MSU Extension is planning to bring its Citizen Planner Training program to Berrien County starting next month, giving anyone interested in learning more about community zoning and planning a chance to hear from the experts.

MSU Extension educator Tyler Augst tells us the program is six weeks long with one three-hour session per week for local leaders and residents to get practical training on planning, zoning, and community development.

“We start with going to the history of property rights and the legal foundation, looking at our U.S. and state constitution, some of the key state laws that let zoning happen, all the way through the fun stuff like master plans for communities,” Augst said. “How do we make a master plan? How do we engage the public with that process?”

Augst says they’ll go into the nitty gritty about planning policy to better prepare people to serve on planning commissions and zoning boards.

“You have a variance request coming to your community and you need to make a decision. How do you go through analyzing that request and deciding whether it should be approved or denied?”

Augst says although Citizen Planner Training is ideal for those serving on local boards, it’s also a great opportunity for those who are interested in serving and also residents who are just plain interested.

The training will be held at St. Joseph City Hall starting September 15 and continuing through October 20, and registrations are being taken online now. Registration is $250.