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Local government plays a leadership role in the "New Economy"
Published on December 7, 2012
Research suggests local government policies must support and reinforce the "New Economy" and include place-based strategies for successful economic development. -
Your planning commission prepares an annual report, but what about a work program?
Published on December 7, 2012
Since 2008, an annual report has been required of all planning commissions in Michigan, but it is the work program that sets the agenda for next year’s planning commission initiatives in tandem with the annual budget request. -
Putting parking into “place”
Published on November 29, 2012
Design and planning strategies to merge human scale design with automobile parking. -
Right to Farm Act protects certain farm activities from some local government regulations
Published on November 27, 2012
The Right to Farm Act impacts local government regulation of certain farm activities, but it does not extend to all agricultural activity and does not supersede all local regulations. -
Does zoning contribute to forest parcelization? – Part 1
Published on November 27, 2012
Michigan forestry professionals recently met to discuss current causes and research about forest fragmentation. Zoning is one of the factors that can influence this issue, both negatively and positively. -
Ottawa County groundwater has quality and quantity concerns
Published on November 27, 2012
Some groundwater in Ottawa County has become impaired with wells pulling up salty water. Concerns also center on quantity, with overall lowering of groundwater levels. -
Does zoning contribute to forest parcelization? – Part 2
Published on November 27, 2012
Michigan forestry professionals recently met to discuss current causes and research about forest fragmentation. Zoning is one of the factors that can influence this issue, both negatively and positively. -
Protecting your community officials with liability insurance
Published on November 15, 2012
Carrying liability insurance helps protect officials in the event of a lawsuit, but it is important to work with your municipal attorney to review the policy’s scope of coverage to ensure that your community’s coverage needs are met. -
Increasing public participation in the planning process
Published on November 14, 2012
Public participation is critical to an effective planning process and is a key ingredient in successful communities. -
Placemaking: People make “great places”
Published on November 13, 2012
The concept of placemaking is the newest evolution in planning and it involves creating attractive, interesting and viable places that draw people. However, planners must never forget the key ingredient in a creating a “place” is people.