News

MSU students partner with Michigan communities to improve trail access

Published on May 30, 2025
Trail Building, Law and Policy course connects student projects to community development
Cultivating local farm economies

Published on May 30, 2025
Farm viability requires flexibility, along with innovation in local government planning and zoning to allow for farm income diversification.
Planning and zoning for solar in Michigan

Published on May 30, 2025
Renewable energy siting laws in Michigan limit the role of local government while expanding the role of the state. A new guide helps communities prepare.
Category 4 sites under the Right to Farm Act Site Selection GAAMP

Published on April 25, 2025
Site Selection GAAMP provides local authority to permit livestock keeping in primarily residential areas
What is, or is not, a charrette?

Published on April 25, 2025
Charrette is a very specific type of public involvement system for design and planning projects. Do not be fooled by people calling every public participation event a charrette.
People count: Population growth leads to basic economic growth, part 3

Published on April 10, 2025
Population growth is economic growth, which makes taking steps to attract people to move to a community an important strategy.
Prosperity comes from a focus on people, policy and place on a regional scale, part 5

Published on April 10, 2025
It takes a region to provide the places, variety, resources and attributes to attract people; economic development also needs to be coordinated among state, regional, educational, local government and private sectors.
First time visitor perspectives still in high demand for Michigan communities

Published on February 19, 2025
Demand for MSU Extension’s First Impressions Tourism assessment program reaches pre-pandemic levels by assisting five communities in understanding assets and unique qualities through first time visitor experiences and perspectives.
Registration now open for Governing Essentials webinar series

Published on January 16, 2025
The Governing Essentials Series is designed for local elected and appointed officials looking to sharpen their skills and promote good governance practices.
Why you should care about planning and zoning

Published on December 19, 2024
Being involved in planning and zoning is a great way to help shape the future of your community.