Government and Community

Upcoming programs and events:

2024 April MCP Webinar: Overlay Zones for the Lay Planner
April 18, 2024
6:30-7:30pm
Zoom
Cost: $20 ($10 for Master Citizen Planners)
Registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2024MCPWebinar/
Overlay districts are a zoning tool that communities have used to promote mixed-use developments, waterfront regulations, transit corridors, housing variety, and more. Overlay districts add standards and regulations to those found in the underlying district and can help target specific areas within or across districts. This webinar will provide an overview of overlay districts, how they differ from traditional zoning, when using an overlay zone may be appropriate, and examples of a variety of different types of overlay zones found in Michigan.

Fiscally Ready Communities: Capital Asset Management and Planning
April 22, 2024
3:00 – 4:30pm
Cost: Free
Registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/fiscallyready24/
This partnership between MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Treasury helps local governments work towards fiscal health by sharing best practices in fiscal sustainability. This session will cover the basics of a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) - best practices and give participants a chance to share techniques that have worked for their community. Additionally, the training will assist both elected and appointed local officials in outlining your policies and procedures for capital asset management and planning. This will ensure that your local government is being proactive while discussing the interconnectivity of many local government requirements.

Building a Foundation for Attainable Housing
April 23, 2024
Van Buren Conference Center
490 S. Paw Paw Street
Lawrence, MI 49064
10:00 am-3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2024RHPJWorkshops/

Michigan is facing a housing challenge of serious proportions as discussed in Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan. The lack of affordable, attainable and workforce housing is becoming a critical issue that limits the full potential of our communities. Regional, tribal, and local officials and staff have a responsibility to help communities address housing demands and ensure an availability of a wide range of housing types and prices. Despite the challenges, there are a diverse range of planning and regulatory tools available as solutions. Communities that proactively plan and implement greater access to a variety of housing types can improve residents' quality of life and overall prosperity.

Spring 2024 Citizen Planner via Zoom
Tuesdays, May 7 – June 11, 2024
6:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: $250
Registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/Spring24CPZoom/

The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Citizen Planner Program offers land use education for locally appointed and elected planning officials, zoning administrators and interested residents throughout Michigan.

Citizen Planner is a time-tested educational program proven to be comprehensive without being overwhelming. The program is delivered virtually through Zoom meetings to provide a convenient way for busy community leaders to obtain the latest technical knowledge and the proficiency they need to perform their duties more effectively and responsibly.

2024 May MCP Webinar: Zoning Enforcement: Policies, Property Rights, and Politics
May 16, 2024
6:30-7:30pm
Zoom
Cost: $20 ($10 for Master Citizen Planners)
Registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2024MCPWebinar/

Enforcement is a necessary component of having a zoning ordinance, yet it can be overlooked, avoided, or underfunded. The absence of zoning enforcement can lead to damaging community narratives about the validity of the ordinance or the work of the Planning Commission or ZBA. Participants in this session will learn about enforcement tools and policies, private property rights and curtilage, and the role of elected and appointed boards in supporting enforcement efforts.