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What are the greatest threats to Michigan’s tourism industry?
Published on February 28, 2014
Michigan State University survey reveals the industry’s greatest concerns. -
Build better places today
Published on February 28, 2014
Tactical placemaking is a set of tools municipalities and community groups can use today to start building better places. -
Should planners get into social media?
Published on February 26, 2014
Facebook and Twitter can be effective ways for small local governments to increase engagement in planning decisions. -
Getting a clear picture on façade transparency
Published on February 24, 2014
Communities can create welcoming places by setting clear transparency standards that are easy to understand. -
Rethinking local budget processes
Published on February 24, 2014
The budgeting process as defined by the state of Michigan describes the procedures that local communities must follow. However, stagnant revenues and increasing costs challenge communities to be more creative in balancing annual budgets. -
Balancing one year’s government budget is just the start to long-term fiscal sustainability
Published on February 20, 2014
Often when red ink appears in government budgets the reaction is to make cuts and balance that year’s budget. But there are also strategies to incorporate for long-term fiscal sustainability – so future year budgets are also balanced. -
In disputes over zoning authority, follow the legislative intent test
Published on February 20, 2014
Absent an overarching statute exempting state owned land and buildings 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. -
Happy Birthday: 100th Anniversary of Smith-Lever Act and MSU Extension
Published on February 20, 2014
In 1914 the Smith-Lever Act was signed into federal law by President Woodrow Wilson. That created a national Extension system. -
LEED credit for growing food: Part 1
Published on February 11, 2014
The first LEED credit for food production currently in the pilot phase. -
LPI's Mark Wyckoff Authors Article on Four Different Types of Placemaking
Published on February 6, 2014
This article delves into four types of placemaking and features examples of projects and activities in each area, as well as in-depth comparison tables and graphics to help readers select the best approach to meet their objectives.