News
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Does race matter when seeking access to healthy food? Part 2
Published on March 9, 2015
Strategies for building a racially-equitable food system. -
Local government roles in oil and gas regulation: Part 1
Published on March 4, 2015
Michigan communities are considering their role in regulating oil and gas development. State legislation limits this authority. -
Local government roles in oil and gas regulation: Part 2
Published on March 4, 2015
Michigan communities are considering their role in regulating oil and gas development. State legislation limits this authority. -
Amending a zoning ordinance requires adopting an ordinance
Published on March 3, 2015
Communities with zoning must regularly update their ordinance to reduce legal risk. The process for doing so is not difficult, but it is detailed and requires adopting an amending ordinance. -
Placemaking workshops will result in strategies for regions throughout Michigan
Published on February 24, 2015
A statewide series of placemaking workshops delivered as part of the MIplace Partnership Initiative will help communities improve quality of life and economic prosperity. -
Who should decide if a zoning permit is issued?
Published on February 24, 2015
Michigan law provides three options for who decides to issue zoning permits. There is a way to determine which option is best for a local government to use. -
Four new foreclosure laws in Michigan to help keep people in their homes
Published on February 24, 2015
Michigan’s four new foreclosure laws are aimed to prevent foreclosure, keep people in their homes, increase property tax revenues and prevent delinquent taxpayers from purchasing additional foreclosed properties. -
New requirements for local government regulation of wireless communication
Published on February 18, 2015
The Federal Communication Commission issued new rules on regulation of wireless communication facilities. The rules continue to restrict local government’s ability to regulate wireless antenna and tower placement. -
Planned unit development provides flexibility in local zoning
Published on January 26, 2015
Zoning ordinances are often not very flexible, requiring neighborhoods or commercial areas to appear the same. Planned unit development is one tool which can provide more flexibility and innovation for development. -
Transfer of real property to a first-degree relative is not a transfer of ownership
Published on January 21, 2015
While becoming law with seemingly little media attention, changes to property tax law have potentially big impacts on Michigan families.