Civic engagement
Through its public policy education and leadership trainings, MSU Extension informs residents about public policy issues and processes, develop leadership capacity in communities and strengthen community capacity to solve complex problems. Learn more about Civic Engagement.
Governing Essentials: Open Meetings Act (September 2026)
September 15, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
The Michigan Open Meetings Act furthers government transparency by requiring public boards to provide notice and make decisions in an open public meeting. Participants will learn the requirements of the Act as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Governing Essentials: Parliamentary Procedure (September 2026)
September 22, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session will focus on parliamentary principles, motions, and debate and decorum during meetings. Participants will explore scenarios and practice skills.
Governing Essentials: Extraordinary Governance (September 2026)
September 29, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session will help your board improve its governance to positively impact your community. Better board governance leads to more effective organizations that improve our communities.
Governing Essentials: Ethical Public Service (October 2026)
October 6, 2026 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session explores the principles of ethical public service, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance.
Communicating Through Conflict: November Workshop
November 4, 2026 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
Communicating Through Conflict workshops provide participants with tools and techniques to handle heated situations and interpersonal conflict more effectively.
Economic development
MSU Extension educators help counties work together in developing strong economic blueprints that strengthen relationships, build trust and capacity and strengthen “social capital.” Learn more about Economic Development.
Tools for Effective Facilitation Workshop (Formerly Facilitative Leadership)
August 18, 2026 – August 20, 2026
Farm Bureau, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917
The three-day Tools for Effective Facilitation workshop helps build the capacity of groups or organizations to use the collective talents of its members to coordinate actions, strengthen relationships, and enable the group to meet its goals.
October 27, 2026 – October 30, 2026
Farm Bureau, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917
Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership) is a practical workshop focused on developing comfort with high-heat situations in group settings.
Facilitation
A facilitator is someone who helps a group of people understand common objectives and assists in planning and achieving objectives without taking a position in the discussion. Facilitators can help those groups come to a consensus on their best ideas. Learn more about Facilitation.
Tools for Effective Facilitation Workshop (Formerly Facilitative Leadership)
August 18, 2026 – August 20, 2026
Farm Bureau, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917
The three-day Tools for Effective Facilitation workshop helps build the capacity of groups or organizations to use the collective talents of its members to coordinate actions, strengthen relationships, and enable the group to meet its goals.
October 27, 2026 – October 30, 2026
Farm Bureau, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917
Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership) is a practical workshop focused on developing comfort with high-heat situations in group settings.
Fiscal management
MSU Extension works to provide training to local elected leaders in Michigan’s 1,858 townships, villages, cities and counties; 608 school districts, 456 special purpose authorities, 14 multi-county regions, and 12 federally recognized tribal nations. Learn more about Fiscal Management.
Fiscally Ready Communities: Getting Grant Ready
August 20, 2026, 10 a.m. - Noon
Join us for an engaging webinar designed to help local government officials navigate the full lifecycle of grants—from identifying the right opportunities to ensuring compliance and successful reporting.
Governing Essentials: Open Meetings Act (September 2026)
September 15, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
The Michigan Open Meetings Act furthers government transparency by requiring public boards to provide notice and make decisions in an open public meeting. Participants will learn the requirements of the Act as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Governing Essentials: Parliamentary Procedure (September 2026)
September 22, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session will focus on parliamentary principles, motions, debate and decorum during meetings. Participants will explore scenarios and practice skills.
Governing Essentials: Extraordinary Governance (September 2026)
September 29, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session will help your board improve its governance to positively impact your community. Better board governance leads to more effective organizations that improve our communities.
Governing Essentials: Ethical Public Service (October 2026)
October 6, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session explores the principles of ethical public service, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance.
County Commissioner Midterm Essentials - East Lansing
October 7, 2026, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
MSU Federal Credit Union - 3777 West Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
A one‑day learning experience for county officials focused on fiscal outlooks, collaboration practices, and effective governance, providing practical insights, networking opportunities, and space to learn from peers to strengthen county leadership.
Government and sound governance
Through education of newly elected and incumbent officials, MSU Extension helps ground Michigan’s 1,858 municipalities and 12 federally recognized tribal nations with trusted information that helps in sound governance. Click here to learn more about Government. Click here to learn more about Good Governance programs.
Click here for upcoming Government events.
Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) in Action: Proven results and how to get involved in 2027
July 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or from 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Select one time spot when registering)
Via Zoom
Presented by MSU Extension Educator Tyler Augst who can be reached at augsttyl@msu.edu or 269-657-8213.
Cost: Free
MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program has spent more than 20 years helping Michigan zoning officials reduce legal liability through high‑quality education and training. This webinar will introduce the ZAC Program, explain what it includes, and highlight findings from recent research on its impact in Michigan communities.
