Local land use regulations can have many consequences to agriculture and they can affect the ability of farms to maintain themselves or grow. Learn what farm friendly zoning looks like and why it is important to evaluate your local laws with an eye towards agriculture. This session will explore farm friendly audits, consistency between comprehensive […]
It’s not Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood anymore. Our open discussion will address the legal fine points and ever-changing role of NIMBY-ism in land use review, the rise of social media information, FOIL, and legal standing. Presented by M. Elizabeth Coreno, Esq., P.C. Planning board and zoning board of appeals members are required by state statute to […]
MRB Group’s SmarterLocalGov team is involved in many forms of public outreach and engagement, including community-wide planning, and supporting Zoning Board and Planning Board Meetings, as well as public education efforts. Local government exists for its citizens! In the new “COVID era,” there is an even greater need to encourage residents to stay engaged. This […]
A comprehensive overview for municipal review boards, staff, elected officials, and the general public outlining the roles, procedures, and most importantly, parameters of influence on typical development review applications. Keeping attendees awake and engaged, this session will utilize interactive tools to challenge one’s understanding of their role and reinforce best practices. We will work through […]
Many communities do not have a strong, practical and useful comprehensive plan. MRB Group’s SmarterlocalGov team works to strengthen municipal leaders and teams, and advocates planning practices as a community-building process. This session will discuss why a comprehensive plan is beneficial, what’s inside a good comprehensive plan, and how it can affect your community’s ability […]
Municipalities are constantly faced with new and emerging controversial land uses, and determining how to regulate these land uses is one of the most challenging issues for any planning agency to resolve. From rural eyesores to unwelcome city neighbors, this program examines recent caselaw dealing with these controversial uses, including things like methadone clinics, homeless […]
Ethical issues arise more frequently in planning and zoning decision-making than many realize. This presentation will include discussion of ethical legal requirements, conflicts of interest, recusal, site inspections and other related issues. Presented by Mark Schachner, Esq., Miller, Mannix, Schachner and Hafner, LLC This session has been submitted for 1.5 CM (no Ethics CMs have […]
This session will explore creative changes to ongoing municipal planning operations, existing policies, community engagement and the impact on capital and long range planning projects in addition to local economies as a result of COVID-19. Real-life experiences and lessons learned from Capital Region communities will be shared from a variety of perspectives including a municipal […]
Communities across the US and around the world are remaking their streets, sidewalks and outdoor space in response to COVID challenges. Hear about trends around the country, and how two Capital Region communities were able to quickly pivot and provide “streateries”, recreation, and public art on their local streets. Open street possibilities also exist for […]
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE MAY 7th WEBINAR For the Thursday, May 7, 2020, our Webinar topic will be “That’s not what I thought I approved” about sign and sites planning. This webinar will begin at 10am. In this webinar, presenter Nicole Allen, Planning Services Manager, AICP, Laberge Group, will share stories and perspective […]