MAP Policy Platform
The Michigan Association of Planning's information, education and advocacy efforts are guided by board adopted land use and planning policies. The MAP Government Relations Committee, a board committee, is charged with developing the Chapter's land use policy.
Historically, American Planning Association (APA) policies were used as a template, but customized and modified by the Government Relations Committee and the MAP board to align more closely with Michigan's unique characteristics. After vetting policies with our membership and other land use experts, the MAP Board adopts the policy.
In more recent years, however, MAP was faced with myriad land use issues for which no APA policy existed. Thus began our foray into the research and development of original policy to direct our activities. An eminent domain policy was adopted in 2005, followed by a school siting policy in 2007. MAP's Wind Energy Policy was adopted by the board in January 2009, followed by the Right to Farm Act Policy, adopted in February 2010.
Most Recent Policy Initiatives
In early 2007, the MAP Board of Directors identified Rural Planning and Development as a key issue in Michigan, and set about creating a policy to guide MAP's legislative and advocacy efforts. MAP's Government Relations Committee, a board committee and the body charged with policy research and development, initiated background studies and research on the topic. As the committee delved into the issues, the enormity of the task became clear as myriad subtopics emerged: energy planning, agriculture, economic development, housing, poverty, small town concerns, excavation and mining, among many others.
The committee focused their initial research efforts on Wind Energy and the Right to Farm Act.
Wind Energy Policy
Adopted January 26, 2009, MAP's Wind Energy Policy seeks to set the stage for local government response to an anticipated surge of interest in wind energy facility development. The policy defines the issues and provides direction for local government to make solid decisions about siting, maintenance and the economic benefits of wind energy. MAP's government relations committee researched and drafted the document, secured comments from land use stakeholders, and presented alternatives to the MAP Board of Directors during 2008. MAP staff uses the policy to educate and inform professional planners, local officials and other professionals, and to advocate for legislation that will advance the wind energy industry while protecting our communities from possible adverse impacts.
Wind energy resources to assist local government can be accessed here.
Right to Farm Act (RTFA) Policy
The Michigan Association of Planning's Government Relations Committee is a board committee responsible for researching policy, and providing the MAP Board with policy language and alternatives for their consideration. The MAP board adopts committee generated policy, and adopted policies guide the work of the organization.
The MAP Government Relations Committee focused its efforts during 2009 developing a Right to Farm Act (RTFA) Policy. The impact of recent Michigan court decisions on the RTFA results in confusion, and the policy draft seeks to better address coming to the nuisance issues, and provide clarity to the original legislative intent about zoning compliance. The committee engaged the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Farm Bureau, and sought the knowledge of other experts to fully inform the policy.
The Michigan Association of Planning Board of Directors approved a Right to Farm Act (RTFA) Policy at their meeting on February 19, 2010. Researched and written by MAP's Government Relation's committee over the last 18 months, the policy was crafted to address changes to the RTFA that would clarify recent court interpretations of the Act that adversely affect local government's ability to protect some residential development for the adverse effects of agricultural activity in ways that MAP believes were not intended in the legislation. The policy was vetted with the MAP membership, the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Environmental Council, and with agriculture and RTFA experts at Michigan State University. The adopted policy guide will provide direction to local governments facing RTFA and GAAMPs issues, and will guide the work of the Association as it relates to education, information and advocacy. Additional resources that support the policy can be accessed here. For additional information contact Andrea Brown, MAP Executive Director.
The following policy platforms have been adopted by the Michigan Association of Planning Board of Directors:
Smart Growth Policy
Agriculture Land Preservation Policy
Housing Policy
Billboard Controls Policy
Water Resource Management Policy
Wetlands Policy
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Policy
Surface Transportation Policy
Neighborhood and Collaborative Planning Policy
Urban Redevelopment Policy
Background Information and Research on Takings and Regulatory Takings
Executive Summary: Takings and Regulatory Takings
Eminent Domain and Takings Policy
Substantive Due Process and Regulatory Takings Policy
Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Policy
Schools Policy
Wind Energy Policy
Right to Farm Act Policy
MAP's Legislative Policy Platform
In addition to the land use policy guides, the MAP Board of Directors adopts every two years a legislative policy platform. This document frames the MAP stance on land use issues ranging from regional cooperation to state initiatives to implementation of smart growth tools. Specific legislative and programatic recommendations are embedded in this platform.
Legislative Policy Platform
