News

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.
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.
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.”
Boat cleaning equipment at launch sites can stop the spread of aquatic invasive species

Published on July 12, 2021
Available systems vary in approach, effectiveness, and cost.
To plan or not to plan? Minimum contents of a master plan

Published on June 17, 2021
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.
Cultivating local farm economies

Published on April 21, 2021
Farm viability requires flexibility, innovation in local government planning and zoning to allow for farm income diversification.
First-time visitor perspectives become the catalysts needed to spawn change just in time for the novel coronavirus pandemic

Published on January 29, 2021
City of Laingsburg, MI acts on tourism assessment results, which helps prepare them for unpredictable changes related to the pandemic, downtown business, and web presence.
What’s in a planning commission’s annual report?

Published on November 6, 2020
The annual report is a requirement of all local government planning commissions and is an opportunity to provide the community and elected officials with a review of planning commission activities and achievements.
Why did the chicken (and cow and pig) cross the county?

Published on September 11, 2020
A guide for local officials addresses barriers for needed livestock processing in Southeast Michigan
Life-cycle models can help tourism destinations chart a path to sustainability

Published on August 7, 2020
Can a life-cycle model help a destination understand tourism development and plan its future? The answer is: yes.