News

The forgotten law: Planning commission review of capital expenditures

Published on June 6, 2025
When government proposes to buy land, buildings, renovate or build, the proposal should be reviewed by that government’s planning commission first.
Planning and zoning for solar in Michigan

Published on May 30, 2025
Renewable energy siting laws in Michigan limit the role of local government while expanding the role of the state. A new guide helps communities prepare.
MSU students partner with Michigan communities to improve trail access

Published on May 30, 2025
Trail Building, Law and Policy course connects student projects to community development
"We go where the farmers are": How global MSU programs feed and educate the world

Published on April 30, 2025
Informational event highlights global MSU programs feeding and educating the world amid USAID budget cuts.
Category 4 sites under the Right to Farm Act Site Selection GAAMP

Published on April 25, 2025
Site Selection GAAMP provides local authority to permit livestock keeping in primarily residential areas
What is, or is not, a charrette?

Published on April 25, 2025
Charrette is a very specific type of public involvement system for design and planning projects. Do not be fooled by people calling every public participation event a charrette.
People count: Population growth leads to basic economic growth, part 3

Published on April 10, 2025
Population growth is economic growth, which makes taking steps to attract people to move to a community an important strategy.
Prosperity comes from a focus on people, policy and place on a regional scale, part 5

Published on April 10, 2025
It takes a region to provide the places, variety, resources and attributes to attract people; economic development also needs to be coordinated among state, regional, educational, local government and private sectors.
Make your voice heard: A simple guide to contacting your legislators

Published on March 17, 2025
Learn easy ways to find, contact, and influence your elected officials.
Great Lakes Leadership Academy celebrates 2025 graduating cohort and honors statewide alumni of the Leadership Advancement Program

Published on March 6, 2025
The Leadership Advancement Program is a rigorous, year-long experience for leaders dedicated to empowering their communities and organizations for the common good.