Conferences and Events


The Michigan Association of Planning's education programs provide participants with the skills and knowledge to make good land use decisions. Our instructors enable new community planning officials to better understand their roles and responsibilities, reacquaint experienced officials with current planning tools and techniques, provide the professional planner with professional development opportunities, and broaden urban planning students knowledge of statewide best practices.

Annual Training Programs

Planning Michigan Conference

  • MAP’s premiere, annual educational event
  • General sessions, national experts, breakouts, mobiles, networking, basic and advanced courses
  • #1 source of best planning practices in Michigan
  • Click here for information about this year's conference.

Student Conference

  • MAP is dedicated to supporting student development in the planning profession
  • Connects the future generation of planners from 8 Michigan universities to seasoned planners and state land use leaders
  • Student led and managed, the event attracts more than 125 students annually.
  • Click here for information about this year's student conference.

Specialty Programs

  • Spring Institute - Recent topics have included: Social Equity Aging in Place, Climate Adaptation, as well as Entrepreneurs and Economic Development
  • Transportation Bonanza - Safe Routes to School implementation, multi-modal transportation
  • MAP Reads - Every other month group meets to discuss a planning-related text. Click here to see the current and past discussion topics.
  • Regional Workshops - Each spring, MAP brings our workshops for officials to communities across the state.


On-Site Workshops

Our On-Site Program offers a menu of topics to choose from with the option to customize programming for your community’s needs.

  • These programs come to you! We deliver the instructor and curriculum, you coordinate invitations and the facility: cost effective training convenient and close to home.
  • Topics include Planning and Zoning Essentials, Site Plan Review, Zoning Board of Appeals, Zoning Administration, Planning for Health, Capital Improvements Programs, and more.
  • Click here for more information.