The Citizen Planner program offers land use education and training to locally appointed and elected planning officials. This program has fostered a greater awareness of land use decision makers’ roles and responsibilities, which has resulted in more livable communities, the protection and conservation of natural resources, and better overall land use decisions throughout Michigan.
The growing complexity of local development decisions, coupled with risk management concerns and recent court decisions has fueled an interest in land use training. A Michigan State University survey of Michigan planning officials revealed that nearly 80 percent of respondents believe continuing education should be a requirement for anyone who wants to remain a planning official. Through engagement, Michigan Citizen Planner is changing how decisions are made. The program’s participant survey results show that Citizen Planner graduates are improving their knowledge, enabling communities to follow established development plans. Volunteer land use decision makers are resolving situations with more confidence and less controversy, and members are serving longer terms on boards and commissions. Michigan Citizen Planner is also helping local officials forge relationships with their peers in other communities, building a foundation for increased coordination in future land use decisions. To learn more about the program visit www.citizenplanner.msu.edu.
To register for online Citizen Planner classes visit the Citizen Planner website at:
Statistical data and demographic information on OttawaCounty in a colorful brochure format is available in .pdf file format. The information presented is based on the 2000 U.S. Census. Click here to download the brochure.
Check back soon for information from the 2010 U. S. Census.
Land Use
For the best local information check with your local MSU Extension office, listed by county in the directory.
To call, toll-free, any MSU Extension office in Michigan: 1-888-678-3464, then use your phone key pad to enter the first four letters of the county office you desire.
For a list of education programs and services click here.
If you do not see education programming desired here, contact your Land Use Educator, above. It is possible a program can be set up for your community.
Anyone can put anything on the Internet. It may or may not be true, it might not be credible.
Want to know how to research material on the web with a critical eye?
Tourism Educational Materials
A comprehensive inventory of Extension resource materials related to tourism education. Currently the database contains over 250 Extension resource materials including bulletins, research reports, videos, and training programs. Nearly 100 documents are on-line in full text.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
