MSU Extension’s Citizen Planner program to be offered in Marshall, MI beginning September 24

Tyler Augst<augsttyl@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Michigan State University Extension is offering its premiere Michigan Citizen Planner program in Marshall, MI (Calhoun County) beginning September 24, 2024.

For decorative purposes.
MSU Extension educator Tyler Augst presenting during a recent Citizen Planner program. (Credit: R. Kubsch)

Michigan State University Extension is offering its premiere Michigan Citizen Planner program in Marshall, MI (Calhoun County) beginning September 24, 2024. Citizen Planner offers land use education for locally appointed and elected planning officials and interested residents throughout Michigan. This six-week program will be taking place on Tuesday nights from 6 – 9 p.m. from September 24 to October 29. More information and registration for this program can be found at: events.anr.msu.edu/CPCalhounCounty24/.

The course fee is $250 per participant for the complete core program. Group discounts are available. For groups of four or more from the same municipality, the cost is $225 per participant. The fee covers registration, course materials and refreshments. A $45 cancellation fee will apply. Participants that complete all six sessions will receive a certificate of completion and may continue on to become Master Citizen Planners. Registration will be open through September 13, 2024.

Register for the 2024 Michigan Citizen Planner Program in Marshall

In 2023, over 220 people completed Citizen Planer programs across the state to increase their knowledge, skills, and confidence in making land use decisions. Evaluations from participants showed that majority of respondents increased their knowledge of best practices for board operations, structure, and functions, or as one participant put it, “Highly recommend to anyone who is new to the planning commission, especially individuals who live in smaller communities. This program has a wealth of information.”

The six-class series includes:

  1. Understanding the planning and zoning context: Learn the legal sources and limitations of planning and zoning authority and explore your understanding of ethical decision-making.
  2. Planning for the future of your community: Recognize the function and importance of a master plan, know the process for developing one and its relationship to zoning.
  3. Implementing the plan with zoning: Discover the importance of zoning, learn how zoning is administered and gain confidence in your zoning reviews, including site plans.
  4. Making zoning decisions: Learn how to adopt and amend a zoning ordinance, understand the role of the zoning board of appeals and obtain skills in basic property development methods.
  5. Using innovative planning and zoning: Strategize with placemaking and design-based solutions for local and regional success in the New Economy.
  6. Successfully fulfilling your role: Strengthen your ethical decision-making skills, apply standards to your decision-making and know when to ask for help.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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  • michigan citizen planner,
  • msu extension,
  • planning,
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Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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