Economic Development

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Announcing the Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentorship Program

Published on August 21, 2026
Learn from experienced farm mentors through this new opportunity.
The Market Failure of Childcare: Accounting for Positive Externalities

Published on August 16, 2026
Childcare creates positive externalities private markets ignore. Michigan shortages cost $2.88B annually. Policies like Tri-Share internalize these benefits, stabilizing urban and rural workforces to spur economic growth.
As renewable energy projects expand, MSU Extension offers research-based training for local leaders

Published on August 5, 2026
Choose from seven workshop locations this fall to learn about renewable energy siting, regulation and development.
Zoning decisions travel with the land and are not temporary

Published on August 4, 2026
Why permits, variances, and other zoning administrative decisions typically remain in effect and transfer to future property owners.
Your planning commission prepares an annual report, but what about a work program?

Published on August 4, 2026
Since 2008, an annual report has been required of all planning commissions in Michigan, but it is the work program that sets the agenda for next year’s planning commission initiatives in tandem with the annual budget request.