News

Sixth annual Great Lakes Hop and Barley Conference

Published on January 8, 2020
This annual event will be held at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, on March 5-7, 2020.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The case for data literacy in public sector organizations

Published on November 8, 2019
Why public sector organizations need to become more data literate.