News
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Direct development with Corridor Improvement Authorities
Published on December 19, 2019
Develop outside the traditional downtown -
Michigan Open Meetings Act: Understanding closed sessions
Published on December 18, 2019
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act was written to ensure that the governmental decision-making process would be accessible to Michigan residents. -
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: An introduction
Published on December 18, 2019
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act was written to ensure that the governmental decision-making process would be accessible to Michigan residents. -
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Explore the details
Published on December 18, 2019
Michigan’s Open Meetings Act provides requirements on meeting notices, minutes, and keeping the process open to public participation. -
Public hearing is not only way to involve the public
Published on December 18, 2019
There are many ways to effectively involve the public beyond the public hearing. -
Training, continuing education is best strategy for planning and zoning risk management
Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education and training is an important planning and zoning risk management strategy for local governments in Michigan. While Michigan has many training opportunities, participation could be greater. -
Bad zoning can be worse than no zoning at all
Published on December 16, 2019
Communities can evaluate planning and zoning programs using performance audit materials from Michigan State University Extension. -
The importance of discussing best practices for continuing education in planning and zoning
Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education is an important strategy for local government risk management. Bylaws and local policy should also address how much training is appropriate and what topics training should focus on. -
Nonconformities in zoning is the source of much confusion
Published on December 13, 2019
Zoning cannot be retroactive and has to grandfather existing land uses. Those are called nonconformities which take on many characteristics and are different than zoning violations. -
Conflict can be resolved if opposing positions and interests are clearly understood.
Published on December 10, 2019
Using “both/and” thinking can move parties toward solutions.