MSU Extension Community

News

• 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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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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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  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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  Is civics education sinking in?

  Published on October 11, 2019
  Hands-on settings can enhance civic education for American youth.

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  Meijer supports communities, entrepreneurs in several ways at Making It In Michigan

  Published on October 10, 2019
  Meijer is the primary corporate partner of the educational conference and trade show and will have buyers on hand looking for products to put on store shelves

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  Simple tools help facilitators be successful

  Published on October 10, 2019
  Michigan State University (MSU) Extension offers tips, workshops to aid in facilitative success.