News

Planning commissions can strengthen inclusion with gender neutral policy language

Published on April 7, 2021
Are people of all gender identities represented in your planning commission bylaws, policies, and other documents? Many organizations have taken steps to update policies and replace gendered language with gender neutral options.
Incompatible office: what does it mean and how does it differ from a conflict of interest?

Published on March 18, 2021
Conflict of Interest and Incompatible Office are not the same thing. There are unique responses to each situation.
What’s in a planning commission’s annual report?

Published on November 6, 2020
The annual report is a requirement of all local government planning commissions and is an opportunity to provide the community and elected officials with a review of planning commission activities and achievements.
Understanding Michigan’s elected University governing boards – Part 3

Published on October 19, 2020
Obtain a copy of your ballot and be prepared before you vote.
Understanding Michigan’s elected University governing boards

Published on October 19, 2020
Michigan is an outlier in its election of University Board Members.
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.
Understanding Michigan’s elected University governing boards – Part 2

Published on October 19, 2020
Explore the responsibilities of these boards and how the public can become involved and attend the meetings.
Bob Wilson named a finalist for a Michigan Governor’s Fitness Award

Published on October 1, 2020
This is one honor among many in Bob's lifelong sustainability career.
"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.
Making better decisions: Strengthening environmental policy with social and cultural evaluation

Published on September 25, 2020
A recent paper co-authored by MSU researcher Doug Bessette underscores the importance of involving Indigenous stakeholders in public policy assessments and decisions.