News
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What’s in a planning commission’s annual report?
Published on November 6, 2020
The annual report is a requirement of all local government planning commissions and is an opportunity to provide the community and elected officials with a review of planning commission activities and achievements. -
Is planning relevant?
Published on October 30, 2020
A list of five lessons about design and planning of the built environment for issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion. -
Planning for all generations
Published on October 23, 2020
Generational trends are leading to changing demographics in many communities and presenting new challenges. Having strategies to bring all generations into a planning process can help communities meet these challenges. -
New sample zoning for wind energy systems
Published on October 23, 2020
An updated wind energy zoning resource is available for local units of governments in Michigan. -
The uncompromising zoning administrator is not a bad person
Published on October 19, 2020
Zoning administrators are sticklers for rules, and may seem uncompromising. They have a job to do, and not doing their job can result in serious personal liability for a zoning administrator. -
Moving forward in an uncertain era
Published on October 9, 2020
NCI’s director Holly Madill shares her thoughts on moving forward during the novel coronavirus and changes in the ways we engage online. -
Working from Home
Published on October 7, 2020
A list of five lessons about working from home and the potential implications for land use and urban planning. -
"Due Process" is often a source of lost court cases in local government
Published on September 30, 2020
In planning and zoning due process is simple to do, but maybe because it is so simple it is often overlooked. Yet many times it is one of the most important things to get right. -
Legislative body involvement in zoning administrative decisions can raise important questions
Published on September 11, 2020
Michigan zoning is set up to mimic the three branches of federal government with separation of powers. But it is not done perfectly, and requires some careful consideration when thinking about how things are done in your community. -
MSU Extension offers free online Michigan Water School webinar series for elected and appointed officials and their staff
Published on September 8, 2020
Understanding the state’s water resources is important for making sound water management decisions.