MSU Extension Planning

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  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.

• 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.

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  Category 4 sites under the Right to Farm Act Site Selection GAAMP

  Published on November 19, 2019
  Site Selection GAAMP provides local authority to permit livestock keeping in primarily residential areas

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  Right to Farm Site Selection GAAMP needs local government attention

  Published on November 19, 2019
  Site Selection GAAMP provides opportunity for local government to lead discussions about urban agriculture and local food production, and work to accommodate this economic activity.

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  The case for data literacy in public sector organizations

  Published on November 8, 2019
  Why public sector organizations need to become more data literate.

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  Code of conduct for planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members

  Published on November 7, 2019
  Use of a code of conduct/oath of office is recommended for planning commissioner and zoning board of appeals members. It helps underscore a person’s role, expected behavior, and differences between elected officials and members of administrative bodies.

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  Not all public participation events are charrettes

  Published on November 6, 2019
  Charrette is a very specific type of public involvement system for design and planning projects. Do not be fooled by people calling every public participation event a charrette.

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  Preparation, deliberation and documentation are key to effective government meetings

  Published on November 6, 2019
  Public planning and zoning meetings go better when each member actively engages in preparation, deliberation, and documentation. These activities occur before the meeting starts and continue for the duration of the meeting.

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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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  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.