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4-H Capitol Experience Youth Summit offered virtually in 2021
Published on February 2, 2021
Reimagined event connects youth with peers to learn about issues and the power of youth voice. -
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. -
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
Published on October 19, 2020
Michigan is an outlier in its election of University Board Members. -
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. -
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. -
Sample Zoning for Wind Energy Systems 2020
Published on October 11, 2020
This flyer presents a sample zoning ordinance for utility scale wind energy systems and smaller wind electric generation systems for an individual business or home. -
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. -
MSU Extension creates online programs and resources to reach Michiganders in their homes
Published on September 18, 2020
When Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order went into place in March, 2020, the 100+ year old organization Michigan State University Extension had to quickly re-envision the way it performed its mission. -
Being “SepticSmart” ensures the health of your family, lake and waterfront investment
Published on September 11, 2020
Learn how being septicsmart can bring important safeguards to you and the environment. -
Legislative body involvement in zoning administrative decisions can raise important questions
Published on September 11, 2020
Michigan zoning is set up to mimic the three branches of federal government with separation of powers. But it is not done perfectly, and requires some careful consideration when thinking about how things are done in your community. -
MSU Extension offers free online Michigan Water School webinar series for elected and appointed officials and their staff
Published on September 8, 2020
Understanding the state’s water resources is important for making sound water management decisions. -
The forgotten law: Planning Commission review of capital expenditures
Published on September 1, 2020
When government proposes to buy land, buildings, renovate or build, the proposal should be reviewed by that government’s planning commission first. -
Do you require training for your zoning administrator? You should
Published on September 1, 2020
Zoning administrators are among the most important local officials – how well they do, or not do - their jobs have a great impact on the future of their communities. -
From Learning about Environmental Policy to Creating it: Tremaine Phillips ‘08
Published on August 10, 2020
Tremaine Phillips reflects on how his time in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics prepared him for his work as a commissioner for the Michigan Public Service Commission. -
Court clarification on Right to Farm and local regulation
Published on July 16, 2020
A published Michigan Court of Appeals case provides clarification over the confusing issue of local regulation and the Right to Farm Act. -
2019-2020 Michigan planning and zoning court cases are available
Published on July 6, 2020
The annual 2020 summary of Michigan planning and zoning court cases is now available to the public. -
Elections and COVID-19
Published on July 6, 2020
Safe voting during a pandemic.
