Michigan Planner E-dition

Michigan Association of Planning

A New E-dition Series for the New Year!

Greetings!

On the heels of the 2012 Zoning Series, the Michigan Planner E-dition is kicking off 2013 with a new series focusing on civic engagement, innovation, and local government. Every E-dition issue over the course of the year will bring readers a new topic to help you navigate the in's and out's, how to's and whatnot's of the latest and greatest (and not so late or great) civic engagement methods. Keep reading for the first issue of the 2013 Series, Introduction to Civic Innovation and Disruptive Technology.

In addition to this exciting new series, standard features like Officially Yours (for the planning commissioner) and the ZBA ZONE (for the ZBA member) will continue, offering insights and details on techniques and best practices to help you fulfill your role as a community official.

Gearing up for the new year, and new educational opportunities, MAP's calendar is packed full of awesome events tailored to meet your education and training needs... and the annual conference in downtown Kalamazoo culminates MAP's 2013 education calendar in October. Check out national speakers and state experts at Transportation Bonanza 4 in March, or Spring Institute 2013: A Social Equity Summit in May, or join us for MAP's introductory workshop for new planning and zoning officials in February, Planning and Zoning Essentials. For more information about all of these and much more, stay connected throughout the year to MAP's Event's and Education webpage.

With a new year ahead, resolve to make continuing your land use education with MAP a priority. Stay connected online (www.planningmi.org), in person (www.planningmi.org/events.asp), and on-site (where we bring the training to you, www.planningmi.org/onsite.asp).

Happy New Year!

2013 Civic Innovation Series

Introduction to Civic Innovation and Disruptive Technology

By: Nina Misuraca Ignaczak, AICP

Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services

This article is the introduction to a new E-dition series for 2013. This first of six installments will be published exclusively in the E-dition and will provide insight into innovative tools and modern civic engagement methods.

To reach all MAP members with this valuable resource, an abbreviated version of this article will also appear in the January/February issue of the Michigan Planner magazine . Stay connected to future issues of the E-dition to follow this six part series.

Technology keeps moving forward. The once new and scary concept of social media is now de rigueur in local governments and community organizations, and by now, most local governments have a fairly sophisticated web presence. The way is paved for the next frontier at the intersection of community development and technology: civic innovation and disruptive technology.

Officially Yours

The Officially Yours feature provides local appointed and elected officials with both basic and advanced topics addressing issues unique to the role of a local government representative.

An Effective Commissioner

The commissioner is a public figure. The planning commission makes decisions on behalf of the community and in the best interest of the community as a whole. This is not an easy role, as many of a commissioner's responsibilities evoke strong emotions. Actions, words, decisions, and even facial expressions will impact a commissioner's effectiveness and credibility.

READ MORE...

Breakfast, Books, and Beverages! | Planning in Metro Detroit Event Series

Don't miss your opportunity for a delicious breakfast and conversation at the Ham Shop Cafe on Wednesday, January 16th, 2013, from 7:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. Connect and engage as we hear from Jeanette Pierce, Director of Community Relations, D:hive Detroit, talk about the services that D:hive provides to residents (current and future) to live, work, and engage in the city and the programs that they're involved in (hosting Project for Public Spaces community events and Project Build: helping residents connect to entrepreneurial opportunities).

Breakfast is on your own, so no reservations necessary, but we do need to know how many people to expect. Simply shoot us an email to let us know if you're planning on coming by Tuesday, January 15th, @ lcarlson@planningmi.org.

Ham Shop Logo The Ham Shop Cafe is located at 330 Monroe St. in Greektown. Parking is available at a $5. flat rate at two surface lots on Monroe, between Randolph and Beaubien, or for free in the Greektown Casino Parking Garage at Monroe and St. Antoine (three blocks away).

This event series will provide several ways for members and other land use professionals and officials to engage, learn, and interact with planners and professionals from other disciplines in and around metro Detroit, on the third Wednesday of the month.

Stay connected to MAP's homepage for updates on upcoming events...

Beverages! February 20, 2013 location TBD

Books! March 20, 2012 @ Socra Tea (71 Garfield) to discuss Driving Detroit: The Quest for Respect in the Motor City with special guest, author George C. Galster

Call for Mentors and Sponsors

The Future of Planning | 2013 Student Michigan Association of Planning Conference (SMAP)

Mentoring roundtable leaders still needed!

Sponsorship categories start at $50.

Since 2006, MAP and the student conference committee have delivered successful annual conferences to nearly 600 students of Michigan's universities. This success depends on sponsorship and mentor participation from professionals like you!

Sponsorships offset the cost for meals and breaks, general supplies, and staffing. More importantly, it allows us to keep registration fees to a minimum, attracting a greater number of participants. Your sponsorship investment will enable the conference planning committee to develop a high caliber learning experience for students, who in turn will enter the workforce better prepared and ready for whatever the future of planning in Michigan may be.

To learn how you can contribute to the 2013 SMAP conference, The Future of Planning, link to the 2013 SMAP sponsorship form or contact Amy at ajordan@planningmi.org, (734)913-2000.

2013 MAP Planning and Zoning Essentials

Delta Township Hall (Lansing Area) February 26, 2013

What can the MAP's Planning and Zoning Essentials workshop do for you?

* Clarify the expectations and limitations of your position.

* Help you recognize when there's a conflict of interest.

* Equip you with the best planning and zoning practices to sharpen your decision-making skills.

* Boost your confidence during meetings.

MAP's popular workshop, Planning and Zoning Essentials, is designed for anyone who deals with planning and zoning issues in your community. This information-packed program is ideal for introducing new planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members to their roles and responsibilities, and also for more experienced officials looking to refresh their skills and build upon existing knowledge.

What's Covered? Roles and responsibilities, site plan review, comprehensive planning, zoning ordinances, variances, how to determine practical difficulty, and standards for decision-making.

Register today to reserve your spot at Delta Township Hall for this one day training!

Planning and Zoning Center (PZC)

Spring 2013 Zoning Administrator's Certificate Training Opportunities

Zoning Administrators are among the most important local officials. They are the front line for new development in a community. How well they do their job has a great effect on the future of their community. However, unlike building inspectors who must pass state exams and take continuing education classes in order to practice, there is no law requiring training for Zoning Administrators. In response, PZC has provided "Zoning Administrator Certificate Program" for the last four years.

This spring, the certificate-based training program is again being offered in two locations. The training is recommended for all new and current Zoning Administrators, along with private consultants and county planners who consult with local Zoning Administrators.

Three-Days-in-a-Row Training: St. Ignace Mon-Wed: February 18-20

Quality Inn, St. Ignace, MI

Four Days of Training: Oakland County

Tuesdays: February 26, March 5, 12 & 19

Oakland County Executive Office Bldg., Waterford, MI

CLICK HERE For more information about this program and to download the registration brochure.

Scholarship Applications are now being accepted!

2013 Scholarship Deadline: Friday, April 26, 2013

The Memorial Scholarship Program was created to perpetually fund scholarships for graduate and undergraduate urban and regional planning students in Michigan. The program was expanded in 2003 to provide funding to train elected and appointed officials in Michigan, and beginning in April 2011, broadened to incorporate scholarships for planning professionals.

The scholarships are offered once a year, and the application is due the last Friday in April. The scholarship committee reviews all applications received and awards scholarships at the Planning Michigan Annual Conference in the fall.

For more information and for applications link to the Memorial Scholarship homepage HERE.