MSU Extension offering webinar on short-term rental policy options for local communities in May and October
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EmailThese webinars will help local governments consider the potential policy options available to them regarding short-term rentals (STRs).
Michigan State University Extension will be hosting two webinars in 2026 to help local government officials understand their policy options for short-term rentals (STRs). These 90-minute “Short-Term Rental Policy Options for Local Communities” programs will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs and 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.
Registration is now open and available by visiting events.anr.msu.edu/STR26. The webinar will be offered twice in 2026, once on Wednesday, May 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. ET and again on Tuesday, October 6, from 6:30-8 p.m. ET.
In 2025, 116 local leaders participated in MSU Extension’s STR Policy Options for Local Communities programs, and evaluations showed that they overwhelmingly found it valuable for their growth and development. Those evaluations also showed that 9 out of 10 respondents now felt they could suggest ways to regulate or enforce STRs for their communities. One participant shared that after the program they were ready to “assist my Planning Board with their development of a viable STR section to the ordinance,” and another planned to “negotiate a reasonable STR ordinance” in their community.
As the MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy’s report, “The Short-Term Rental Economy in Michigan: Implications, Policy Options, & Potential Solutions” highlights, STRs have been expanding across the state and may be having impacts on local housing markets. STRs can also fill a local or regional gap in visitor housing and offer an alternative type of lodging that is in demand for leisure and business travelers alike.
As the state continues to see increases in the number of dwellings being used for STRs, some Michigan communities are reviewing their plans and policies around STRs to ensure they reflect the community’s vision and needs. This program presents various policy approaches to STRs being taken by local communities around the state.
How to register
Registration can be completed by visiting events.anr.msu.edu/STR26.
The cost to register is $25 per person, or $20 for Master Citizen Planners (MCPs). All registrants will receive a recording of the program.