Participants will also learn about two upcoming ZAC offerings planned for early 2027, including details on how to register and prepare. All registrants will receive a link to the webinar recording and a copy of the full report, Empowering Local Leadership and Governance: Impacts of MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program.
With a strong track record of proven outcomes and continued demand, MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program delivers lasting value and helps shape a stronger future for Michigan communities.
Fiscally Ready Communities: Getting Grant Ready
August 20, 2026, 10 a.m. - Noon
Join us for an engaging webinar designed to help local government officials navigate the full lifecycle of grants—from identifying the right opportunities to ensuring compliance and successful reporting.
Governing Essentials: Open Meetings Act (September 2026)
September 15, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
The Michigan Open Meetings Act furthers government transparency by requiring public boards to provide notice and make decisions in an open public meeting. Participants will learn the requirements of the Act as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Governing Essentials: Parliamentary Procedure (September 2026)
September 22, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session will focus on parliamentary principles, motions, debate and decorum during meetings. Participants will explore scenarios and practice skills.
Governing Essentials: Extraordinary Governance (September 2026)
September 29, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session will help your board improve its governance to positively impact your community. Better board governance leads to more effective organizations that improve our communities.
Governing Essentials: Ethical Public Service (October 2026)
October 6, 2026, Noon – 1 p.m.
This session explores the principles of ethical public service, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance.
County Commissioner Midterm Essentials - East Lansing
October 7, 2026, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
MSU Federal Credit Union - 3777 West Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
A one‑day learning experience for county officials focused on fiscal outlooks, collaboration practices, and effective governance, providing practical insights, networking opportunities, and space to learn from peers to strengthen county leadership.
Livable communities
MSU Extension fosters livable communities through programming that reflects a sense of place, which is the visual, emotional, memorable and satisfaction of any community. Extension aligns communities with 21st-century global awareness and standards. Learn more about Livable Communities.
Short-Term Rental (STR) Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 6:30-8 p.m.
Zoom
Registration deadline: October 5, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Michigan communities are facing challenges in meeting their housing needs and goals as shown by Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan. For many communities, solving the housing puzzle includes policies to address short-term rentals (STRs). Yet, STRs can fill a local or regional gap in visitor housing and offer an alternative type of lodging that is in demand to leisure and business travelers alike. As the state continues to see increases in the number of dwellings being used for STRs, some Michigan communities to review their plans and policies around STRs to ensure they reflect the community’s vision and needs.
This 90-minute program will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs as well as where local communities can find data to examine their own local situation. This will be followed by an overview of policy approaches, regulatory tools, enforcement, and key STR court cases. The program will highlight several Michigan examples of community regulatory approaches to STRs and offer time for questions.
This program is being offered via Zoom. The list of offerings is below. All registrants will receive a recording of the program. MCPs can report 1.5 MCP credits for attending.
Cost: $25 ($20 for Master Citizen Planners)
Planning, land use and policies (includes Citizen Planner, Zoning Board of Appeals courses and events)
MSU Extension offers training courses on planning and zoning tools, policy options, land use and environmental issues. All services are available to Michigan’s 1,858 municipalities, 14 multi-county regions, 12 federally recognized tribal nations. Learn more about Planning. Learn more about Land Use & Placemaking.
- Click her for upcoming Citizen Planner events and programs.
- Click here for Zoning events and programs.
Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) in Action: Proven results and how to get involved in 2027
July 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or from 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Select one time spot when registering)
Via Zoom
Presented by MSU Extension Educator Tyler Augst who can be reached at augsttyl@msu.edu or 269-657-8213.
Cost: Free
MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program has spent more than 20 years helping Michigan zoning officials reduce legal liability through high‑quality education and training. This webinar will introduce the ZAC Program, explain what it includes, and highlight findings from recent research on its impact in Michigan communities.
Participants will also learn about two upcoming ZAC offerings planned for early 2027, including details on how to register and prepare. All registrants will receive a link to the webinar recording and a copy of the full report, Empowering Local Leadership and Governance: Impacts of MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program.
With a strong track record of proven outcomes and continued demand, MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program delivers lasting value and helps shape a stronger future for Michigan communities.
2026 September MCP Webinar: Planning and Zoning to Attract and Retain Residents
September 17, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM Zoom
This webinar series is designed to offer continuing education for Master Citizen Planners in a convenient online opportunity and is open to all planning and zoning officials.
2026 October MCP Webinar: Demystifying Municipal Civil Infractions: A tool for local compliance
October 15, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM Zoom
This webinar series is designed to offer continuing education for Master Citizen Planners in a convenient online opportunity and is open to all planning and zoning officials.
