News

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.
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.
The forgotten law: Planning Commission review of capital expenditures

Published on September 1, 2020
When government proposes to buy land, buildings, renovate or build, the proposal should be reviewed by that government’s planning commission first.
Do you require training for your zoning administrator? You should

Published on September 1, 2020
Zoning administrators are among the most important local officials – how well they do, or not do - their jobs have a great impact on the future of their communities.
From Learning about Environmental Policy to Creating it: Tremaine Phillips ‘08

Published on August 10, 2020
Tremaine Phillips reflects on how his time in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics prepared him for his work as a commissioner for the Michigan Public Service Commission.