Planning

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With the help from first-time visitors, five Michigan communities engaged to better understand their assets and opportunities in 2025

Published on February 6, 2026
Demand for MSU Extension’s First Impressions Tourism assessment program demonstrates a growing desire and need for Michigan communities to better themselves by capturing first-time visitor perspectives.
Farming in the solar future

Published on February 3, 2026
A four‑part webinar series on integrating food production and clean energy development.
Empowering governance: Registration now open for Governing Essentials webinar series

Published on January 20, 2026
The Governing Essentials Series is designed for local elected and appointed officials looking to sharpen their skills and promote good governance practices.
Time of sale septic inspections can protect water quality: Part 1

Published on January 16, 2026
Counties and townships can protect surface and groundwater by adopting time of sale septic inspection ordinances.
Time of sale septic inspections can protect water quality: Part 2

Published on January 16, 2026
Counties and townships can protect surface and groundwater by adopting time of sale septic inspection ordinances.
The Power of the Pen and Co-Design

Published on December 15, 2025
NCI had the opportunity over the last year to be involved in the Missouri Prison Transformation Project, which seeks to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of those living in, working in, and recently released from prison.
A zoning moratorium should only be done with caution

Published on December 15, 2025
A local government might adopt a moratorium to prevent development until rules are established, but this is not without legal risk. Do so with caution and make sure the municipal attorney is directly involved.
Caution: Zoning moratorium ahead

Published on December 15, 2025
Michigan local governments should proceed carefully when considering temporarily suspending property owners’ rights to develop or build until adequate regulations can be developed and adopted.
What is and is not a charrette (and why it matters)

Published on November 26, 2025
The National Charrette Institute clarifies what is and is not a charrette, and explains why this distinction matters.
MSU Extension and the MEDC continue partnership to boost Michigan tourism

Published on November 17, 2025
A partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation continues into its sixth year to provide Michigan communities with the opportunity to receive feedback from a team of first-time visitors.