Public Policy

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2025 Conservation Stewards Program now registering for 6 cohort locations

Published on June 20, 2025
The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program offers multiple weeks of instruction delivered between September and November 2025, including weekly online course content, in-person lectures, field instruction, and more.
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.
MSU students partner with Michigan communities to improve trail access

Published on May 30, 2025
Trail Building, Law and Policy course connects student projects to community development
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.