MSU ExtensionGovernment

News

• When to call an attorney for planning and zoning issues

  Published on December 5, 2019

  Land use decision making is not always a do it yourself proposition for local officials; there are times when you really should hire a lawyer.

• 

  Is civics education sinking in?

  Published on October 11, 2019

  Hands-on settings can enhance civic education for American youth.

• 

  Difference between a zoning ordinance and a master plan

  Published on October 10, 2019

  The zoning ordinance is a law with penalties and consequence for not following it. A master plan is a policy document that expresses intent. It is not an enforceable document and is not law.

• 

  Ensuring public participation in meetings takes work and organization

  Published on October 8, 2019

  Meaningful public participation requires some very basic communication skills. Remember the key components of planning effective meetings.

• 

  Qualifications-based selection, not bidding, is best to contract with professional services

  Published on October 8, 2019

  Many believe governments should bid for jobs over a certain dollar amount. But bids are not always the best selection system. When hiring professional services Qualifications-Based Selection is the better system to use.

• Local government strategies to protect groundwater

  Published on October 8, 2019

  Groundwater can, and in some places has, become contaminated. Local government is best-suited to prevent contamination from occurring but seldom uses these 11 zoning tools at their disposal to do so.

• 

  Land Division Act basics for landowners

  Published on September 26, 2019

  Current and prospective owners of land in Michigan will benefit from understanding some basics of the Land Division Act.

• 

  New community food system policy resources now available

  Published on September 13, 2019

  Local governments have a role to play and resources to use in cultivating a flourishing food system with supportive plans and regulations.

• Embarking on planning and zoning for the first time? Think it through!

  Published on September 10, 2019

  Local units of government without zoning, or townships subject to county zoning that might be considering adopting their own zoning ordinance, should think the process and requirements through carefully.

• 

  It is not just any attorney: Find the lawyer that has a focus in municipal law

  Published on September 5, 2019

  There are many different kinds of law. Different attorneys have experience in certain types of law. The task is to find the lawyer that focuses on the type of law you need.