The Michigan Association of Planning's information, education and advocacy efforts are guided by board adopted policies. Historically, the MAP Government Relations Committee developed the Chapter's land use policy using APA policies as a template, modifying them as necessary 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.
At times, however, MAP is faced with a land use issue for which no APA policy exists, and MAP created original policy to fill the void, and provide a platform for our advocacy efforts. Original MAP policies include Eminent Domain, Substantive Due Process and Regulatory Takings; and Schools and Local Government.
MAP Rural Planning and Development Policy
MAP is developing a policy to address rural planning and development issues in Michigan. For background information on policy development, click here. An outline of the draft policy is available here.
Right to Farm Act (RTFA)
The MAP Board of Directors, through its policy making arm (the government relations committee) is considering a draft policy addressing the Right to Farm Act, and is seeking input and comments from our members and other land use experts.
History and Background
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, and called upon a national expert to assist with developing an overarching policy on rural planning.
Board Seeks Input and Comments
The MAP Board of Directors considered the committee recommended draft RTFA policy language at their January 2008 meeting, and now is eager to receive input and comments from MAP members and other stakeholders. Please review the draft RTFA policy, and provide input and observations to Andrea Brown, AICP, MAP executive director. Once comments have been reviewed, and incorporated if appropriate, the draft policy will be reconsidered for adoption by the MAP board.
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
MAP's Public Policy Platform
In addition to the land use policy guides, the MAP Board of Directors adopts every two years a public 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
