News

How quickly must a FOIA request be answered?

Published on September 8, 2021
A Michigan Supreme Court ruling changes the timeline for a public body to fulfill FOIA requests.
New Trail Policy and Law course gives students a toolkit to advocate in their own communities

Published on September 8, 2021
Community Sustainability class led by Bob Wilson provides a ‘how-to’ and empowers students to be leaders in outdoor recreation development.
Water School webinar series highlights water policy

Published on September 3, 2021
Local decision-makers play a key role in managing and protecting the water quality of our freshwater resources.
Our Planning Commission has a vacancy, now what?

Published on September 1, 2021
The correct way to address a vacancy of a position on the board is through the bylaws.
Before settling for a public hearing, consider the continuum of public involvement

Published on August 6, 2021
Referring to the continuum of public involvement before the next big community decision will help your local government design the most effective method for engaging the public.
A zoning plan is a required part of master plans in Michigan

Published on August 4, 2021
Recent changes to Michigan statutes related to planning and zoning clarify the requirement for communities with an adopted zoning ordinance to also have an adopted “zoning plan.”
Shannon Stemaly: Engaging the public in sustainability outreach and policy

Published on July 14, 2021
Shannon is a MSU Glassen Scholar whose summer internship with the Michigan DNR is supporting public education on natural resources and record-keeping for chronic wasting disease.
New Planning Commissioner Training series launched in partnership with Planetizen Courses

Published on June 28, 2021
Virtual training series provides citizen planners with the tools and resources to effectively work alongside professional planners on behalf of their communities.
To plan or not to plan? Minimum contents of a master plan

Published on June 17, 2021
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.
How are county commissioner districts created?

Published on June 2, 2021
The county apportionment process takes place every 10 years following the census, to draw county commission districts.