The 2025 Master Citizen Planner (MCP) Webinar Series is designed to offer participants the latest updates and information on current topics. Using Zoom, MSU Extension educators will provide an overview of topics of interest to planning and zoning officials. Webinars fall on the third Thursday in April, May, September, October, and November. The June webinar will fall on the third Wednesday of the month. Webinars take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET. Each session is available individually or participants can register for all six at once. All webinars will be recorded, and the recordings and presentation materials sent to registrants. 

Each webinar is eligible for 1 MCP Credit.

2025 Topics:

Coordinating Enforcement between Zoning, Other Police Power Ordinances, and State Regulators, April 17 - Brad Neumann, AICP. Chronic nuisance issues can be difficult to navigate for residents and regulators alike. This session will focus on the roles and responsibilities of state agency staff, local code enforcement officials, and impacted residents in these situations. Enforcement is a necessary component of local ordinances, yet it can be overlooked, avoided, underfunded, or confused with State laws and rules. The absence of enforcement can lead to damaging community narratives about the validity of ordinances or the work of local officials. Participants in this session will learn about enforcement tools and policies, private property rights, the role of state air and water quality regulators, and local elected and appointed boards in supporting enforcement efforts. 

Understanding The Legal Backdrop of Planning and Zoning, May 15 - Eric Warman. Understanding the legal considerations in planning and zoning is critical. This session will cover the fundamental importance of The Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MPEA) and Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA). A review of land use court cases, both old and new, will help participants to see the importance of consistent and transparent decision making in this field. 

Navigating Local Decisions in Michigan’s Renewable Energy Future: The Good, The Bad, and The Trade-Offs, Wednesday, June 18 - Mary Reilly, AICP. In 2023, Michigan adopted energy targets to generate 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 60% by 2035. As of January 2025, renewable energy sources comprised about 15% of the state’s utility-scale electricity generation. This signals notable land use changes on the horizon where willing landowners, suitable land, and electric transmission are available. Participants will learn the substantive differences, including benefits and trade-offs, of the four available policy options (CREO, workable ordinance, etc.) for regulating large-scale renewables. Presenters will share the most up-to-date information, including sample zoning and resources from the Michigan Renewable Energy Academy.  

JULY –  BREAK (no webinar)

AUGUST –  BREAK (no webinar)

Best Practices in Planning for Emergency Response and Hazard Mitigation in Your Community, September 18 - Harmony Gmazel, AICP. When responding to emergencies, ongoing planning and engagement efforts are deprioritized for long lengths of time, much to the detriment of our ability to respond to the next emergency or hazard. This session highlights best practices in maintaining planning and engagement efforts before, during and after events.

Rural Planning: Exploring Non-urban Planning, October 16 - Tyler Augst. Over 90% of Michigan’s land is rural and 20% of Michiganders call those rural places home. Using the land use transect as a springboard, this webinar will explore the various formal and informal definitions of rural and the demographic trends rural places are experiencing. These non-metro areas sometimes require different approaches when making land use decisions than more densely populated areas. This session will explore some specific rural considerations across common land use topics including housing, transportation, natural resources, and more. Participants will be provided with additional national land Michigan specific resources to create thriving rural communities. 

4th Annual 'Master Citizen Planner Showcase, November 20 – Various MCPs. 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! 

Cost per webinar: $10 for MCPs; $20 for Regular Registrants