MSU Extension MSU Extension Citizen Planner Program

Local officials have a responsibility to help their communities manage the impacts of economic change and be part of the solutions to challenges their communities face. Local communities that proactively plan to succeed in the New Economy can improve their quality of life and overall sustainability. The Citizen Planner Program empowers local officials to shape the future of their communities by providing them with the tools and education they need to lead.

Citizen Planner Classroom Curriculum

Citizen Planner instructors include MSU Faculty, MSU Extension educators, and professional planners. The classroom program consists of six sessions:

1. Understanding the Planning and Zoning Context – Learn the legal sources and limitations of planning and zoning authority, and explore your understanding of ethical decision-making.
2. Planning for the Future of Your Community – Recognize the function and importance of a master plan, know the process for developing one and its relationship to zoning.
3. Implementing the Plan with Zoning – Discover the importance of zoning, learn how zoning is administered and gain confidence in your zoning reviews, including site plans.
4. Making Zoning Decisions – Learn how to adopt and amend a zoning ordinance, understand the role of the zoning board of appeals and obtain skills in basic property development methods.
5. Using Innovative Planning and Zoning – Strategize with placemaking and design-based solutions for local and regional success in the New Economy.
6. Successfully Fulfilling Your Role – Strengthen your ethical decision-making skills, apply standards to your decision-making and know when to ask for help.

MSU Extension awards Citizen Planner Program participants a certificate of completion.

Participants who complete the Citizen Planner Classroom Program are eligible to earn the Master Citizen Planner (MCP) credential. In addition to completing the course, the MCP credential requires passing an online exam and capstone presentation, and meeting annual continuing education requirements. Master Citizen Planners may receive incentives, such as future course discounts, exclusive training opportunities, and scholarships for annual conferences and regional training offered by partnering organizations. The MCP designation is an achievement recognized as the standard of excellence among planning officials and community leaders in Michigan.

The Gogebic County Citizen Planner Program will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. CT on the following dates: September 24, October 1, 8, 22, 29, and November 5 (no class Oct. 15). Classes will be held at the Ironwood Memorial Building, Women's Club Room at 213 S Marquette St., Ironwood, MI 49938. For more information, including a detailed class schedule and fees, please view the Event Flyer below.

This MSU Extension Citizen Planner Program is brought to you in coordination with the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) and the City of Ironwood.

Grants / Scholarships

Scholarships may be available from your community’s liability insurance provider. Michigan Township Participating Plan offers to its municipal members one per community, which covers the complete registration cost for participation in the Citizen Planner Program. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.theparplan.com. For member governments of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), contact Cara Ceci at 800-243-1324 for more information regarding grants for education and training through the Risk Avoidance Program (RAP). For municipalities obtaining insurance through Nickel & Saph, Inc. Insurance Agency, contact Stephen R. Saph, Jr. at 586-463-4573 or stephenjr@nickelsaph.com. Contact your community’s liability insurance provider to see if similar grants or scholarships are available.

Cancellations

Registrations cancelled on or after Sept. 12, 2025, will be assessed a $45 cancellation fee.