MSU Extension Public Policy

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  Public Policy

  Through education of newly elected and incumbent officials, MSU Extension helps Michigan’s 1,858 municipalities, 14 multi-county regions, 12 federally recognized tribal nations and state agencies with information that informs public policy decision-making.

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• 2017-2018 planning and zoning court case summaries now ready

  Published on May 22, 2018
  The annual May 2018 summary of land use court cases is prepared and available to the public.

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  Can we really run government like a business?

  Published on December 5, 2019
  While there are elements of business that can be used to improve government operation, the two are fundamentally different, and we need to remember that neither can, or should, operate just like the other.

• Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: An introduction

  Published on December 18, 2019
  Michigan’s Open Meetings Act was written to ensure that the governmental decision-making process would be accessible to Michigan residents.

• Regulating keyhole development

  Published on December 21, 2015
  Riparian lots that grant keyhole access to others may create impacts that threaten health, safety, and welfare. Local governments have the legal basis to regulate such activities.

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  Changes to Site Selection GAAMP mean communities have greater opportunity to plan for food systems

  Published on May 16, 2014
  Michigan law requires local governments to provide for all lawful land uses where there is a demonstrated need. Is there any greater need than food?

• Complete streets in Michigan: Progress, pitfalls and promise

  Published on October 17, 2013
  Three years after Michigan’s complete streets legislation became law, design guidance is improving and research into the benefits of complete streets is continuing to emerge, yet funding for projects is lean and implementation seems limited.

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  Urban agriculture and agriculture-like sample zoning text available to local governments in Michigan

  Published on May 4, 2015
  Local government should encourage urban agriculture. But there needs to be proper safeguards and a consensus to balance agriculture activities without undesired impacts in the neighborhood.

• Getting a resolution of support passed in your community

  Published on December 31, 2013
  Many individuals, groups and organizations would like to obtain a resolution of support from their municipality supporting their project, program or effort. However, the process to achieve this goal can often seem like a daunting and overwhelming task.

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  New transportation act allows greater flexibility in street design

  Published on December 9, 2015
  The new FAST Act allows local engineers and planners to design lanes and configurations with greater flexibility to focus on pedestrians and bicyclists.

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  Who should decide if a zoning permit is issued?

  Published on February 24, 2015
  Michigan law provides three options for who decides to issue zoning permits. There is a way to determine which option is best for a local government to use.

• New Commissioner Schools - 2018

  Published on November 15, 2018
  Celebrating 50 years of New County Commissioner education with a new format. Register now.

• Extraordinary governance: The board as a body-Part One

  Published on December 22, 2014
  Boards that functions as one, with a shared plan for revitalization, improving their skills, and working through differences, are the most successful.

• Should local governments regulate outdoor wood boilers? – Part 2

  Published on February 28, 2013
  Although popular and cost-effective, many outdoor wood boilers produce a lot of smoke, creating potential health risks and nuisance complaints. Local governments can reduce that risk though zoning standards.

• Michigan consent agreements: What you need to know

  Published on August 3, 2012
  With many local communities and school districts currently facing financial issues, understanding consent agreements is important to determining a local government’s potential future choices.

• How to vote in the August 2 election

  Published on July 14, 2016
  The primary in August sets the stage for the November elections. Knowing the important dates, rules and your rights as a Michigan voter will ensure your vote counts.

• Parliamentary procedure: What is a parliamentary authority?

  Published on April 16, 2013
  Using Robert’s Rules of Order to help build an official parliamentary authority allows groups to run effective meetings and members to feel like a valuable part of the process.

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  No state oversight of planning, zoning; no central depository of plans and zoning ordinances

  Published on July 21, 2014
  There is no state oversight of planning and zoning. There is no statewide library of all master plans and zoning ordinances. Thus, trying to find out who has zoning, and what it covers, and what type of regulations exist is very difficult.

• Homeowners to receive up to $125,000 for foreclosure abuses

  Published on October 3, 2012
  The deadline to request an Independent Foreclosure Review has been extended to January 18, 2013.

• County commissioners and a special type of conflict of interest called incompatible offices: Part 2

  Published on December 2, 2015
  The Guide to Michigan County Government is a great source of detailed information about the structure, function, and services provided by counties in Michigan.

• Property taxes 101

  Published on September 4, 2014
  The role of government is to provide for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. To fulfill this role, governments at all levels need resources to provide goods and services.