News

Climate and health adaptation planning technical assistance available to Michigan communities

Published on October 29, 2024
Learn more about the opportunity to participate in a community engagement process for the development of a consensus vision, planning recommendations, and designs to guide adaptations addressing climate impacts on public health.
Amending a zoning ordinance requires adopting an ordinance

Published on October 22, 2024
Communities with zoning must regularly update their ordinance to reduce legal risk. The process for doing so is not difficult, but it is detailed and requires adopting an amending ordinance.
Public engagement: How to prepare and select a fitting approach

Published on October 22, 2024
Public engagement helps organizations and local governments draw from and foster community relationships. This article aims to give groups guidance on selecting a fitting engagement strategy and organizing to make the event a success.
Set group goals for growth with MSU Extension: A pathway to team success

Published on October 22, 2024
Get your group on track with a project plan that works!
Enrollment now open: Popular MSU Extension course Introduction to Lakes Online offered January 2025

Published on September 20, 2024
Register today for this unique opportunity to learn about inland lakes.
Community discussions around housing: Tax increment financing (TIF) for housing

Published on August 13, 2024
The Brownfield Redevelopment Finance Act now allows for TIF to be used for qualified housing projects.
Citizen education resources support voices of residents

Published on August 12, 2024
MSU Extension citizen education resources are helpful tools to inform community residents on the nature of local government planning and zoning decisions.
Registration now open for the 2025 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program in Mt. Pleasant

Published on June 17, 2024
Since 2009, the MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program has served as Michigan's only zoning administration program focused on techniques that reduce legal risks to the zoning administrator and their community.
Zoning related to adult foster care (AFC) homes

Published on December 15, 2023
Zoning for adult foster care facilities requires a detailed review of state residential facility licensing types, similar dwelling types, density, and zoning districts.
Difference between a zoning ordinance and a master plan

Published on November 3, 2023
The zoning ordinance is a law with penalties and consequence for not following it. A master plan is a policy document that expresses intent. It is not an enforceable document and is not law.