MSU Extension Government

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  Right to Farm Act can preempt local regulation authority, but not all local regulations

  Published on December 16, 2021
  Many statutes and laws result in limiting local government’s ability to adopt and enforce regulations. Most are straightforward, but the Right to Farm Act preemption is confusing, changing and only preempts local regulation of certain things.

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  MSU Extension develops online resource, programs addressing historical redlining of Michigan cities

  Published on September 23, 2021
  The Redlining in Michigan website includes profiles for 11 cities and a summary of the racist housing justifications, in addition to the legacy it has left on each community.

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  MSU Extension, regional partners to provide guidance for local governments on American Rescue Plan Act spending

  Published on September 15, 2021
  In partnership with member regions of the Michigan Association of Regions, MSU Extension educators are offering 14 workshops exploring Local Fiscal Recovery Fund spending opportunities in a regional context.

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  How quickly must a FOIA request be answered?

  Published on September 8, 2021
  A Michigan Supreme Court ruling changes the timeline for a public body to fulfill FOIA requests.

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  Water School webinar series highlights water policy

  Published on September 3, 2021
  Local decision-makers play a key role in managing and protecting the water quality of our freshwater resources.

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  Our Planning Commission has a vacancy, now what?

  Published on September 1, 2021
  The correct way to address a vacancy of a position on the board is through the bylaws.

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  Before settling for a public hearing, consider the continuum of public involvement

  Published on August 6, 2021
  Referring to the continuum of public involvement before the next big community decision will help your local government design the most effective method for engaging the public.

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  Career advancement paths for migrant and seasonal farmworkers through new grant to MSU, nonprofit partners, and State of Michigan

  Published on August 5, 2021
  Creating ways for farmworkers to gain career-ready skills through hands-on training and professional experiences.

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  A zoning plan is a required part of master plans in Michigan

  Published on August 4, 2021
  Recent changes to Michigan statutes related to planning and zoning clarify the requirement for communities with an adopted zoning ordinance to also have an adopted “zoning plan.”

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  2020-2021 Michigan planning and zoning court cases are available

  Published on July 26, 2021
  The annual 2020-2021 summary of Michigan planning and zoning court cases is now available to the public.