"Land use issues are among the most important and volatile concerns facing not only our state, but the entire nation," according to Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon.

Think about what impacts quality of life-where you live, how far you drive to work, the job opportunities available to you, the safety of your children, the availability of quality food, your recreational and tourism opportunities, how much you pay in property taxes, and how desirable your state is as a place to locate. These and many other aspects of daily life are affected by land use decisions.

Recognizing the importance of these, the Land
Policy Institute (LPI) focuses on developing science, knowledge, and clear interpretations related to land use issues. We focus on policy solutions to land use problems with emphasis on economic, environment, and ethical issues. We help to deliver a better quality of life in Michigan through science-based solutions, helps strengthen the state's economy, and helps better protect our environment in ways that are fair for all.

Our innovative approach and infrastructure is centered on research, outreach, relationship building, and direct community engagement. And we encourage collaboration and team-building to address priority land use issues by collectively engaging researchers from MSU and other institutions of high learning, MSU Extension Educators, policy makers, and stakeholder organizations.

Consider us the go-to place for information on a wide array of issues on land use and land policy topics, from Strategic Growth and Green Plans to metropolitan growth strategies and how where schools are sited affect surrounding communities.

LPI has 10 primary focus areas, including:

• Urban Revitalization
• Market Solutions for Land Use Problems
• Viable Agriculture for the Future
• Sustaining Michigan's Water and Natural Resources
• Enhanced Planning
• Creating Healthy Communities
• Equipping State Decision Makers
• Empowering Michigan Citizens
• Land Use Informatics
• National Leadership

Peruse our site to find out more about the breadth and depth of our research, programs, and projects. See the Hot Topics section of our home page for information about priority land use issues.

To arrange media interviews with LPI staff members, contact Catharine Hansford, LPI Outreach Coordinator, at 517.432.8800 Ext. 111.

View our news release archives here.

View our latest edition of "This Week at the Land Policy Institute" e-newsletter.

Visit the downloadable LPI Online Media Kit.

Useful LPI Page Links:

• Calendar of Events
• Publications
• LPI Annual Report
• State of Michigan Cities Report
• Rebuild Michigan
• Links