News

2019-2020 Michigan planning and zoning court cases are available

Published on July 6, 2020
The annual 2020 summary of Michigan planning and zoning court cases is now available to the public.
Planning for reopening local government

Published on June 13, 2020
Conversations with local government managers about planning for reopening local government.
Urban agriculture and agriculture-like sample zoning text available to local governments in Michigan

Published on May 29, 2020
Local government should encourage urban agriculture. But there needs to be proper safeguards and a consensus to balance agriculture activities without undesired impacts in the neighborhood.
A new resource for tribal officials

Published on May 22, 2020
Comprehensive resources webpage shares valuable tools and policy insights for Michigan’s 12 sovereign nations impacted by novel coronavirus
No state oversight of planning, zoning; limited central database of zoning ordinances

Published on May 15, 2020
While there is no state oversight of planning and zoning, there is a statewide database of zoning ordinances in Michigan.
How to move your community’s master plan process online: A case study

Published on May 15, 2020
A Collaborative Master Plan Process employs multiple online platforms, hears from a wide cross-section of residents, and never misses a beat.
SPDC degree programs receive STEM designation

Published on May 8, 2020
Three SPDC degree programs in landscape architecture and urban and regional planning have received STEM designation.
Decision making in communities

Published on May 5, 2020
How what happens after the decision depends on involvement before the decision.
Charrettes go virtual: A state-of-the-art process helps a community stay-the-course during COVID-19

Published on April 14, 2020
COVID-19 impacts inspire a virtual master planning charrette process, to be highlighted by an upcoming webinar series.
Caution: Zoning moratorium ahead

Published on April 8, 2020
Michigan local governments should proceed carefully when considering temporarily suspending property owners’ rights to develop or build until adequate regulations can be developed and adopted.