MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program

Empowering Local Leadership and Governance: Impacts of MSU Extension's Zoning Administrator Certificate Program

Zoning administrators are among the most important local officials. They are the front line for new development and redevelopment in a community. How well they do, or do not do, their job has a great impact on the future of their community.  If a zoning administrator makes a mistake it can result in:

• The community getting sued;
• A building being erected or a land use being established contrary to the zoning ordinance; and/or
• Creating a bad impression of the community, depending on how applicants or complainants are treated.

Most zoning administrators have had no formal training. They learned on the job and may not have uniform skills, but courts expect them to know the rudiments of law as it relates to zoning administration.

Impacts of ZAC

In 2024, MSU Extension conducted a long-term evaluation comparing past ZAC participants with a control sample of nonparticipants. Findings confirm ZAC’s enduring impact: participants rated themselves significantly higher in 10 of 12 core areas of zoning administration, with the greatest gains in legal responsibilities and permit review. Past program participants rated their knowledge the highest in a fundamental area of zoning administration — the legal role and responsibilities of zoning administrators — and attributed that knowledge gain to the program. Nearly 70% reported increased job satisfaction, two-thirds noted career advancement opportunities, and 73% assumed greater leadership roles.

Community-level benefits are equally compelling. Three-quarters of respondents reported changes to plans, policies, or ordinances, and 71% improved application and review processes. Half reported reduced legal risk through proactive measures such as ordinance updates and improved documentation. Additional improvements included stronger inter-agency collaboration, enhanced public engagement, and improved environmental protection.

Read more about the history and impact of ZAC in the full report, Empowering Local Leadership and Governance: Impacts of MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program.

With proven outcomes and sustained interest, MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program provides enduring value for local leadership to positively shape the future of Michigan communities.

Past Participant Recommendations

"Take It, Take It, Take It! The information you get will help not only you, but your community as well. You will be glad you did." That was the response from one participant. Looking for more recommendations and/or the opinions of past program participants? Check out the responses below:

• "This program will protect your community, will protect you, and will greatly improve customer service to ALL customers."
• "This is the best class I’ve taken in years. It has given me more confidence to do my job correctly and pointed out areas to work on."
• "I was presented with many practical ideas that I should be able to implement immediately."
• "Excellent instruction, the program notebook and sample documentation will serve as a great resource for now and the future."
• "Knowledgeable instructors, excellent material!"
• "This should be a state mandated program."
• "It is offered by very knowledgeable and experienced instructors, you will learn from fellow participants about what experiences they go through in their municipalities, and it’s a great opportunity to network.”
• "You can learn about the pitfalls to avoid legal issues."
• "You have to go. The information is terrific!"
• "I was able to use one of the example staff reports for both ZBA and Planning Commissions, which made the meeting process smoother."