News

Understanding Michigan’s elected University governing boards

Published on October 19, 2020
Michigan is an outlier in its election of University Board Members.
Understanding Michigan’s elected University governing boards – Part 2

Published on October 19, 2020
Explore the responsibilities of these boards and how the public can become involved and attend the meetings.
"Due Process" is often a source of lost court cases in local government

Published on September 30, 2020
In planning and zoning due process is simple to do, but maybe because it is so simple it is often overlooked. Yet many times it is one of the most important things to get right.
4th annual Michigan Chinook Cup

Published on September 18, 2020
Hop Growers of Michigan members encouraged to save a brewer’s cut sample for the competition.
Legislative body involvement in zoning administrative decisions can raise important questions

Published on September 11, 2020
Michigan zoning is set up to mimic the three branches of federal government with separation of powers. But it is not done perfectly, and requires some careful consideration when thinking about how things are done in your community.
How do I build a commercial kitchen at home or on my farm?

Published on September 11, 2020
Steps to take before construction.
Do you require training for your zoning administrator? You should

Published on September 1, 2020
Zoning administrators are among the most important local officials – how well they do, or not do - their jobs have a great impact on the future of their communities.
Benefits of side-disking hop rows

Published on August 25, 2020
Side disking helps prevent cross cultivation, reduces weeds and prevents alley growth.
Life-cycle models can help tourism destinations chart a path to sustainability

Published on August 7, 2020
Can a life-cycle model help a destination understand tourism development and plan its future? The answer is: yes.
Seed to Kitchen Collaborative comes to Michigan

Published on August 4, 2020
This new vegetable variety testing program serves the needs of organic, direct-market vegetable growers.
Annual entrepreneurship conference provides solutions to rural communities in advance of pandemic

Published on July 21, 2020
City of Alma, Mich. adopts rural connectivity solution in advance of the pandemic allowing students to access the web while being confined to learning from home.
Court clarification on Right to Farm and local regulation

Published on July 16, 2020
A published Michigan Court of Appeals case provides clarification over the confusing issue of local regulation and the Right to Farm Act.
Rural tourism opportunities increase in Tuscola County, Mich. from first-time visitor assessment program

Published on June 17, 2020
Opportunities increase for tourism from the first-time visitor assessment program.
MSU Student Organic Farm 2019 Annual Report

Published on June 2, 2020
MSU Student Organic Farm enhances scholarship, research, and education in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Urban agriculture and agriculture-like sample zoning text available to local governments in Michigan

Published on May 29, 2020
Local government should encourage urban agriculture. But there needs to be proper safeguards and a consensus to balance agriculture activities without undesired impacts in the neighborhood.