News
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Youth making a difference in county government
Published on December 13, 2023
Genesee County teens are working to improve their community through civic engagement. -
The Open Meetings Act and remote participation in public meetings
Published on November 9, 2023
What does Michigan’s Open Meetings Act say about remote participation in public meetings? -
Why care about planning and zoning?
Published on September 15, 2023
Being involved in planning and zoning is a great way to help shape the future of your community. -
When to call an attorney for planning and zoning issues
Published on April 6, 2023
Land use decision making is not always a do it yourself proposition for local officials; there are times when you really should hire a lawyer. -
The importance of your Zoning Board of Appeals
Published on March 17, 2023
Maintaining a properly organized and functioning Zoning Board of Appeals is critical to ensure the integrity of the board’s decisions and to avoid potentially serious and costly legal issues. -
Engaging communities or working in partnership with others?
Published on December 31, 2022
Effective community engagement is needed for addressing human health outcomes, community resiliency, and sustainable use of the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers. -
Accessory dwelling units – Coming to a neighborhood near you?
Published on September 9, 2022
With interest in urban living on the rise, more communities are considering amending local regulations to allow accessory dwelling units in traditional neighborhoods. -
The inherent value of a charrette: A discussion with Bill Riddick
Published on March 7, 2022
According to author and facilitator Bill Riddick, charrettes offer transformative opportunities for public engagement and policy-change. -
Conflict of interest rules apply to all communities, regardless of size
Published on February 24, 2022
Often a small community struggles to avoid a “conflict of interest” situation – particularly hard because of its small size. But there are not any exceptions or special dispensation due to the size of a community. -
How quickly must a FOIA request be answered?
Published on September 8, 2021
A Michigan Supreme Court ruling changes the timeline for a public body to fulfill FOIA requests.