Introduction to Smart Growth

Our experts: Matt McCauley, Associate Director, Regional Planning and Community Development, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments and Kurt Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, MSU Extension.
 

 


 



 

Access Management Planning

Our expert: Larry Sullivan, Charlevoix County Planning Director
 

 


 



 

Affordable Housing

Our experts: Sarah Lucas, Regional Planner and Community Housing Choices Coordinator, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments and Matt McCauley, Associate Director, Regional Planning and Community Development, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
 

 


 



 

Agriculture and Zoning

Our experts: Dean Solomon, Charlevoix County MSU Extension Director; Don Coe, Commissioner with the Michigan Department of Agriculture; Nels Veliquette, Land Use Manager with Cherries R Us. 

They talk about how agriculture is changing and how that affects townships and planning commissions. They also discuss the Right to Farm Act and the Right to Process Act and how they relate to zoning.

 

 

 


 

Creating Active Communities

Our expert: Danna Widmar, Executive Director, Harbor Area Regional Board of Resources, Inc.
 

 


 



 

Density

Our expert: Danna Widmar, Executive Director, Harbor Area Regional Board of Resources, Inc.
 

 


 



 

Farmland Protection

Our expert: Dean Solomon, Charlevoix County Extension Director, Michigan State University Extension
 

 


 



 

Growth Boundaries

Our expert: Danna Widmar, Executive Director, Harbor Area Regional Board of Resources, Inc.
 

 


 



 

How to Conduct an Effective Public Hearing

Our experts: Charlevoix County MSU Extension Director, Dean Solomon and MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator, Kurt Schindler. 

They talk about the purpose for public hearings, the steps to follow when holding a public hearing and how to determine if one is required by law.

 

 

 


 

Joint Planning

Our expert: Kurt Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Michigan State University Extension
 

 


 



 

Why Master Plans Sit on the Shelves

Our expert: Kurt Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Michigan State University Extension