News

Michigan Sen. Sam Singh on MSU agriculture research, outreach: ‘There’s a need and a want’

Published on May 26, 2026
Singh, who represents the 28th Senate District, touted MSU's work as essential to supporting the state's second-largest industry.
A planning commission is much more than zoning

Published on May 20, 2026
Planning commissions have an important job that includes coordination, intergovernmental cooperation, master plan preparation, zoning administration, infrastructure review, subdivision review, housing analysis, capital improvements planning and more.
Can people with opposing views find common ground?

Published on May 5, 2026
Opposing viewpoints can make for difficult conversations, but practicing ways to find common ground can lead to success.
Registration open: County Commissioner Midterm Essentials program

Published on April 24, 2026
Join MSU Extension and the Michigan Association of Counties for a new one-day professional development program designed for county officials.
The future of farming may be shaded

Published on April 20, 2026
Researchers find solar panels can reduce crop stress while maintaining yields in commercial vegetable systems.
MSU Extension offering webinar on short-term rental policy options for local communities in May and October

Published on April 15, 2026
These webinars will help local governments consider the potential policy options available to them regarding short-term rentals (STRs).
Local regulation of manufactured housing

Published on March 31, 2026
Learn more about how to balance local zoning authority and state preemption under Michigan’s Mobile Home Commission Act.
State preemption and local zoning authority in Michigan: The role of legislative intent

Published on March 31, 2026
Absent an overarching statute preempting certain activities from zoning regulations, Michigan courts follow a test to determine legislative intent. In short, if there is no sign of legislative intent, local zoning prevails.
Land Division Act amendment allowing the creation of more parcels means all local governments should review development ordinances

Published on March 24, 2026
With the authority for local governments to allow and approve more divisions of land comes the responsibility to follow the master plan and make environmentally and financially sound infrastructure decisions.
MSU Extension Tools for Effective Facilitation 2026 programs

Published on March 2, 2026
Two three-day facilitation workshops and one advanced four-day conflict-focused program available in 2026.