Land use issues require multidisciplinary research and multi-stakeholder input to create practical and sustainable solutions. The mission-oriented, science-based approach of land grant institutions is ideal for addressing land use issues cutting across local and state jurisdictions. Michigan State University's institutional structure with its county-based outreach and educational capacity, in addition to a world-class research faculty, provides the capacity to interact with stakeholders across the state and provide valuable research to address land use problems.

Working with a diverse group of land use stakeholders from around Michigan, MSU faculty developed a land use research and outreach agenda, which was further refined into ten focus areas, each with clearly delineated vision and mission statements, specific research and outreach projects, and timelines. Through internal and grant-funded research and outreach projects contained within the ten focus areas, the Land Policy Institute develops the necessary tools for effective land use decisions.

In the past, science and technology-based solutions have frequently not been implemented. A major reason for this lack of implementation is that the proposed solutions were not compatible with community values in the communities where they would have the greatest impact. Land Policy Institute activities are explicitly designed to promote participatory processes that engage stakeholders and provide appropriate contexts for consideration of technological and scientific information. The Land Policy Institute serves as a ready conduit between decision makers and information resources. Through research and outreach projects in the ten LPI focus areas, the Land Policy Institute seeks to develop tools for supporting effective and sustainable land use decisions.

For each focus area, specific research and outreach projects have been identified and prioritized. The Land Policy Institute seeks to act as a catalyst in bringing together multidisciplinary teams to address these priorities, through the development of research initiatives, grant writing support for faculty in partnering departments or institutions, and through small grants to address immediate issues or to provide a bridge to continue important work while external funds are sought. Click here to learn more. (links to page on LPI faculty team building)

Ten Land Policy Focus Areas:

1. Urban Revitalization 
2. Market Solutions to Land Use Problems 
3. Viable Agriculture for the Future 
4. Sustaining Michigan's Water & Natural Resources
5. Enhanced Planning
6. Creating Healthy Communities 
7. Equipping State Decision Makers 
8. Empowering Michigan's Citizens 
9. Land Use Informatics
10. National Leadership