MSU Extension Van Buren County

ZAC in Action: Proven Results and How to Get Involved in 2027
July 8, 2026 11:00AM – 7:30PM Zoom
This free 30-minute webinar will give an overview of MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program, its impacts, and how to register and prepare for the 2027 offerings of ZAC.

Property Tax Foreclosure Basics Webinar - July 23, 2026
July 23, 2026 1:30PM – 2:30PM Virtual Zoom
For Michigan households who are facing foreclosure due to unpaid property taxes, it’s a stressful situation. Many have experienced a loss or reduction of income or another hardship.

Tools for Effective Facilitation Workshop (Formerly Facilitative Leadership)
August 18, 2026 – August 20, 2026 Farm Bureau, 7373 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
The three-day Tools for Effective Facilitation workshop helps build the capacity of groups or organizations to use the collective talents of its members to coordinate actions, strengthen relationships, and enable the group to meet its goals.

Fiscally Ready Communities: Getting Grant Ready
August 20, 2026 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Join us for an engaging webinar designed to help local government officials navigate the full lifecycle of grants—from identifying the right opportunities to ensuring compliance and successful reporting.

Governing Essentials: Open Meetings Act (September 2026)
September 15, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
The Michigan Open Meetings Act furthers government transparency by requiring public boards to provide notice and make decisions in an open public meeting. Participants will learn the requirements of the Act as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Citizen Planner Berrien County Classroom Program 2026
September 15, 2026 – October 20, 2026 St Joseph City Hall in the Commission Chambers at 700 Broad St, St Joseph, MI
This six-session series covers land use education and training. The course is intended for local appointed and elected officials, zoning administrators and interested citizens.

2026 September MCP Webinar: Planning and Zoning to Attract and Retain Residents
September 17, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
With communities across Michigan experiencing shifts in population, local units of government experience increased pressures as they plan and zone. Responding to growth pressure, trying to attract new residents, and attempting to retain residents all require strategy if communities want to succeed. This webinar will begin the important conversation surrounding population change in communities, explore planning and zoning options, and highlight successes throughout the state. There are models and resources that communities can learn from. Affordable housing, placemaking, and unconventional tools will be discussed to help communities think about their future.  

Governing Essentials: Parliamentary Procedure (September 2026)
September 22, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This session will focus on parliamentary principles, motions, and debate and decorum during meetings. Participants will explore scenarios and practice skills.

Governing Essentials: Extraordinary Governance (September 2026)
September 29, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This session will help your board improve its governance to positively impact your community. Better board governance leads to more effective organizations that improve our communities.

Short-Term Rental Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 2026 6:30PM – 8:00PM
This 90-minute program will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs as well as where local communities can find data to examine their own local situation. This will be followed by an overview of policy approaches, regulatory tools, enforcement, and key STR court cases. The program will highlight several Michigan examples of community regulatory approaches to STRs and offer time for questions. 

Governing Essentials: Ethical Public Service (October 2026)
October 6, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This session explores the principles of ethical public service, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance.

Short-Term Rental Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 2026 6:30PM – 8:00PM Zoom
This 90-minute program will explore trends and policy tools for communities to consider related to short-term rentals (STRs).

County Commissioner Midterm Essentials - East Lansing
October 7, 2026 10:00AM - 3:00PM
With county commissioner terms now four years in length, 2026 marks 'midterm' for many county elected officials. County Commissioner Midterm Essentials is an educational program brought to you by MSU Extension in partnership with the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). The day-long session will build on foundations from New Commissioner School and lessons commissioners learn in the first two years of their terms. Participants will gain deeper understanding of county finances and how state and federal decisions may impact the next few years, discuss examples of successful intergovernmental relationships, and build skills to navigate today’s challenging political environment and lead a thriving community.

2026 October MCP Webinar: Demystifying Municipal Civil Infractions: A tool for local compliance
October 15, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
When it comes to ordinance enforcement, the municipal civil infraction has several advantages in achieving the principal goal of compliance. Yet, for many communities the tool is lesser known, misunderstood, and underutilized. This webinar will cover necessities for utilizing the municipal civil infraction, including ordinances required by law, internal policies to guide the process, sample forms and letters to streamline communications, and relationships needed to work effectively with law enforcement and the judicial system. What’s missing from this webinar? Legal advice!  

Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (Formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership)
October 27, 2026 – October 30, 2026 Farm Bureau, 7373 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership) is a practical workshop focused on developing comfort with high-heat situations in group settings

Communicating Through Conflict: November Workshop
November 4, 2026 12:00PM – 2:00PM Online
Communicating Through Conflict workshops provide participants with tools and techniques to handle heated situations and interpersonal conflict more effectively.

2026 November MCP Webinar: 5th Annual 'Master Citizen Planner' Showcase
November 19, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Master Citizen Planner (MCP) is a status granted to people who complete the Citizen Planner Program and demonstrate commitment to continuing their own education each year. This showcase will highlight the practical outcomes of that commitment. MCPs can be found doing incredible planning and zoning work for their communities across Michigan. MCPs from around the state will each give a short presentation on a unique project, topic, or case from their community. Join us to learn directly from your peers!