Placemaking is focus of 2013 Michigan Citizen Planner Advanced Academy

Michigan State University training features strategies on to help communities attract businesses and residents.

If you want to attract the best businesses and residents you have to have a community to match. People choose to live in places that offer the best amenities, resources, social and professional networks and opportunities to support thriving lifestyles.

Known as placemaking, this important strategic economic development initiative is the focus of the 2013 Citizen Planner Advanced Academy. Michigan State University Extension teamed up pwith the MI-Place Partnership to introduce a new curriculum devoted solely to placemaking. The day-long program begins at 9 a.m. on June 13 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Michigan State University. Pre-registration is available.

The Advanced Academy attracts graduates of MSU Extension’s Citizen Planner program, planning commissioners, professional planners and elected officials, and the launch of the new placemaking curriculum brings this year’s event to another level.

“Volunteer planners appointed by local governments in are the key to advancing placemaking efforts in Michigan. The MI-Place partnership curriculum will provide local leaders with  information on the historical, economical and  urban form characteristics of place; how to engage the public and apply placemaking concepts in their  local communities to attract residents,” said Brad Neumann, MSU Extension educator.

The MI-Place Partnership is a statewide initiative made up of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Municipal League, the MSU Land Policy Institute, and other statewide organizations with the purpose of keeping Michigan at the forefront of placemaking.

“Only with successful placemaking initiatives will we be able to build a better Michigan,” Neumann said.

The goal of MI-Place Partnership is to help communities re-examine the importance of everyday settings and experiences that shape our lives – the downtowns, parks, plazas, main streets, neighborhoods and markets that influence where we live and how we interact.

The program also features a case law and legislative update from Mark Wyckoff, a certified planner, MSU professor, director of the MSU Planning and Zoning Center and associate director of the MSU Land Policy Institute.

The MSU Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center is located at 219 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, Mich. Online registration is available at http://events.anr.msu.edu/2013CPAA/. The cost to register is $130. Master Citizen Planner will receive a discount and MCP credits are available.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by calling 269-657-8213 by June 6, 2013 to ensure sufficient time to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be met when possible. 

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