News

5 ways planning remains relevant during COVID-19

Published on July 17, 2020
A list of 5 ways that urban and regional planning are relevant during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Court clarification on Right to Farm and local regulation

Published on July 16, 2020
A published Michigan Court of Appeals case provides clarification over the confusing issue of local regulation and the Right to Farm Act.
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.
Elections and COVID-19

Published on July 6, 2020
Safe voting during a pandemic.
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
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.
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.
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.