News & Events
FREE EVENT
Expanding Your Land Use Tool Box: Pop Up Workshop
Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact invites all local planners and decisionmakers to join us for a discussion on how a local township is making Transfer of Development Rights work in their community and how planned unit developments can mimic TDR.
Also get an update on how Ottawa County is navigating the new Act 381 changes that support housing development.
Upcoming Events, Seminars & Training
Archived Seminars & Training
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Citizen Planner Ottawa County Classroom Program (2023)
Citizen Planner Ottawa County Classroom Program
Mondays, Sept. 11 - Oct. 16, 2023 | 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Ottawa County will be hosting MSU Extension's Citizen Planner Training in September and October. The training is tailored for new local board members, as well as individuals with an interest in planning and zoning practices.
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MSUE Planner Training: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(2023)
MSUE Planner Training: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a process that adds depth and data to any community planning or economic development project. By understanding CPTED concepts and making changes to the built environment, a community will be better positioned to minimize crime incidents while improving quality of life for all.
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Planning & Zoning for Solar Energy Systems (2023)
MSUE Citizen Planner Training: Planning and Zoning for Solar Energy Systems
Nearly every jurisdiction in Michigan will be approached about a solar installation within the next five years. Are you prepared? This training aims to provide communities with perspective and strategy for how to plan for and regulate solar energy systems. Presenters facilitated discussions on why we need to plan and zone for widespread deployment of solar energy systems. Participants learned about successful examples so they can lead an informed conversation in their own community.
This event counted toward continued education credits for the MSUE Master Citizen Planner Program. Learn more about the Master Citizen Planner Program by clicking here.
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Planning & Zoning Fundamentals (2021)
Each year, the Department hosts a free Planning and Zoning Fundamentals training where attendees learn the roles and responsibilities to help them more effectively serve on a Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals.
Click on the links below to view recordings of 2021's virtual trainings:
- February 16, 2021 – “Understanding Your Role as a Planning Commissioner”
- February 18, 2021 – “The Essentials of Being a Zoning Board of Appeals Member”
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Ian Lockwood Series (2018)
Ian Lockwood PE, a nationally recognized leader in sustainable transportation and urban design, came to Ottawa County in March 2018 for a series of events that were both informational and inspiring. Videos of Ian’s time in Ottawa County can be viewed HERE.
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Strong Towns Workshop (2017)
Chuck Marohn, nationally acclaimed speaker and president of the non-profit organization, Strong Towns, came to Ottawa County in May 2017 and explored issues related to development patterns, infrastructure, financial resiliency, and quality placemaking practices in local communities. The goal of this all-day workshop was to open up new ways of thinking about development by examining both new and old-but-forgotten concepts. Learn more about Strong Towns HERE.
- Understanding Hydraulic Fracturing: A Three-Part Educational Series (2014)
