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Restrictions on Zoning Authority
Published on November 19, 2020
This pamphlet is a summary of the limitations placed on zoning in Michigan. There are certain land uses which are exempt from zoning, others which might be subject to regulation but can not be prohibited. -
Sample #1O: Joint Planning Commission Agreement/Ordinance
Published on October 26, 2020
This presents a sample Ordinance and agreement (combined as one) for the creation of a joint planning commission in Michigan. There are many different decisions and ways a joint planning commission can be set up. -
Elections and COVID-19
Published on June 17, 2020
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Sample zoning for agriculture-like and urban agriculture
Published on May 13, 2020
This Land Use Series publication presents a starting point for what aspects of agriculture can be regulated by local government. A sample zoning ordinance text is provided that accommodates urban agriculture, agriculture in category 4 sites, etc. -
Pennsylvania Offers A Curious Case To Explore Alternatives To Early Warning Systems And State Intervention: Can Michigan Keep Its Horses From Wandering Off?
Published on May 5, 2020
The purpose of this report is to apply the Early Warning System (EWS) used by Pennsylvania with Michigan local government financial and socioeconomic data, as a way to assess potential fiscal distress that cities, townships, and counties may experience. -
Sample Land Division Review Worksheet
Published on March 24, 2020
Sample land division review worksheet for use by the official responsible for approving or rejecting proposed land divisions. -
Sample Land Division Application
Published on March 24, 2020
Sample land division application for use by local government when receiving a request to divide land. -
A closer look at legacy costs and local actions in Michigan in the wake of PA 202
Published on January 1, 2020
Legacy costs have imposed challenges on local governments in Michigan. The lack of funding for retirement benefits, including pension and other postemployment benefits (OPEB) such as healthcare, affects the wellbeing of public employees. -
Marquette Area Climate and Health Adaptation Guidebook - Volume III: Prioritizing and Implementing Recommendations
Published on September 19, 2019
This volume of the Marquette Area Climate and Health Adaptation Guidebook outlines action steps and further stakeholder engagement options. -
To-do list for what a community should do for economic development in Michigan
Published on September 20, 2018
There are over-riding principles for economic development and community development in a new/global economy. There are four principles that should be the foundation and background for each item on the to-do list. -
Why Detroit Matters
Published on September 11, 2018
Series of articles by Dr. Adesoji "Soji" O. Adelaja, Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Use Policy on Detroit and its importance to the economic health of all of Michigan. -
Michigan's Post-Recession Spending
Published on September 1, 2018
Over the past eight years, the state’s economy has seen significant improvements. Even with these increases, there remain significant concerns regarding funding for key public policy priorities in the state. -
A new approach to evaluating the fiscal health of Michigan local governments: Comparing fiscal performance relative to available resources
Published on June 1, 2018
The purpose of this report is to develop a scoring system for Michigan local governments that accurately reflects their fiscal condition. -
Michigan's Local Financial Emergency Manager Law: Considering the Alternatives
Published on May 30, 2018
MSU Extension gathered stakeholder feedback on the feasibility of possible alternatives to PA 436 of 2012 to determine which alternatives have the most support within the group. -
Michigan Cities and Michigan Cannot Thrive Without Major Changes in Our System of Financing Local Governments
Published on May 25, 2018
Local government finances are primarily driven by property value growth and state revenue payments. Cities with TV per capita below $20,000 are likely to experience financial problems, particularly in a recession. -
Michigan Budget Policy for the Incoming 2019 Gubernatorial Administration
Published on April 1, 2018
This paper is intended to provide a general overview of key budgetary issues that incoming elected officials can expect to and should be prepared to tackle in the coming years. -
Michigan Tax Policy for the Incoming 2019 Gubernatorial Administration
Published on March 7, 2018
This is paper one in the ongoing Michigan at a Crossroad Series. The purpose of this policy brief is to provide a concise summary of some of the most important features of the tax system in Michigan, along with a brief guide to some policy proposals. -
Headlee and Proposal A Explained for Michigan Counties
Published on November 1, 2017
This report provides the Michigan Constitution language and stated purpose of the Headlee and Proposal A amendments. The 2016 revenue loss due to both provisions is presented for each county. -
Service Solvency: Ability of Michigan Cities to Provide an Adequate Level of Public Services
Published on June 19, 2017
Using audit reports and F-65 reports from the Department of Treasury, this report identifies Michigan cities that may be service insolvent, or on the verge of being unable to provide fundamental services to their residents. -
Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2017
Published on May 22, 2017
A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 2016 to April 2017 by Kurt H. Schindler.
