MSU Extension Van Buren County

Short-Term Rental Policy Options for Local Communities
May 20, 2026 6:30PM - 8:00PM
This 90-minute program will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs as well as where local communities can find data to examine their own local situation. This will be followed by an overview of policy approaches, regulatory tools, enforcement, and key STR court cases. The program will highlight several Michigan examples of community regulatory approaches to STRs and offer time for questions.

2026 May MCP Webinar: The County Planning Commission in Michigan
May 21, 2026 6:30PM - 7:30PM
The role of a county planning commission can look very different as you travel across the state. Some counties have zoning and the PC functions much like it would in a city, village, or township. Some counties have a PC that provides reviews and recommendations to local units. And some counties have dissolved their county planning commission. This webinar will give an overview of the role and status of county PCs in Michigan. It will also focus on the role that county PCs can play in helping all communities in their jurisdiction to create quality places, including an example template for county planning commission reviews of township zoning ordinances. 

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference 2026
May 28, 2026 - May 29, 2026
MSU Extension is excited to partner with the communities of Newaygo and Fremont to host the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference in 2026! Save the date for May 28-29, 2026. 

Fiscally Ready Communities: From Fundamentals to Best Practices
June 3, 2026 2:00PM – 4:00PM
This program focuses on implementing financial best practices, measuring fiscal health, and local government financial management fundamentals.

County Commissioner Midterm Essentials – Grayling
June 10, 2026 10:00AM - 3:00PM
With county commissioner terms now four years in length, 2026 marks 'midterm' for many county elected officials. County Commissioner Midterm Essentials is an educational program brought to you by MSU Extension in partnership with the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). The day-long session will build on foundations from New Commissioner School and lessons commissioners learn in the first two years of their terms. Participants will gain deeper understanding of county finances and how state and federal decisions may impact the next few years, discuss examples of successful intergovernmental relationships, and build skills to navigate today’s challenging political environment and lead a thriving community.

2026 June MCP Webinar: Data Center Land Use Considerations: Do they compute for your community?
June 18, 2026 6:30PM - 7:30PM
In this session, we'll explore why data centers are coming to Michigan, and the likely positive and negative impacts on the communities that host them.  We'll also discuss suggestions for how to contemplate data centers in your planning and zoning in ways that advance local goals and enhance quality of life. Guest Instructor, Dr. Sarah Mills, Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan.

Tools for Effective Facilitation Workshop (Formerly Facilitative Leadership)
August 18, 2026 – August 20, 2026 Farm Bureau, 7373 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
The three-day Tools for Effective Facilitation workshop helps build the capacity of groups or organizations to use the collective talents of its members to coordinate actions, strengthen relationships, and enable the group to meet its goals.

Fiscally Ready Communities: Getting Grant Ready
August 20, 2026 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Join us for an engaging webinar designed to help local government officials navigate the full lifecycle of grants—from identifying the right opportunities to ensuring compliance and successful reporting.

Governing Essentials: Open Meetings Act (September 2026)
September 15, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
The Michigan Open Meetings Act furthers government transparency by requiring public boards to provide notice and make decisions in an open public meeting. Participants will learn the requirements of the Act as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Citizen Planner Berrien County Classroom Program 2026
September 15, 2026 – October 20, 2026 St Joseph City Hall in the Commission Chambers at 700 Broad St, St Joseph, MI
This six-session series covers land use education and training. The course is intended for local appointed and elected officials, zoning administrators and interested citizens.

2026 September MCP Webinar: Planning and Zoning to Attract and Retain Residents
September 17, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
With communities across Michigan experiencing shifts in population, local units of government experience increased pressures as they plan and zone. Responding to growth pressure, trying to attract new residents, and attempting to retain residents all require strategy if communities want to succeed. This webinar will begin the important conversation surrounding population change in communities, explore planning and zoning options, and highlight successes throughout the state. There are models and resources that communities can learn from. Affordable housing, placemaking, and unconventional tools will be discussed to help communities think about their future.  

Governing Essentials: Parliamentary Procedure (September 2026)
September 22, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This session will focus on parliamentary principles, motions, and debate and decorum during meetings. Participants will explore scenarios and practice skills.

Governing Essentials: Extraordinary Governance (September 2026)
September 29, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This session will help your board improve its governance to positively impact your community. Better board governance leads to more effective organizations that improve our communities.

Short-Term Rental Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 2026 6:30PM – 8:00PM
This 90-minute program will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs as well as where local communities can find data to examine their own local situation. This will be followed by an overview of policy approaches, regulatory tools, enforcement, and key STR court cases. The program will highlight several Michigan examples of community regulatory approaches to STRs and offer time for questions. 

Governing Essentials: Ethical Public Service (October 2026)
October 6, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This session explores the principles of ethical public service, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance.

Short-Term Rental Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 2026 6:30PM – 8:00PM Zoom
This 90-minute program will explore trends and policy tools for communities to consider related to short-term rentals (STRs).

County Commissioner Midterm Essentials - East Lansing
October 7, 2026 10:00AM - 3:00PM
With county commissioner terms now four years in length, 2026 marks 'midterm' for many county elected officials. County Commissioner Midterm Essentials is an educational program brought to you by MSU Extension in partnership with the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). The day-long session will build on foundations from New Commissioner School and lessons commissioners learn in the first two years of their terms. Participants will gain deeper understanding of county finances and how state and federal decisions may impact the next few years, discuss examples of successful intergovernmental relationships, and build skills to navigate today’s challenging political environment and lead a thriving community.

2026 October MCP Webinar: Demystifying Municipal Civil Infractions: A tool for local compliance
October 15, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
When it comes to ordinance enforcement, the municipal civil infraction has several advantages in achieving the principal goal of compliance. Yet, for many communities the tool is lesser known, misunderstood, and underutilized. This webinar will cover necessities for utilizing the municipal civil infraction, including ordinances required by law, internal policies to guide the process, sample forms and letters to streamline communications, and relationships needed to work effectively with law enforcement and the judicial system. What’s missing from this webinar? Legal advice!  

Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (Formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership)
October 27, 2026 – October 30, 2026 Farm Bureau, 7373 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership) is a practical workshop focused on developing comfort with high-heat situations in group settings

Communicating Through Conflict: November Workshop
November 4, 2026 12:00PM – 2:00PM Online
Communicating Through Conflict workshops provide participants with tools and techniques to handle heated situations and interpersonal conflict more effectively.

2026 November MCP Webinar: 5th Annual 'Master Citizen Planner' Showcase
November 19, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Master Citizen Planner (MCP) is a status granted to people who complete the Citizen Planner Program and demonstrate commitment to continuing their own education each year. This showcase will highlight the practical outcomes of that commitment. MCPs can be found doing incredible planning and zoning work for their communities across Michigan. MCPs from around the state will each give a short presentation on a unique project, topic, or case from their community. Join us to learn directly from your peers!