MSU Extension Van Buren County

Governing Essentials: Extraordinary Governance (September 2026)
September 29, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This session will help your board improve its governance to positively impact your community. Better board governance leads to more effective organizations that improve our communities.

MAP Citizen Planner Fall 2026
September 30, 2026 – October 2, 2026
Kalamazoo Plaza Hotel at Kalamzoo Center, 100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
This six-session series covers land use education and training. The course is intended for local appointed and elected officials, zoning administrators and interested citizens.

Short-Term Rental Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 2026 6:30PM – 8:00PM
This 90-minute program will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs as well as where local communities can find data to examine their own local situation. This will be followed by an overview of policy approaches, regulatory tools, enforcement, and key STR court cases. The program will highlight several Michigan examples of community regulatory approaches to STRs and offer time for questions. 

Governing Essentials: Ethical Public Service (October 2026)
October 6, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This session explores the principles of ethical public service, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance.

Short-Term Rental Policy Options for Local Communities
October 6, 2026 6:30PM – 8:00PM Zoom
This 90-minute program will explore trends and policy tools for communities to consider related to short-term rentals (STRs).

County Commissioner Midterm Essentials - East Lansing
October 7, 2026 10:00AM - 3:00PM
With county commissioner terms now four years in length, 2026 marks 'midterm' for many county elected officials. County Commissioner Midterm Essentials is an educational program brought to you by MSU Extension in partnership with the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). The day-long session will build on foundations from New Commissioner School and lessons commissioners learn in the first two years of their terms. Participants will gain deeper understanding of county finances and how state and federal decisions may impact the next few years, discuss examples of successful intergovernmental relationships, and build skills to navigate today’s challenging political environment and lead a thriving community.

2026 October MCP Webinar: Demystifying Municipal Civil Infractions: A tool for local compliance
October 15, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
When it comes to ordinance enforcement, the municipal civil infraction has several advantages in achieving the principal goal of compliance. Yet, for many communities the tool is lesser known, misunderstood, and underutilized. This webinar will cover necessities for utilizing the municipal civil infraction, including ordinances required by law, internal policies to guide the process, sample forms and letters to streamline communications, and relationships needed to work effectively with law enforcement and the judicial system. What’s missing from this webinar? Legal advice!  

Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (Formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership)
October 27, 2026 – October 30, 2026 Farm Bureau, 7373 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership) is a practical workshop focused on developing comfort with high-heat situations in group settings

Communicating Through Conflict: November Workshop
November 4, 2026 12:00PM – 2:00PM Online
Communicating Through Conflict workshops provide participants with tools and techniques to handle heated situations and interpersonal conflict more effectively.

2026 November MCP Webinar: 5th Annual 'Master Citizen Planner' Showcase
November 19, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Master Citizen Planner (MCP) is a status granted to people who complete the Citizen Planner Program and demonstrate commitment to continuing their own education each year. This showcase will highlight the practical outcomes of that commitment. MCPs can be found doing incredible planning and zoning work for their communities across Michigan. MCPs from around the state will each give a short presentation on a unique project, topic, or case from their community. Join us to learn directly from your peers! 

Governing Essentials-Van Buren
December 5, 2026 9:00AM – 12:30PM 57418 CR 681
Join MSU Extension on Saturday, December 5th for Governing Essentials, a half-day in-person program that aims to cultivate a basic understanding of transparent, efficient, and impactful governance practices.

Governing Essentials-Cass County
December 12, 2026 9:00AM – 12:30PM Cass County Commissioners' Chambers, 120 N. Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Join MSU Extension on Saturday, December 12th for Governing Essentials, a half-day in-person program that aims to cultivate a basic understanding of transparent, efficient, and impactful governance practices