MAP Publications

To order any of the publications listed, please complete an order form and fax it to MAP at (734) 913-2061.

Download an order form here. 

Planning Commissioner's Toolkit

An introductory manual organized into six content areas that provide a "quick read" on the essentials of the planning commissioner. Topics include: a brief history of planning in the United States; explanation of the function of the planning commissioner; the relationship of the master plan to the zoning ordinance; preparation for a planning commission meeting; understanding development proposals; important agency contacts; and an introduction to planning laws.

55 pages plus appendix.

Member: $30

Non-member: $39

Special discount for MAP members!

*order up to 6 books: $25 each; order more than 6 books: $20 each

Download an order form for Planning Commissioner's Toolkits here.

Community Planning Handbook: Tools and Techniques for Guiding Community Change

This handbook presents more than 93 tools and techniques designed to better manage change in the community. Considered the most comprehensive reference book available on planning in Michigan, each technique includes a description, legal basis, planning considerations, extensive resources, details on its advantages, disadvantages and limitations, extensive references and a case example of how it is applied to a local community. 440 pages.

Member: $60

Non-member: $78

Community Planning Process: A Guide for Planning Commissioners in Michigan

An easy-to-understand guidebook for new planning commissioners that covers the legal basis for planning, the community planning process, major tools for implementing the community plan and key terms used in planning and zoning. 38 pages.

Member: $8

Non-member: $10.50

Access Management Guidebook: Reducing Traffic Congestion and Improving Traffic Safety in Michigan Communities

This guidebook explains how and when to use any one of 27 access management techniques to address common traffic problems. Access management is a set of proven techniques that can help reduce traffic congestion, preserve the flow of traffic, improve traffic safety, prevent crashes, preserve existing raid capacity and preserve investment in roads by managing the location design and type of access to property. 181 pages and CD ROM appendices.

Member: $36.75

Non-member: $48

Workbook for Preparing or Updating a Master Plan and/or Growth Management Plan
The most comprehensive document written on preparing or updating a master plan and/or growth management plan, this MAP publication is a companion to the Community Planning Handbook. It provides local communities with a methodology for both analyzing the existing master plan and updating the plan.

Member: $16

Non-member: $21

Notebook for Improving Community Appearance

If your community is undertaking an assessment of its appearance and character, the first step is to purchase this publication. The notebook covers defining community character, development guidelines, environmental protection, legal consideration and much more. 205 pages.

Member: $22

Non-member: $28.50

Planning Commission Guidelines: By-Laws, Public Hearings, and Conflict of Interest

This MAP publication is an excellent resource for planning commissions, zoning boards and the general public. Knowing how to structure a set of by-laws and conducting public hearings is important for a smooth running planning commission. 12 pages.

Member: $6

Non-member: $8

Sign Regulation: An Overview of the Issues and Alternatives

The most comprehensive and up-to-date book on sign regulation. Includes legal considerations, types of signs, basic approaches and principles for local sign controls, ordinance components and variances. 69 pages.

Member: $ 8

Non-member: $10.50

Using Groundwater Protection Data to Improve Planning/Zoning Decisions

An invaluable resource to ensure informed decisions regarding groundwater protection. This publication covers policy development, vulnerability factors, water quality data, soil data, county soil surveys, water well records and much more. 108 pages.

Member: $10.50

Non-member: $13.50

Reinventing Government for Groundwater Protection: The Need for County-Local Partnerships

This MAP publication highlights both the need for protecting our groundwater, and the means for counties and local governments to work together to achieve a safer future. Includes listing of state agencies, Michigan's laws for groundwater protection, state-level initiatives, an overview of typical programs and innovative county programs. 32 pages.

Member: $8

Non-member: $10.50

Handbooks from MAP Training Programs

These training manuals are designed for planning commissioners, zoning board of appeals members and elected officials, and are used in conjunction with MAP regional workshops.

• Basic Training
• Advanced Zoning Board of Appeals
• Site Plan Review

Member: $25

Non-member: $30

"Trend Future" Working Papers

This series of eleven working papers and the final report "Patterns on the Land: Our Choices, Our Future," which synthesizes the results of the papers, focuses on land use changes in Michigan and the implications if these trends continue. This is the first study ever completed on this topic that covers the entire state. 100-218 pages each.

The Working Papers:

• Agriculture
• Demographics
• Institutional Structures for Land Use Decisions
• Land Use Issues
• Jobs and the Build Environment
• Minerals
• Natural Resources & the Environment
• Public Lands and Forestry
• Sewer, Water & Other Infrastructure
• Tourism & Recreation
• Transportation

Final Report:

• Patterns on the Land: Our Choices - Our Future

Member: $6.50

Non-member: $8.50