News

Water use at perpendicular versus parallel roads: Where are public versus riparian rights?

Published on November 22, 2016
Don’t let perpendicular versus parallel roads get crossed in your head. There are differences in public use and riparian rights.
Joint zoning board of appeals can be done

Published on November 22, 2016
The Michigan Municipal Joint Planning Act allows for joint planning commissions but overlooks joint zoning board of appeals. It can still be done but takes considerable finesse to accomplish.
LEAD forum brings leaders together to benefit four county region

Published on November 9, 2016
Participants at a civic forum discussed strengths, challenges, and opportunities for Lake, Mason, Newaygo, and Oceana counties.
Flexible work situations are not just for Millennials

Published on November 2, 2016
While the younger generation recognizes the benefits of self-directed work hours, Baby Boomers wanting to stay in the workforce also appreciate the change from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. a more unstructured work week.
Beware of zombie planning commissioners this Halloween

Published on October 24, 2016
When one member of a planning commission attends training, they sometimes return to the next meeting with the others staring as if they'd been abducted, filled with ‘alien’ information, and turned back to the community as some sort of zombie.
Zoning approvals should be prompt

Published on October 24, 2016
A zoning decision should be prompt and without any undue delay. Incorporating deadlines for decisions into a zoning ordinance, or office policy, is a best practice.
New County Commissioner Workshop registration now open

Published on October 12, 2016
MSU Extension and the Michigan Association of Counties co-sponsor the 2016 New County Commissioner Workshops for newly elected commissioners, experienced commissioners, elected officials, and staff interested in learning more about county government.
The one question every municipality should ask itself before adopting an ordinance

Published on October 11, 2016
There are many considerations when developing and adopting a new ordinance, but perhaps the most important of all is determining whether the municipality has the will to enforce the new zoning regulations.
Walkability is key to economic development

Published on October 10, 2016
In the New Economy, it is all about creating communities with amenities and high quality of life to retain and attract talent. Talented individuals, who are mobile and can live anywhere, want a walkable, bikeable community to call home.
Engaging community stakeholders for water quality in lakes

Published on October 10, 2016
When conducting water quality studies on local lakes, it is important to have sound scientific methods guiding the investigative process. Equally important is the need to reach out to community members who have a vested interest in the health of the lake.