News

MSU Extension offering training on short-term rental policy options for local communities across the state

Published on September 15, 2025
Join MSU Extension at one of 10 trainings being offered this fall.
Local government budgeting in uncertain times

Published on September 2, 2025
This free webinar brings together local leaders to share strategies for managing budgets amid state budget uncertainty.
MSU Extension and Michigan Department of Treasury launch grant readiness training

Published on September 2, 2025
This free webinar, part of the Fiscally Ready Communities series, helps local governments align grants with community goals, assess capacity, and build proactive policies to strengthen fiscal sustainability.
Strengthening fiscal sustainability for Michigan’s local governments

Published on August 29, 2025
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Treasury, MSU Extension’s Fiscally Ready Communities program reached 1,163 participants across 8 educational webinars in 2024.
Master plans and housing: What the Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires

Published on July 21, 2025
Changes to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act effective April 2, 2025, require communities to consider their housing needs when master planning.
Understanding the “Rural-Urban Transect” tool

Published on July 21, 2025
The Transect is a community analysis tool that can lead to better understanding of land use patterns and application of planning and zoning techniques.
Registration open for MSU Extension’s 2026 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program

Published on July 18, 2025
Secure your spot soon for this great online learning opportunity and two days of in-person classes in Mt. Pleasant on February 19 and 20, 2026.
County government at work, indeed

Published on July 11, 2025
Michigan counties provide vital health, safety, and welfare services. An updated resource helps officials and residents better understand the roles of county departments, agencies, and commissions and how they serve and support residents locally.
MSU Institute of Public Utilities welcomes Erik Nordman as new director

Published on July 11, 2025
Nordman joins the Institute from Grand Valley State University, following a nationwide search.
Minimum contents of a master plan

Published on June 19, 2025
For local governments that chose to adopt zoning, this is a moot question, as zoning must be based on a plan. Still, the minimum contents of a master plan are not well defined in law and communities have great latitude in developing a master plan.