News

MSU Extension hires new water resources educator

Published on December 19, 2019
Paige Filice will work statewide to prevent invasive species and protect Michigan’s waters.
New tool helps chart areas available to expand broadband infrastructure

Published on December 19, 2019
Broadband interactive map
Direct development with Corridor Improvement Authorities

Published on December 19, 2019
Develop outside the traditional downtown
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: An introduction

Published on December 18, 2019
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act was written to ensure that the governmental decision-making process would be accessible to Michigan residents.
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Explore the details

Published on December 18, 2019
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act provides requirements on meeting notices, minutes, and keeping the process open to public participation.
Michigan Open Meetings Act: Understanding closed sessions

Published on December 18, 2019
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act was written to ensure that the governmental decision-making process would be accessible to Michigan residents.
Public hearing is not only way to involve the public

Published on December 18, 2019
There are many ways to effectively involve the public beyond the public hearing.
Be frugal when starting a business

Published on December 18, 2019
Conserving cash is an important skill for an entrepreneur with a start-up business.
Being in the 4-H leadership zone by traveling internationally

Published on December 17, 2019
4-H empowers youth to step outside of their comfort zone and into their learning zone to become strong leaders.
Bad zoning can be worse than no zoning at all

Published on December 16, 2019
Communities can evaluate planning and zoning programs using performance audit materials from Michigan State University Extension.
Training, continuing education is best strategy for planning and zoning risk management

Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education and training is an important planning and zoning risk management strategy for local governments in Michigan. While Michigan has many training opportunities, participation could be greater.
The importance of discussing best practices for continuing education in planning and zoning

Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education is an important strategy for local government risk management. Bylaws and local policy should also address how much training is appropriate and what topics training should focus on.
Nonconformities in zoning is the source of much confusion

Published on December 13, 2019
Zoning cannot be retroactive and has to grandfather existing land uses. Those are called nonconformities which take on many characteristics and are different than zoning violations.
Youth can build credit history through positive use of credit cards

Published on December 13, 2019
Credit cards can aid in building a credit score if you use them wisely.
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.