News
-
Water use at perpendicular versus parallel roads: Where are public versus riparian rights?
Published on November 22, 2016
Don’t let perpendicular versus parallel roads get crossed in your head. There are differences in public use and riparian rights. -
LEAD forum brings leaders together to benefit four county region
Published on November 9, 2016
Participants at a civic forum discussed strengths, challenges, and opportunities for Lake, Mason, Newaygo, and Oceana counties. -
What's the difference between a county sheriff and the local police?
Published on November 2, 2016
A quick look at the office of county sheriff and how it's different than local and state police. -
Starting a home occupation can be quick and easy through minimized regulation
Published on October 31, 2016
A community can make starting a home occupation easy to do by minimizing regulation. Changing zoning to allow home occupations to automatically be part of a dwelling can help economic development. -
Zoning approvals should be prompt
Published on October 24, 2016
A zoning decision should be prompt and without any undue delay. Incorporating deadlines for decisions into a zoning ordinance, or office policy, is a best practice. -
Beware of zombie planning commissioners this Halloween
Published on October 24, 2016
When one member of a planning commission attends training, they sometimes return to the next meeting with the others staring as if they'd been abducted, filled with ‘alien’ information, and turned back to the community as some sort of zombie. -
What does a drain commissioner do?
Published on October 21, 2016
Make sure you know the job you’re voting for on Election Day. -
Extraordinary governance for county boards
Published on October 19, 2016
Key points for all boards to ensure top-notch governance for your county. -
New County Commissioner Workshop registration now open
Published on October 12, 2016
MSU Extension and the Michigan Association of Counties co-sponsor the 2016 New County Commissioner Workshops for newly elected commissioners, experienced commissioners, elected officials, and staff interested in learning more about county government. -
The one question every municipality should ask itself before adopting an ordinance
Published on October 11, 2016
There are many considerations when developing and adopting a new ordinance, but perhaps the most important of all is determining whether the municipality has the will to enforce the new zoning regulations.