A premiere training program for local officials working in the areas of planning, zoning, community and economic development will be held in Marquette Township this fall. Early registration is required.
Michigan State University Extension is offering its premiere Citizen Planner Program October 3 – November 7, 2022. The program runs weekly, six evenings from 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Eastern). Classes take place at the Marquette Township Hall.
Of participants in 2021 Citizen Planner programs, 100% reported increased knowledge of their board’s responsibilities and limitations making land use decisions as a government body, compared to before the program. “As a result of the training that I received during the Citizen Planner Program, I feel that I have a better understanding of my responsibilities when making decisions to approve, require conditions, or deny site plan applications” said one student about the course.
Online registration is available at https://events.anr.msu.edu/CPMarquette22. Payment can be made by credit card, check, or invoiced for payment. The registration deadline is September 16, 2022.
The course has recently been completely updated and is being offered at a discounted price of $250 per participant, which covers registration, course materials and refreshments. Participants that complete all six sessions will receive a certificate of completion and may continue on to become a Master Citizen Planner.
Scholarships for attending Citizen Planner may be available from a government’s liability insurance provider, such as the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, Michigan Township Participating Plan, and others. The scholarships are offered because this training is viewed as an important strategy to avoid liability risk and associated costs to local taxpayers. The training includes proper procedure for planning and zoning, and knowledge to avoid compromising people’s due process and private property rights, as well as much more.
Instructors for the training program include MSU Extension educators who specialize in land use planning, law and zoning. The course is taught be multiple experienced instructors so participants receive different perspectives. The six-class series includes:
- Understanding the Planning and Zoning Context: Learn the legal sources and limitations of planning and zoning authority, and explore your understanding of ethical decision-making.
- Planning for the Future of Your Community: Recognize the function and importance of a master plan, know the process for developing one and its relationship to zoning.
- Implementing the Plan with Zoning: Discover the importance of zoning, learn how zoning is administered and gain confidence in your zoning reviews, including site plans.
- Making Zoning Decisions: Learn how to adopt and amend a zoning ordinance, understand the role of the zoning board of appeals and obtain skills in basic property development methods.
- Using Innovative Planning and Zoning: Strategize with placemaking and design-based solutions for local and regional success in the Digital Economy.
- Successfully Fulfilling Your Role: Strengthen your ethical decision-making skills, apply standards to your decision-making and know when to ask for help.
For individuals who can’t fit a six-week course into their schedule or who prefer online learning, Citizen Planner Online is a completely online, self-paced version of the Citizen Planner Program. It takes approximately 15 hours to complete and can be accessed 24/7, so individuals can do as much or as little at one time as fits their schedule. Learn more about Citizen Planner Online and the Citizen Planner Program at http://citizenplanner.msu.edu.
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