News

MSU Institute of Public Utilities welcomes Erik Nordman as new director

Published on July 11, 2025
Nordman joins the Institute from Grand Valley State University, following a nationwide search.
County government at work, indeed

Published on July 11, 2025
Michigan counties provide vital health, safety, and welfare services. An updated resource helps officials and residents better understand the roles of county departments, agencies, and commissions and how they serve and support residents locally.
Minimum contents of a master plan

Published on June 19, 2025
For local governments that chose to adopt zoning, this is a moot question, as zoning must be based on a plan. Still, the minimum contents of a master plan are not well defined in law and communities have great latitude in developing a master plan.
The forgotten law: Planning commission review of capital expenditures

Published on June 6, 2025
When government proposes to buy land, buildings, renovate or build, the proposal should be reviewed by that government’s planning commission first.
Planning and zoning for solar in Michigan

Published on May 30, 2025
Renewable energy siting laws in Michigan limit the role of local government while expanding the role of the state. A new guide helps communities prepare.
MSU students partner with Michigan communities to improve trail access

Published on May 30, 2025
Trail Building, Law and Policy course connects student projects to community development
Biophilic urbanism is the new frontier in community health

Published on May 2, 2025
Promoting biophilic urbanism in master planning is one way that planners can work to positively impact the health of a community.
Category 4 sites under the Right to Farm Act Site Selection GAAMP

Published on April 25, 2025
Site Selection GAAMP provides local authority to permit livestock keeping in primarily residential areas
What is, or is not, a charrette?

Published on April 25, 2025
Charrette is a very specific type of public involvement system for design and planning projects. Do not be fooled by people calling every public participation event a charrette.
Leadership, democracy, and the lessons we can learn from nature

Published on March 19, 2025
Bees, baboons, and ballots can all teach us a thing or two about leadership.