News

New Trail Policy and Law course gives students a toolkit to advocate in their own communities

Published on September 8, 2021
Community Sustainability class led by Bob Wilson provides a ‘how-to’ and empowers students to be leaders in outdoor recreation development.
Our Planning Commission has a vacancy, now what?

Published on September 1, 2021
The correct way to address a vacancy of a position on the board is through the bylaws.
Before settling for a public hearing, consider the continuum of public involvement

Published on August 6, 2021
Referring to the continuum of public involvement before the next big community decision will help your local government design the most effective method for engaging the public.
When buying property, be sure to check the local zoning ordinance

Published on August 5, 2021
Being aware of how a local zoning ordinance applies to a piece of property can save purchasers trouble down the road.
A zoning plan is a required part of master plans in Michigan

Published on August 4, 2021
Recent changes to Michigan statutes related to planning and zoning clarify the requirement for communities with an adopted zoning ordinance to also have an adopted “zoning plan.”
2020-2021 Michigan planning and zoning court cases are available

Published on July 26, 2021
The annual 2020-2021 summary of Michigan planning and zoning court cases is now available to the public.
Planning commissions and zoning board of appeals are required to have governing bylaws

Published on July 23, 2021
There is a minimum content for bylaws, but normally there is much more, including specifying which parliamentary authority is used.
Water quantity webinar addresses water availability and use

Published on June 28, 2021
Local decision-makers play a key role in managing our freshwater resources.
New Planning Commissioner Training series launched in partnership with Planetizen Courses

Published on June 28, 2021
Virtual training series provides citizen planners with the tools and resources to effectively work alongside professional planners on behalf of their communities.
MSU to offer CPTED certificate training – June 2-4, 2021

Published on May 13, 2021
The MSU Complete Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Certificate Training is a three-day course that focuses on understanding the relationship between the physical environment and criminal opportunities.