News
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The Affordable Care Act: What it means for you in 2012
Published on July 16, 2012
The Affordable Care Act, signed into law in March of 2010, provides broad healthcare reform with most pieces being implemented between 2010 and 2014. Here is an overview of the changes that take affect this year. -
New guidebook presents small-town, Michigan examples of placemaking
Published on July 13, 2012
“Northern Michigan Community Placemaking Guidebook” is revealed as a resource for local leaders and residents to create more vibrant, prosperous communities. -
New Extension report examines fiscal conditions in Lansing-East Lansing Metro region
Published on July 10, 2012
Region is compared to four similar regions in U.S. using a series of benchmarks. Results indicate high spending on public safety, low spending on infrastructure and significant fiscal challenges for Lansing. -
Planning commissions' reviews ensure consistency
Published on July 6, 2012
The planning commission plays an important role in reviewing local infrastructure and capital expenditures for consistency with the community’s master plan and the plans of its neighbors. -
Affordable Care Act eliminates annual and lifetime dollar limits
Published on July 3, 2012
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to drop lifetime dollar limits on health benefits. -
Planning commissions may not have jurisdiction, but can still have advocacy role
Published on June 26, 2012
There are a number of areas where local governments do not have jurisdiction, but a local government or its planning commission can still prepare testimony for submission at public hearings and during public comment periods. -
Planning commissions can turn opposition into support by planning ahead
Published on June 19, 2012
Planning commissions can head-off opposition by taking a proactive approach to communications and public involvement surrounding a local planning effort. -
Update your community’s Capital Improvement Program
Published on June 5, 2012
Planning commissions should annually prepare a capital improvements program of public structures and improvements. -
Community input will benefit and focus “placemaking” efforts
Published on June 5, 2012
Success with community placemaking efforts includes several key considerations. -
Michigan Act 102 amends open burning laws
Published on May 17, 2012
This act amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (PA 451 of 1994) to protect the state’s environment and natural resources by increasing control of air pollution and compliance with the clean air act.