News
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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. -
Can we really run government like a business?
Published on December 5, 2019
While there are elements of business that can be used to improve government operation, the two are fundamentally different, and we need to remember that neither can, or should, operate just like the other. -
Category 4 sites under the Right to Farm Act Site Selection GAAMP
Published on November 19, 2019
Site Selection GAAMP provides local authority to permit livestock keeping in primarily residential areas -
Wood chip heat
Published on November 12, 2019
As older boilers reach replacement age, it’s well worth considering systems that burn renewable and cost-competitive wood chips. Michigan is well-poised to expand this very environmentally-friendly heating fuel. -
Not all public participation events are charrettes
Published on November 6, 2019
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. -
Ensuring public participation in meetings takes work and organization
Published on October 8, 2019
Meaningful public participation requires some very basic communication skills. Remember the key components of planning effective meetings. -
Old versus new: Understanding the new economy part 2
Published on October 8, 2019
A very fundamental structural shift has occurred with economic development. In this new economic age, it pays to know the difference between the old and new economy. -
Embarking on planning and zoning for the first time? Think it through!
Published on September 10, 2019
Local units of government without zoning, or townships subject to county zoning that might be considering adopting their own zoning ordinance, should think the process and requirements through carefully. -
Resource management for your school garden part 1
Published on September 10, 2019
Take advantage of the many opportunities to grow your school garden -
Resource management for your school garden part 2
Published on September 10, 2019
Finding and using resources beyond grants to grow your school garden