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Ottawa County Citizen Planner Program
Thursdays from October 1, 2009 through November 12, 2009
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Ottawa County Fillmore Complex
Main Conference Room
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
Ottawa County MSU Extension, in collaboration with the Ottawa County Planning Commission, will be hosting the Michigan Citizen Planner program this fall. The Citizen Planner program offers land use education and training to locally appointed and elected planning officials. This program has fostered a greater awareness of land use decision makers’ roles and responsibilities, which has resulted in more livable communities, the protection and conservation of natural resources, and better overall land use decisions throughout Michigan.
The growing complexity of local development decisions, coupled with risk management concerns and recent court decisions has fueled an interest in land use training. A Michigan State University survey of Michigan planning officials revealed that nearly 80 percent of respondents believe continuing education should be a requirement for anyone who wants to remain a planning official. Through engagement, Michigan Citizen Planner is changing how decisions are made. The program’s participant survey results show that Citizen Planner graduates are improving their knowledge, enabling communities to follow established development plans. Volunteer land use decision makers are resolving situations with more confidence and less controversy, and members are serving longer terms on boards and commissions. Michigan Citizen Planner is also helping local officials forge relationships with their peers in other communities, building a foundation for increased coordination in future land use decisions. To learn more about the program visit www.citizenplanner.msu.edu.
The Ottawa County Citizen Planner seven week core program will be held on Thursday evenings beginning October 1 running to November 12. Classes will be from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Ottawa County Fillmore Complex Administration Building located at 12220 Fillmore Street in West Olive. The course fee is $350 per participant for the complete core program. Group discounts are available for four or more from one organization or government unit. To request a printed registration brochure call (616) 994-4580. To download a copy of the brochure click on the link below.
To register online visit the Citizen Planner website at:
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