2026 November MCP Webinar: 5th Annual 'Master Citizen Planner' Showcase
November 19, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM Zoom
This webinar series is designed to offer continuing education for Master Citizen Planners in a convenient online opportunity and is open to all planning and zoning officials.
2027 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program (Registration opening Summer 2026)
Option 1 - February 11, 2027 - February 12, 2027 in Bay City, MI
Option 2 - March 4, 2027 - March 5, 2027 in Crystal Mountain, MI
Stay tuned for details.
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. Learn more about Public Policy.
Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) in Action: Proven results and how to get involved in 2027
July 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or from 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Select one time spot when registering)
Via Zoom
Presented by MSU Extension Educator Tyler Augst who can be reached at augsttyl@msu.edu or 269-657-8213.
Cost: Free
MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program has spent more than 20 years helping Michigan zoning officials reduce legal liability through high‑quality education and training. This webinar will introduce the ZAC Program, explain what it includes, and highlight findings from recent research on its impact in Michigan communities.
Participants will also learn about two upcoming ZAC offerings planned for early 2027, including details on how to register and prepare. All registrants will receive a link to the webinar recording and a copy of the full report, Empowering Local Leadership and Governance: Impacts of MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program.
With a strong track record of proven outcomes and continued demand, MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program delivers lasting value and helps shape a stronger future for Michigan communities.
Fiscally Ready Communities: Getting Grant Ready
August 20, 2026 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Join us for an engaging webinar designed to help local government officials navigate the full lifecycle of grants—from identifying the right opportunities to ensuring compliance and successful reporting.
Governing Essentials: Open Meetings Act (September 2026)
September 15, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
The Michigan Open Meetings Act furthers government transparency by requiring public boards to provide notice and make decisions in an open public meeting. Participants will learn the requirements of the Act as well as answer frequently asked questions.
Short-Term Rental (STR) Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 6:30-8 p.m.
Zoom
Registration deadline: October 5, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Michigan communities are facing challenges in meeting their housing needs and goals as shown by Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan. For many communities, solving the housing puzzle includes policies to address short-term rentals (STRs). Yet, STRs can fill a local or regional gap in visitor housing and offer an alternative type of lodging that is in demand to leisure and business travelers alike. As the state continues to see increases in the number of dwellings being used for STRs, some Michigan communities to review their plans and policies around STRs to ensure they reflect the community’s vision and needs.
This 90-minute program will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs as well as where local communities can find data to examine their own local situation. This will be followed by an overview of policy approaches, regulatory tools, enforcement, and key STR court cases. The program will highlight several Michigan examples of community regulatory approaches to STRs and offer time for questions.
This program is being offered via Zoom. The list of offerings is below. All registrants will receive a recording of the program. MCPs can report 1.5 MCP credits for attending.
Cost: $25 ($20 for Master Citizen Planners)
2027 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program (Registration opening Summer 2026)
Option 1 - February 11, 2027 - February 12, 2027 in Bay City, MI
Option 2 - March 4, 2027 - March 5, 2027 in Crystal Mountain, MI
Stay tuned for details.
Tourism
From hunting and fishing to winery and lighthouse tours, and with more freshwater coastline than any other state, MSU Extension’s focus on year-round tourism brings together educators and researchers with municipalities, communities and businesses. Learn more about Tourism. Learn more about Tourism Development.
2026 Houghton Mi Fresh Fish Fry
July 10, 2026, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
58 Huron Street, Houghton
Learn about and eat MI Fresh Fish! The MI Fresh Fish Fry is free and open to the public with food, cooking lessons, fishing activities, and more.
2026 Escanaba Mi Fresh Fish Fry
July 24, 2026, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
17 Water Plant Road, Escanaba
Learn about and eat MI Fresh Fish! The MI Fresh Fish Fry is free and open to the public with food, cooking lessons, fishing activities, and more.
Short-Term Rental (STR) Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 6:30-8 p.m.
Zoom
Registration deadline: October 5, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Michigan communities are facing challenges in meeting their housing needs and goals as shown by Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan. For many communities, solving the housing puzzle includes policies to address short-term rentals (STRs). Yet, STRs can fill a local or regional gap in visitor housing and offer an alternative type of lodging that is in demand to leisure and business travelers alike. As the state continues to see increases in the number of dwellings being used for STRs, some Michigan communities to review their plans and policies around STRs to ensure they reflect the community’s vision and needs.
This 90-minute program will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs as well as where local communities can find data to examine their own local situation. This will be followed by an overview of policy approaches, regulatory tools, enforcement, and key STR court cases. The program will highlight several Michigan examples of community regulatory approaches to STRs and offer time for questions.
This program is being offered via Zoom. The list of offerings is below. All registrants will receive a recording of the program. MCPs can report 1.5 MCP credits for attending.
Cost: $25 ($20 for Master Citizen Planners)