News

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 8, 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.
Before settling for a public hearing, consider the continuum of public involvement

Published on August 6, 2021
Referring to the continuum of public involvement before the next big community decision will help your local government design the most effective method for engaging the public.
The importance of Appreciative Leadership

Published on June 3, 2021
Showing genuine appreciation is a strength that all leaders need to practice to bring out the best in themselves and others.
How are county commissioner districts created?

Published on June 2, 2021
The county apportionment process takes place every 10 years following the census, to draw county commission districts.
Cultivating local farm economies

Published on April 21, 2021
Farm viability requires flexibility, innovation in local government planning and zoning to allow for farm income diversification.