School of Planning, Design and Construction

Planning Communities. Building Partnerships. Preparing Tomorrow's Planning Leaders.

The Urban & Regional Planning Practicum is the signature capstone experience in Michigan State University's Urban & Regional Planning Program. Through semester-long partnerships with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies, students work alongside community leaders to address real planning challenges and develop innovative, implementation-oriented solutions.

The practicum transforms the classroom into a professional planning studio where students apply research, community engagement, spatial analysis, urban design, and policy development to projects that create lasting value for Michigan communities. Every project culminates in professional reports, public presentations, and actionable recommendations that help community partners advance their planning goals while preparing students for successful careers in planning and community development.

Primary Calls to Action

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Community Impact by the Numbers

A Living Laboratory for Community-Engaged Planning

The Urban & Regional Planning Practicum is more than a capstone course—it is a collaborative partnership between Michigan State University and communities across Michigan. Each year, interdisciplinary student teams collaborate directly with clients to tackle complex planning issues ranging from neighborhood revitalization and economic development to climate resilience, housing, transportation, placemaking, and sustainable urban design.

Guided by faculty and informed by community voices, students move through a structured planning process that emphasizes collaboration, evidence-based decision making, and practical implementation. Throughout the semester, teams engage residents, analyze data, develop planning alternatives, and prepare professional recommendations designed to support informed local decision-making.

By integrating teaching, applied research, and public engagement, the practicum strengthens communities while preparing students to become ethical, innovative, and practice-ready planning professionals.