Planning

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Charrettes go virtual: A state-of-the-art process helps a community stay-the-course during COVID-19

Published on April 14, 2020
COVID-19 impacts inspire a virtual master planning charrette process, to be highlighted by an upcoming webinar series.
Understanding public health emergencies through the lens of land use policy

Published on April 3, 2020
Local hazard mitigation plans provide guidance to planners and planning officials in times of crisis.
Land Division Act basics for landowners

Published on March 24, 2020
Current and prospective owners of land in Michigan will benefit from understanding some basics of the Land Division Act.
PARK(ing) day: A Placemaking Tool

Published on January 10, 2020
Create a temporary public park in your community on parking day.
Zoning in on millennials

Published on January 10, 2020
Changing community codes to attract talented youth is one economic development strategy.
Public hearing is not only way to involve the public

Published on December 18, 2019
There are many ways to effectively involve the public beyond the public hearing.
Training, continuing education is best strategy for planning and zoning risk management

Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education and training is an important planning and zoning risk management strategy for local governments in Michigan. While Michigan has many training opportunities, participation could be greater.
Bad zoning can be worse than no zoning at all

Published on December 16, 2019
Communities can evaluate planning and zoning programs using performance audit materials from Michigan State University Extension.
The importance of discussing best practices for continuing education in planning and zoning

Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education is an important strategy for local government risk management. Bylaws and local policy should also address how much training is appropriate and what topics training should focus on.
Nonconformities in zoning is the source of much confusion

Published on December 13, 2019
Zoning cannot be retroactive and has to grandfather existing land uses. Those are called nonconformities which take on many characteristics and are different than zoning violations.