News
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Conflict can be resolved if opposing positions and interests are clearly understood.
Published on December 10, 2019
Using “both/and” thinking can move parties toward solutions.
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Can we really run government like a business?
Published on December 5, 2019
While there are elements of business that can be used to improve government operation, the two are fundamentally different, and we need to remember that neither can, or should, operate just like the other.
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Innovative budget process used by Muskegon county
Published on December 3, 2019
In 2012, Muskegon county utilized an innovative, collaborative budget process to solve revenue shortfalls and build teamwork that has proven to be successful over the past few years.
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Category 4 sites under the Right to Farm Act Site Selection GAAMP
Published on November 19, 2019
Site Selection GAAMP provides local authority to permit livestock keeping in primarily residential areas
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Right to Farm Act can preempt local regulation authority, but not all local regulations
Published on November 19, 2019
Many statutes and laws result in limiting local government’s ability to adopt and enforce regulations. Most are straightforward, but the Right to Farm Act preemption is confusing, changing and only preempts local regulation of certain things.
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Right to Farm Site Selection GAAMP needs local government attention
Published on November 19, 2019
Site Selection GAAMP provides opportunity for local government to lead discussions about urban agriculture and local food production, and work to accommodate this economic activity.
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The case for data literacy in public sector organizations
Published on November 8, 2019
Why public sector organizations need to become more data literate.
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Code of conduct for planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members
Published on November 7, 2019
Use of a code of conduct/oath of office is recommended for planning commissioner and zoning board of appeals members. It helps underscore a person’s role, expected behavior, and differences between elected officials and members of administrative bodies.
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Preparation, deliberation and documentation are key to effective government meetings
Published on November 6, 2019
Public planning and zoning meetings go better when each member actively engages in preparation, deliberation and documentation. These activities occur before the meeting starts and continue for the duration of the meeting.
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Not all public participation events are charrettes
Published on November 6, 2019
Charrette is a very specific type of public involvement system for design and planning projects. Do not be fooled by people calling every public participation event a charrette.
