2026 November MCP Webinar: 5th Annual 'Master Citizen Planner' Showcase
November 19, 2026 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Registration Deadline: November 17, 2026 - 08:30PM
Zoom
Contact: For more information, contact Kara Kelly, Program Coordinator, at cplanner@msu.edu
2026 Master Citizen Planner Live Webinar Series
The 2026 Master Citizen Planner (MCP) Webinar Series is designed to offer participants the latest updates and information on current topics. Using Zoom, MSU Extension educators will provide an overview of topics of interest to planning and zoning officials. Webinars fall on the third Thursday in April, May, June, September, October, and November. Webinars take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET. Each session is available individually or participants can register for all six at once. All webinars will be recorded, and the recordings and presentation materials sent to registrants.
Each webinar is eligible for 1 MCP Credit.
2026 Topics:
Harvesting the Benefits and Recognizing Our Limits: Michigan’s Right to Farm Act, Your Community, Your Regulations, Your Master Plan Goals, April 16 - Harmony Gmazel, AICP. The first MCP Webinar of 2026 will focus on Michigan’s Right To Farm Act and its 2026 Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices. We will cover how the RTFA protects farmers from nuisance lawsuits if they follow the GAAMPs. We will also examine which local ordinances are preempted by the state and where local zoning authority still applies. Special focus will be placed on the requirements of farm markets, livestock siting, accessory buildings, agritourism and emerging activities. This session will be interactive, and real-world linkages will be discussed regarding the implementation of local master plan goals and those agricultural activities that occur under the RTFA.
The County Planning Commission in Michigan, May 21 - Tyler Augst. The role of a county planning commission can look very different as you travel across the state. Some counties have zoning and the PC functions much like it would in a city, village, or township. Some counties have a PC that provides reviews and recommendations to local units. And some counties have dissolved their county planning commission. This webinar will give an overview of the role and status of county PCs in Michigan. It will also focus on the role that county PCs can play in helping all communities in their jurisdiction to create quality places, including an example template for county planning commission reviews of township zoning ordinances.
Data Center Land Use Considerations: Do they Compute for your Community? June 18 - Mary Reilly, AICP. In this session, we'll explore why data centers are coming to Michigan, and the likely positive and negative impacts on the communities that host them. We'll also discuss suggestions for how to contemplate data centers in your planning and zoning in ways that advance local goals and enhance quality of life. Guest Instructor, Dr. Sarah Mills, Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan.
JULY – BREAK (no webinar)
AUGUST – BREAK (no webinar)
Planning and Zoning to Attract and Retain Residents, September 17 - Eric Warman. 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.
Demystifying Municipal Civil Infractions: A tool for local compliance, October 15 - Brad Neumann, AICP. 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!
5th Annual 'Master Citizen Planner' Showcase, November 19 – Various MCPs. 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!
Cost per webinar: $10 for MCPs; $20 for Regular Registrants
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