2009 Washtenaw County Michigan Citizen Planner Classroom Series - Session 7

Dates:
Sessions will be held weekly on Thursdays from 6:30pm - 9pm between September 24 and November 12, 2009. 

Program Location:
The Washtenaw County Citizen Planner sessions will be held at the Washtenaw County MSUE, Western County Service Center at 705 N. Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor, MI 4817-8645.

Registration will be available soon at www.citizenplanner.msu.edu/cart2.php.

Introduction:
The simple truth is that communities need to change the way they do community planning. Local official have a responsibility to help their communities manage the impacts of economic change and to be part of the solutions to challenges and issues their communities face. Local communities that proactively plan to succeed in the New Economy can improve their quality of life and lead Michigan's recovery and transformation. Michigan Citizen Planner empowers local officials to shape the future of their communities by providing them with the tools and education they need to lead.

Michigan Citizen Planner offers Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning, a seven-session, non-credit course leading to a certificate of completion awarded by Michigan State University Extension. Michigan Citizen Planner is a continuing education unit (CEU) course in compliance with the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (ACET) guidelines. Michigan Citizen Planner provides time-tested educational programs on important issues that are proven to be comprehensive without being overwhelming.

Instructors:
Instructors for the training program include MSU Extension educators, planners, attorneys, and MSU faculty.

Curriculum:
Michigan Citizen Planner is a continuing education (CEU) course in compliance with the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) guidelines.

Sessions will be held weekly on Thursdays from 6:30pm - 9pm between September 24 through November 12, 2009. Enrollment in the entire core series is strongly encouraged however, individual sessions are also available.

Core Curriculum:

1. Thursday, September 24 - Introduction to Planning and Zoning: Smart Growth, Ethics and Planning Resources

2. Thursday, October 1 - Legal Foundations of Planning and Zoning: Cases, Statutes and other Planning Authority

3. Thursday, October 8 - Roles and Responsibilities Part I: Master Plan and Planning Process

4. Thursday, October 15 - Roles and Responsibilities Part II: Zoning, Site Plans and Zoning Board of Appeals Process

5. Thursday, October 22 - Plan Implementation and Development Controls: Subdividing Land, Zoning Controls and Non-Regulatory Techniques

6. Thursday, October 29 - Best Practices for Innovative Planning and Zoning: Causes of Sprawl, Traditional Design and Conservation Design

7. Thursday, November 5 - The Art of Community Planning: Participation, Effective Meetings and Managing Conflict

Special Topic: Thursday, November 12 - Strategic Growth and Placemaking for Prosperity in the New Economy: Economic and Planning Tools for Communities to Position Themselves for Success in the New Economy

* Sessions 1-7 are required to earn a Michigan Citizen Planner MSU Extension certificate.

Program Fee:
The course fee is $350 per participant for the entire program, which includes the seven core sessions. Individual sessions are available at $75 per session. The fee covers registration, course materials and refreshment breaks.

Group discounts for four or more registrants are available. The entire core series is discounted to $290 per participant for 4-9 registrants and $250 per participant for 10 or more registrants.

Scholarships may be available from your communities liability insurance provider. For Michigan Township Participating Plan members, contact Barbara Callahan at 800.783.1370 for more information.

MCP Certification:
Participants may also choose to continue on to earn the Master Citizen Planner (MCP) credential by completing the Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning, an examination and a capstone project. MCPs receive course discounts, exclusive training opportunities and other incentives.

County Contact:
Nancy Thelen, County Extension Director
Washtenaw County MSUE
705 N. Zeeb Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103-8645
734.222.3825 OR 734.997.1678
thelenn@msu.edu