News

Village of Cassopolis is FIT for action

Published on May 16, 2023
MSU Extension's First Impressions for Tourism (FIT) assessment program provides communities with valuable feedback that can be turned into action.
Zoning petitions: What are citizens’ options?

Published on April 19, 2023
Zoning ordinances or zoning amendments are approved by local bodies of elected officials; however, citizens of municipalities in Michigan can submit petitions to challenge new zoning laws.
How to spot a spot zoning

Published on April 13, 2023
When considering a rezoning, remember four key criteria to avoid creating a spot zone.
Local government has an important role for water quality protection: Part 1

Published on April 13, 2023
State and federal regulations help protect water resources but does not do the whole job—local government has an important role also: often the proactive, preventative function.
Planning and zoning for solar in Michigan

Published on April 13, 2023
The economics of solar have never been better and individuals, businesses, utilities and cooperatives are planning projects all over Michigan. Is your community ready?
Right to Farm Act can preempt local regulation authority, but not all local regulations

Published on April 11, 2023
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.
Registration for the Advanced Facilitative Leadership: Navigating Your Way through Conflict workshop is now available

Published on April 6, 2023
Michigan State University Extension is offering the “Advanced Facilitative Leadership: Navigating Your Way through Conflict” workshop June 27-29, 2023, in Okemos, Michigan.
When to call an attorney for planning and zoning issues

Published on April 6, 2023
Land use decision making is not always a do it yourself proposition for local officials; there are times when you really should hire a lawyer.
No state oversight of planning, zoning; limited central database of zoning ordinances

Published on April 4, 2023
While there is no state oversight of planning and zoning, there is a statewide database of zoning ordinances in Michigan.
Sustainable living series offered by three land-grant universities

Published on April 3, 2023
Together, experts from all three institutions will help national attendees to help strengthen critical thinking skills related to future actions and decision making with sustainability in mind through this multi-topic series.