News

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.
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.
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.
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.
Registration open for MSU Extension’s 2026 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program

Published on July 18, 2025
Secure your spot soon for this great online learning opportunity and two days of in-person classes in Mt. Pleasant on February 19 and 20, 2026.
MSU Institute of Public Utilities welcomes Erik Nordman as new director

Published on July 11, 2025
Nordman joins the Institute from Grand Valley State University, following a nationwide search.
Minimum contents of a master plan

Published on June 19, 2025
For local governments that chose to adopt zoning, this is a moot question, as zoning must be based on a plan. Still, the minimum contents of a master plan are not well defined in law and communities have great latitude in developing a master plan.
The forgotten law: Planning commission review of capital expenditures

Published on June 6, 2025
When government proposes to buy land, buildings, renovate or build, the proposal should be reviewed by that government’s planning commission first.
Planning and zoning for solar in Michigan

Published on May 30, 2025
Renewable energy siting laws in Michigan limit the role of local government while expanding the role of the state. A new guide helps communities prepare.