About Us

Michigan Citizen Planner (CP) was established in 2002 through MSU Extension’s (MSUE) vision to addressing the basic, ongoing education needs of citizens appointed to serve on local land use planning bodies. Through education and training for locally appointed and elected officials, zoning board members and concerned citizens, Michigan Citizen Planner has fostered a greater awareness of land use.

Michigan Citizen Planner began its training through MSU Extension offices throughout Michigan, providing education in a classroom setting, which it continues to do today. In 2005, Michigan Citizen Planner added advanced training and continuing education through the Master Citizen Planner (MCP) program. The MCP credentialing program encourages active participation in land use education through continuing educational requirements that must be met every two years.  

Also in 2005 Junior Citizen Planner (JCP) program was created to help youth understand the connection between civics, the environment and our community. JCP helps participants grow and develop into involved citizens who understand the importance of wise land use. The training is targeted to be used in the classroom and a 4-H club setting, but may also be used with summer camp programs, Scouts, Campfire, and other youth programs.

Michigan Citizen Planner joined the Land Policy Institute (LPI) at MSU in 2006. LPI provides leadership and coordination for land use and land policy activities at MSU. Michigan Citizen Planner became the primary citizen education initiative of LPI.

In 2007, Michigan Citizen Planner introduced Citizen Planner Online, an alternative way to obtain online land use education effectively and efficiently. Through Michigan Citizen Planner Online, participants are able to obtain their Michigan Citizen Planner certification, as well as gain access to other specialty modules to advance their training.

Michigan Citizen Planner took an important step in 2007 by extending its reach across the nation through an online American Citizen Planner (ACP) program. ACP and its nationally known professional land use planners and adult education specialists works with universities and statewide organizations to create learning products tailored to local needs. Our products help cultivate a vibrant and livable America through educated citizens and leaders.

Through Citizen Planner training - which is conducted by MSU Extension educators and specialists, practicing planners, attorneys, and other university faculty members - government officials, developers and volunteer community leaders gain the knowledge and leadership skills they need to be effective. Citizen Planner alumni have taken the tools and ideas they learned through the program and made a difference in their communities. To date, Citizen Planner has trained more than 3,500 local officials.

Land use decisions affect every aspect of our lives. We must cultivate global thinkers who skillfully manage development patterns in Michigan and nationally to ensure that our communities and regions are great places to live, yet competitive in the New Economy. Let’s start shaping the future from the ground up, and build better places together.