MSU Extension Public Policy

News

• Getting a resolution of support passed in your community

  Published on December 31, 2013
  Many individuals, groups and organizations would like to obtain a resolution of support from their municipality supporting their project, program or effort. However, the process to achieve this goal can often seem like a daunting and overwhelming task.

• The usefulness of feasibility studies

  Published on December 31, 2013
  Feasibility studies can be very helpful for guiding a community’s decision-making process. They can provide neutral, third party professional analysis including cost-benefit analysis, alternative options and verification.

• Measuring change in a community with aerial images

  Published on December 31, 2013
  Utilizing aerial images to measure change in a community can provide a quality, accurate analysis of complex problems while providing strong visual support to assist decision-makers and inform the public.

• The Board has hired an Executive Director – who makes decisions now for the organization?

  Published on December 31, 2013
  In order to work effectively, the Board of Directors and the Executive Director need to understand and support the responsibilities of both roles.

• What is the status of my zoning board of appeals?

  Published on December 31, 2013
  For many rural townships in Michigan, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) may see sparse and irregular action, often with a year or more between meetings.

• Code of conduct for your planning commission or zoning board of appeals

  Published on December 31, 2013
  Adopting a code of conduct provides guidance and expectations for appointed officials in their respective roles as public officials.

• Work through difficult decision-making with compromise

  Published on December 31, 2013
  Compromise can be vital to success, especially when conflict has rendered efforts stagnant. While agreeing to a compromise can take some time and effort and may be difficult to accept, doing so often is the only viable path to success.

• Making the most of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in your community

  Published on December 31, 2013
  A quality municipal GIS system provides substantial benefits to a community beyond parcel mapping. GIS can provide comprehensive services to a variety of departments, dramatically increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

• Two tips for successful grant writing

  Published on December 31, 2013
  When it comes to writing grants there are a plethora of ideas, techniques and styles that can help you write a winning grant. However, there are two key elements of grant writing common in today’s most successful grant requests that funders often look for.

• Increased citizen participation in government: Fad or new reality? Part Three

  Published on December 30, 2013
  Increased citizen participation in both nonprofits and government seems to parallel the rise of the new economy. Can we harness the interest to both improve governance and satisfy citizens?