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Northland Shopping Center: Financial problems
Published on July 7, 2016
Financial Problems that lead to the closing of Northland Center in Southfield Michigan. -
Planning staff reports can be better and should be.
Published on June 24, 2016
Staff reports for planning and zoning cases are often poorly done and missing critical information. A recent study recommends ways to improve staff reports. -
2015-2016 planning and zoning court case summaries now ready
Published on June 20, 2016
The annual May 2016 summary of land use court cases is prepared and available to the public. -
Government website is now an essential and expected
Published on May 24, 2016
A constantly growing number of people expect an internet presence. A dynamic government webpage that provides a variety of content is now a basic part of providing government services. -
Why bike to work? The more appropriate question seems to be why not?
Published on May 16, 2016
The benefits of biking for transportation are overwhelming and opportunities abound for choosing this form of active transportation for better personal and community health. -
New report looks at resiliency in the Saginaw Bay Watershed
Published on May 15, 2016
More than 250 decision-makers surveyed on the impact of extreme storm events in local communities. -
Public comment made simple: Part 1
Published on April 29, 2016
Easy rules to follow to make public comment go smoothly in public meetings. -
Public comment made simple: Part 2
Published on April 29, 2016
Easy rules to follow to make public comment go smoothly in public meetings. -
Many local governments still need to update sign regulations following the 2015 Supreme Court case
Published on April 22, 2016
It has been almost ten months since the US Supreme Court ruling on content-neutral regulation of signs. The June 2015 ruling re-emphasized and further restricted content-based regulation of signs. Many local governments have yet to adopt new regulations. -
Vague or subjective ordinance standards: In the court’s opinion they stink! Part 1
Published on April 14, 2016
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.