News
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2021-2022 Michigan Planning and Zoning Court Cases
Published on June 24, 2022
The annual 2021-2022 summary of Michigan planning and zoning court cases is available to the public. -
How should members of a public body handle the approval of meeting minutes if they were absent?
Published on April 8, 2022
What should members of a public body do when it comes time to vote to approve minutes of a meeting that they were not present at? -
Community discussions around housing: Explaining common key terms
Published on March 15, 2022
Discussions about a community’s housing situation can involve many intertwined but distinct terms; this article explains some of the most common. -
The inherent value of a charrette: A discussion with Bill Riddick
Published on March 8, 2022
According to author and facilitator Bill Riddick, charrettes offer transformative opportunities for public engagement and policy-change. -
Conflict of interest rules apply to all communities, regardless of size
Published on February 24, 2022
Often a small community struggles to avoid a “conflict of interest” situation – particularly hard because of its small size. But there are not any exceptions or special dispensation due to the size of a community. -
Shoreline communities and residents take note: New 5-session email class offers introductory lessons on Great Lakes coastal planning and zoning
Published on January 24, 2022
Michigan Sea Grant Extension free resource provides needed science information, tools and resources. -
Right to Farm Act can preempt local regulation authority, but not all local regulations
Published on December 16, 2021
Many statutes and laws result in limiting local government’s ability to adopt and enforce regulations. Most are straightforward, but the Right to Farm Act preemption is confusing, changing and only preempts local regulation of certain things. -
Planning and zoning guide for solar energy systems available for local officials and landowners
Published on October 14, 2021
Guide will help Michigan communities meet the challenge of becoming solar-ready by addressing solar energy systems within planning policies and zoning regulations. -
MSU Extension develops online resource, programs addressing historical redlining of Michigan cities
Published on September 23, 2021
The Redlining in Michigan website includes profiles for 11 cities and a summary of the racist housing justifications, in addition to the legacy it has left on each community. -
MSU Extension, regional partners to provide guidance for local governments on American Rescue Plan Act spending
Published on September 15, 2021
In partnership with member regions of the Michigan Association of Regions, MSU Extension educators are offering 14 workshops exploring Local Fiscal Recovery Fund spending opportunities in a regional context.