News
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Vague or subjective ordinance standards: In the court’s opinion, they stink! Part 1
Published on November 3, 2025
A recent Court of Appeals case reinforces that government regulations must be clear and specific. Previous cases provide principles helpful in reviewing an ordinance for vagueness. -
Vague or subjective ordinance standards: In the court’s opinion, they stink! Part 2
Published on November 3, 2025
A recent Court of Appeals case reinforces that government regulations must be clear and specific. Previous cases provide principles helpful in reviewing an ordinance for vagueness. -
The Defining Principles of a Modern Charrette: As Defined by The National Charrette Institute
Published on September 2, 2025
The National Charrette Institute explores the history, development and definition of a modern charrette. -
MSU Extension and Michigan Department of Treasury launch grant readiness training
Published on September 2, 2025
This free webinar, part of the Fiscally Ready Communities series, helps local governments align grants with community goals, assess capacity, and build proactive policies to strengthen fiscal sustainability. -
Strengthening fiscal sustainability for Michigan’s local governments
Published on August 29, 2025
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Treasury, MSU Extension’s Fiscally Ready Communities program reached 1,163 participants across 8 educational webinars in 2024. -
Registration open for MSU Extension’s 2026 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program
Published on July 18, 2025
Secure your spot soon for this great online learning opportunity and two days of in-person classes in Mt. Pleasant on February 19 and 20, 2026. -
County government at work, indeed
Published on July 11, 2025
Michigan counties provide vital health, safety, and welfare services. An updated resource helps officials and residents better understand the roles of county departments, agencies, and commissions and how they serve and support residents locally. -
MSU Institute of Public Utilities welcomes Erik Nordman as new director
Published on July 11, 2025
Nordman joins the Institute from Grand Valley State University, following a nationwide search. -
Minimum contents of a master plan
Published on June 19, 2025
For local governments that chose to adopt zoning, this is a moot question, as zoning must be based on a plan. Still, the minimum contents of a master plan are not well defined in law and communities have great latitude in developing a master plan. -
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.
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