File photo The popular Citizen Planner Program will be offered in the Copper Country once again. Put on my Michigan State University Extension, the course will be held at Gogebic Community College's Houghton campus.

HOUGHTON — A premiere training program for local officials working in the areas of planning, zoning, community and economic development will be held in Houghton County this spring. Early registration is required.

Michigan State University Extension is offering its award-winning Citizen Planner Program six evenings March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6 – 9 p.m. (EDT). Classes take place at the Gogebic Community College – Copper Country Center at 47420 M-26, Houghton.

Of participants in 2024 Citizen Planner programs statewide, 96% reported increased knowledge of best practices for their board’s or commission’s operations, compared to before the program. “As a result of the training that I received during the Citizen Planner Program, I feel that I have a better understanding of my responsibilities when making decisions to approve, require conditions, or deny site plan applications” said one student about the course.

Online registration is available at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/CPHoughton26. Payment can be made by credit card, check, or invoice for payment. The course price is $250 per participant and includes a comprehensive course book and refreshments. Participants that complete all six sessions will receive a certificate of completion and may continue to become a Master Citizen Planner. The registration deadline is March 13, 2026.

Scholarships for attending Citizen Planner may be available from a government’s liability insurance provider, such as the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, Michigan Township Participating Plan, and others. The scholarships are offered because this training is viewed as an important strategy to avoid liability risk and associated costs to local taxpayers. The training includes proper procedure for planning and zoning, and knowledge to avoid compromising people’s due process and private property rights, as well as much more.

Instructors for the training program include MSU Extension educators who specialize in land use planning and community development, plus professional planners and attorneys when possible. The six-class series includes:

Understanding the Planning and Zoning Context: Learn the legal sources and limitations of planning and zoning authority and explore your understanding of ethical decision-making.

Planning for the Future of Your Community: Recognize the function and importance of a master plan, know the process for developing one and its relationship to zoning.

Implementing the Plan with Zoning: Discover the importance of zoning, learn how zoning is administered and gain confidence in your zoning reviews, including site plans.

Making Zoning Decisions: Learn how to adopt and amend a zoning ordinance, understand the role of the zoning board of appeals and obtain skills in basic property development methods.

Using Innovative Planning and Zoning: Strategize with placemaking and design-based solutions for local and regional success in the Digital Economy.

Successfully Fulfilling Your Role: Strengthen your ethical decision-making skills, apply standards to your decision-making and know when to ask for help.

For individuals who can’t fit a six-week course into their schedule, or who prefer online learning, Citizen Planner Online is a completely online, self-paced version of the Citizen Planner Program. It takes approximately 15 hours to complete and can be accessed 24/7, so individuals can do as much or as little at one time as fits their schedule. Learn more about Citizen Planner Online and the Citizen Planner Program at http://citizenplanner.msu.edu.