News

MSU Extension tourism educators partner with St. Clair County 4-H Fair Board to pilot visitor assessment tool and drive future development

Published on November 9, 2022
A new visitor assessment tool was piloted for fairs and festivals to capture feedback on the impressions these events give new attendees.
MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program returns to in-person format for 2023

Published on November 3, 2022
Participants in the ZAC Program will receive a wealth of training, resources, and learning activities to understand all parts of their role as a Zoning Administrator.
Four questions to ask when launching a new food product

Published on November 1, 2022
Some tips that could help lead towards a successful launch for your food product.
Visit 26 innovative farms with new farmers in the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program

Published on October 31, 2022
Organic Farmer Training Program participants are learning to farm by seeing what is possible.
A look inside the community feeder calf auction in West Branch

Published on October 26, 2022
Sometimes the view behind the scenes is the most revealing. Here is a look at a calf auction and a peek behind it that reveals the heart of the people involved.
What makes a strong food brand?

Published on October 11, 2022
Strong brands create loyal customers who purchase more frequently or at a higher price; the Brand Report Card, by Kevin Lane Keller, describes how to build a compelling brand.
Lake Huron serves as a classroom for elementary students

Published on October 7, 2022
Flapping their arms like migrating birds, excited students arrived at Tawas Point State Park for a day of community-connected learning - and their student stewardship project.
MSU Organic Farmer Training Program now in Detroit and East Lansing

Published on September 16, 2022
New partnership with Keep Growing Detroit leads to a hands-on learning site.
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.
Zoning district, tax assessor classifications not the same thing

Published on September 1, 2022
Some improperly use tax assessor classifications as an indicator of zoning district, but they are not the same and one should never base zoning decisions on property tax classifications.
Zoning and condominiums

Published on September 1, 2022
Does the zoning ordinance prohibit condominiums if they are not listed as a use?
Fostering community, encouraging healthy lifestyles and strengthening food security in northwest Detroit

Published on August 31, 2022
The Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning and Innovation celebrates new growth and capacity building in 2022.
Building successful communities of every size

Published on August 26, 2022
MSU Extension's Citizen Planner Program is a proven solution providing a unique platform for learning the fundamentals of planning and zoning.
Circuit court review of ZBA decisions

Published on August 24, 2022
When your zoning board of appeals is not the last stop on the road to a zoning ordinance determination.
Proving a practical difficulty for a dimensional variance request

Published on August 24, 2022
While inherently rigid, there are mechanisms in zoning to allow for flexibility.