News

A zoning plan is a required part of master plans in Michigan

Published on November 13, 2025
Michigan statutes related to planning and zoning clarify the requirement for communities with an adopted zoning ordinance to also have an adopted “zoning plan.”
Vague or subjective ordinance standards: In the court’s opinion, they stink! Part 2

Published on November 3, 2025
A recent Court of Appeals case reinforces that government regulations must be clear and specific. Previous cases provide principles helpful in reviewing an ordinance for vagueness.
Vague or subjective ordinance standards: In the court’s opinion, they stink! Part 1

Published on November 3, 2025
A recent Court of Appeals case reinforces that government regulations must be clear and specific. Previous cases provide principles helpful in reviewing an ordinance for vagueness.
In an AI-fueled world, “Ask Extension” for the facts

Published on October 10, 2025
MSU Extension’s “Ask Extension” service offers Michiganders real answers from trusted experts, whether they're worried about garden pests or starting a small business.
The Defining Principles of a Modern Charrette: As Defined by The National Charrette Institute

Published on September 2, 2025
The National Charrette Institute explores the history, development and definition of a modern charrette.
Strengthening fiscal sustainability for Michigan’s local governments

Published on August 29, 2025
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Treasury, MSU Extension’s Fiscally Ready Communities program reached 1,163 participants across 8 educational webinars in 2024.
Master plans and housing: What the Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires

Published on July 21, 2025
Changes to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act effective April 2, 2025, require communities to consider their housing needs when master planning.
Understanding the “Rural-Urban Transect” tool

Published on July 21, 2025
The Transect is a community analysis tool that can lead to better understanding of land use patterns and application of planning and zoning techniques.
MSU Institute of Public Utilities welcomes Erik Nordman as new director

Published on July 11, 2025
Nordman joins the Institute from Grand Valley State University, following a nationwide search.
Minimum contents of a master plan

Published on June 19, 2025
The minimum contents of a master plan are not well defined in law and communities have great latitude in developing a master plan.