• Open Meetings Act

    Published on May 31, 2016
    The Open Meeting act applies to planning commissions, zoning boards, zoning boards of appeals, and virtually all deliberations and voting at those meetings.

  • Michigan local government: new economy preparation checklist

    Published on May 31, 2016
    A "to do" list for local government, reviewing possible amendments/changes to the Master Plan, zoning ordinance and other local government practices and policies to get starting on preparing for the New Economy in Michigan.

  • Limits and parameters on local and state regulation of wireless communication

    Published on May 31, 2016
    At the start of 2013, significant new restrictions were placed on local governmental authority to regulate the expansion and location of wireless service facilities, in addition the restrictions on local regulations already in place.

  • Land Division Act

    Published on May 31, 2016
    The Land Division Act is the Michigan statute for dividing property (exempt divisions, divisions, bonus divisions, re-divisions, subdivisions), establishing local government review and approval of splitting a parcel of land, etc.

  • Joint Municipal Planning Act

    Published on May 31, 2016
    The Joint Municipal Planning Act, adopted in December, 2003, allows a city(ies), village(s), and township(s) to join together to have one Planning Commission and zoning ordinance. This version includes 2004 and 2008 amendments.

  • How to take Minutes For Administrative Decisions

    Published on May 31, 2016
    Taking minutes for the county board, city council or township board is one task. But the job of taking minutes for an administrative body (like a planning commission, zoning board, appeals board) is very different.

  • Freedom of Information Act

    Published on May 31, 2016
    The Freedom of Information Act applies to nearly all records of a planning/zoning department, planning commissions, zoning boards and zoning boards of appeals. Includes 2018 amendments.

  • Elected Officials: Dealing with Constituent Complaints on Planning and Zoning Issues.

    Published on May 31, 2016
    Elected officials frequently hear from constituents who are unhappy with a decision concerning a zoning permit, site plan, or the enforcement of a zoning ordinance.

  • Anti-S.L.A.P.P. Bills introduced in State House

    Published on May 31, 2016
    Discussion on law suits filed to stifle public participation at public meetings Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (S.L.A.P.P.). A public policy paper by Gary Taylor.

  • Legacy Costs Facing Michigan Municipalities

    Published on January 26, 2016
    An update to the 2013 Report: Funding the Legacy -- The Cost of Municipal Workers' Retirement Benefits to Michigan Communities.