Planning

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A zoning plan is a required part of master plans in Michigan

Published on November 13, 2025
Recent changes to Michigan statutes related to planning and zoning clarify the requirement for communities with an adopted zoning ordinance to also have an adopted “zoning plan.”
Vague or subjective ordinance standards: In the court’s opinion, they stink! Part 1

Published on November 3, 2025
A recent Court of Appeals case reinforces that government regulations must be clear and specific. Previous cases provide principles helpful in reviewing an ordinance for vagueness.
Vague or subjective ordinance standards: In the court’s opinion, they stink! Part 2

Published on November 3, 2025
A recent Court of Appeals case reinforces that government regulations must be clear and specific. Previous cases provide principles helpful in reviewing an ordinance for vagueness.
In an AI-fueled world, “Ask Extension” for the facts

Published on October 10, 2025
MSU Extension’s “Ask Extension” service offers Michiganders real answers from trusted experts, whether they're worried about garden pests or starting a small business.
Enrollment now open: Popular MSU Extension course Introduction to Lakes Online offered January 2026

Published on September 3, 2025
Register today for this unique opportunity to learn about inland lakes.
The Defining Principles of a Modern Charrette: As Defined by The National Charrette Institute

Published on September 2, 2025
The National Charrette Institute explores the history, development and definition of a modern charrette.
MSU Extension and Michigan Department of Treasury launch grant readiness training

Published on September 2, 2025
This free webinar, part of the Fiscally Ready Communities series, helps local governments align grants with community goals, assess capacity, and build proactive policies to strengthen fiscal sustainability.
Strengthening fiscal sustainability for Michigan’s local governments

Published on August 29, 2025
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Treasury, MSU Extension’s Fiscally Ready Communities program reached 1,163 participants across 8 educational webinars in 2024.
Master plans and housing: What the Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires

Published on July 21, 2025
Changes to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act effective April 2, 2025, require communities to consider their housing needs when master planning.
Understanding the “Rural-Urban Transect” tool

Published on July 21, 2025
The Transect is a community analysis tool that can lead to better understanding of land use patterns and application of planning and zoning techniques.