSky at bsky.app/profile/jim-townsen…. I hope you will follow me there!
Looking forward to joining former Congressman Dave Trott on the radio to talk about the mission and work of the Levin Center! Today at 10:35 am!
Listen to @Levin_Center director Jim Townsend live on @wjrradio this morning at 10:35am EDT!
player.wjr.com/
Jim Townsend retweeted
With @HouseGOP pushing to enforce the subpoena against Merrick Garland, @Levin_Center Director @JimTownsend has issued a statement on the AG’s possible arrest and why this has the potential to trigger a constitutional crisis. Full statement here: levin-center.org/levin-cente…
Jim Townsend retweeted
Join us May 10th to explore a user-centric approach to government & legislative oversight in a digital world with Jennifer Pahlka (@pahlkadot), SC Rep. Jeff Johnson, & Michael Brennan (@CivillaDetroit).
RSVP now for the virtual panel!
levin-center.org/event/user-…
Jim Townsend retweeted
Join us May 13: maximizing user accessibility & ensuring program integrity & security in gov program design with Jen Pahlka (@pahlkadot), Michele Evermore, former deputy director of OUIM @USDOL; @JusticeOIG Michael Horowitz, & AK State Sen. James Kaufman.
levin-center.org/event/user-…
Putting country (and the facts) before party.
Cong. Mgmt Foundation report points out what we see in our oversight trainings with congressional staff – their powerful desire to collaborate across the aisle by putting country (and the facts) before party. tinyurl.com/bdfykmkn
Jim Townsend retweeted
Watch our D.C. director Elise Bean's testimony from yesterday's hearing before the Committee on House Administration's Subcommittee on Modernization! #oversight
youtube.com/live/pDdB0CJeRFU…
Jim Townsend retweeted
The State Oversight Academy is celebrating its first #anniversary this month! Check out a quick recap of what we've accomplished so far, and some exciting announcements for the year ahead!
youtu.be/Alg8vjWsE4A
Jim Townsend retweeted
Welcome, #teachers! The @Levin_Center is thrilled to partner with #MiCivics Coalition to host the MiCivics Civic Education Summit at @_WayneLaw. A great opportunity to connect and explore such an important topic: "Cultivating Civic Champions: Advancing Civic Curiosity & Joy."
Jim Townsend retweeted
#Navalny died fighting for democracy in Russia. His courage & integrity serves as inspiration for all in that fight, not only by opposing authoritarian rule but fighting for fact-based governance. Our 250-year-old democracy is still – if we can keep it – the light of the world.
Jim Townsend retweeted
A big @_WayneLaw welcome to our new 1Ls! Thanks for stopping by the Levin Center to chat with director @JimTownsend!
Jim Townsend retweeted
Welcome @_WayneLaw students! Come see the @Levin_Center at the Wayne Law Fair this afternoon!
Jim Townsend retweeted
We were so excited to meet all the new students at @_WayneLaw today! Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us!
Jim Townsend retweeted
Listen to our newest FAST (Federal & State Tutorial) Class, feat. @KMiddlemass. She discusses her research into the public policies regarding reentry & recidivism rates. Listen on our site or on the Oversight Matters feed wherever you listen to podcasts!
oversight-matters-a-podcast-…