MSU Extension Planning

• Local government strategies to protect groundwater

  Published on October 8, 2019
  Groundwater can, and in some places has, become contaminated. Local government is best-suited to prevent contamination from occurring but seldom uses these 11 zoning tools at their disposal to do so.

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  Old versus new: Understanding the new economy part 2

  Published on October 8, 2019
  A very fundamental structural shift has occurred with economic development. In this new economic age, it pays to know the difference between the old and new economy.

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  Ensuring public participation in meetings takes work and organization

  Published on October 8, 2019
  Meaningful public participation requires some very basic communication skills. Remember the key components of planning effective meetings.

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  Qualifications-based selection, not bidding, is best to contract with professional services

  Published on October 8, 2019
  Many believe governments should bid for jobs over a certain dollar amount. But bids are not always the best selection system. When hiring professional services Qualifications-Based Selection is the better system to use.

• Embarking on planning and zoning for the first time? Think it through!

  Published on September 10, 2019
  Local units of government without zoning, or townships subject to county zoning that might be considering adopting their own zoning ordinance, should think the process and requirements through carefully.

• When to call an attorney for planning and zoning issues

  Published on September 5, 2019
  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.

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  It is not just any attorney: Find the lawyer that has a focus in municipal law

  Published on September 5, 2019
  There are many different kinds of law. Different attorneys have experience in certain types of law. The task is to find the lawyer that focuses on the type of law you need.

• 2018 - 2019 Michigan planning and zoning court cases are available

  Published on June 14, 2019
  The annual 2019 summary of Michigan planning and zoning court cases is now available to the public.

• Municipal Budget Part 4: Your role in the municipal budget process

  Published on April 26, 2019
  Allow your voice to be heard in the municipal budget process for your community.

• Municipal Budget Part 3: Municipal budget legislation

  Published on April 26, 2019
  What legislation in Michigan governs Municipal Budgets?