MSU Extension Public Policy

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  Why care about planning and zoning?

  Published on September 15, 2023
  Being involved in planning and zoning is a great way to help shape the future of your community.

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  Michigan Compiled Law may be the preferred way to cite state law

  Published on September 15, 2023
  There is more than one way to cite state law. There are several reasons to use the MCL citation over the Public Act number.

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  Overlay zoning districts can be a valuable tool

  Published on September 15, 2023
  Overlay zoning districts is a valid tool in some conditions. But be careful not to overuse it when more traditional zoning techniques can do the job.

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  Zoning and police power ordinances are not the same, and should not be mixed together

  Published on September 15, 2023
  There are three types of ordinances local government might adopt. Important to focus on the difference between police power ordinances and zoning ordinances.

• County government powers are very limited

  Published on September 9, 2023
  A county government does not have general ordinance making authority. As a general rule counties cannot adopt ordinances. Municipalities have more authority, powers than counties, and can adopt police power ordinances.

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  Empowering Michigan state and local leaders to address housing affordability and equitable access in their own communities

  Published on September 7, 2023
  MSU Extension educators quickly and collaboratively responded to pressing housing policy needs and developed an extensive attainable housing program tailored to the varying geographies of urban, suburban, and rural communities in Michigan.

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  Qualifications-based selection, not bidding, is best to contract with professional services

  Published on August 3, 2023
  Many believe governments should bid for jobs over a certain dollar amount. But bids are not always the best selection system. When hiring professional services Qualifications-Based Selection is the better system to use.

• Local government strategies to protect groundwater

  Published on August 3, 2023
  Groundwater can, and in some places has already, become contaminated. Local government is best-suited to prevent contamination from occurring with straightforward planning and zoning tools at their disposal.

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  A zoning moratorium should only be done with caution

  Published on August 3, 2023
  A local government might adopt a moratorium to prevent development until rules are established. This is not without legal risk. Do so with caution and make sure the municipal attorney is directly involved.

• Supreme Court ruling on sign regulation has major implications for all local governments

  Published on August 3, 2023
  The decision means many, if not all, sign regulations in Michigan will need to be reviewed and likely changed if the municipality wants to reduce legal risks.