News
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New Planning Commissioner Training series launched in partnership with Planetizen Courses
Published on June 28, 2021
Virtual training series provides citizen planners with the tools and resources to effectively work alongside professional planners on behalf of their communities. -
To plan or not to plan? Minimum contents of a master plan
Published on June 17, 2021
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. -
Economic impacts of COVID-19 on travel and tourism, specifically in the Great Lakes States
Published on June 3, 2021
U.S. Travel Association publishes details of the startling decline in U.S. travel and tourism. -
How are county commissioner districts created?
Published on June 2, 2021
The county apportionment process takes place every 10 years following the census, to draw county commission districts. -
Planning commissions can strengthen inclusion with gender neutral policy language
Published on April 7, 2021
Are people of all gender identities represented in your planning commission bylaws, policies, and other documents? Many organizations have taken steps to update policies and replace gendered language with gender neutral options. -
Scenario-based shoreline planning can help improve coastal management
Published on April 6, 2021
Using simple, decision-centered, scenario-based planning has helped some Michigan Communities navigate the uncertain and complex task of shoreline planning. -
Begin the journey towards parliamentary procedure certification
Published on April 3, 2021
Obtaining credentials as a parliamentarian. -
Incompatible office: what does it mean and how does it differ from a conflict of interest?
Published on March 18, 2021
Conflict of Interest and Incompatible Office are not the same thing. There are unique responses to each situation. -
Community-driven tourism program provides benefits to rural city leaders
Published on March 18, 2021
City of St. Clair, MI leadership team reveals benefits of working together after participating in First Impressions Tourism assessment program. -
Welcome to the Thrive Local Blog
Published on December 15, 2020
We will discuss issues relevant to local democracy and government at the intersection of law, finance and politics. Topics we will explore are chosen to assist local officials and residents to make decisions in their best interest and for the common good.