Zoning administrators play a critical role in Michigan communities by administering and enforcing local zoning ordinances to guide land use, community development, and economic growth. Their decisions often involve complex legal and technical considerations that can directly affect property owners’ rights and municipal liability, yet many enter the role without formal training. This can lead to increased uncertainty and risks inconsistent administration, making comprehensive education and professional support essential to ensure zoning is administered effectively and defensibly.
Since 2009, Michigan State University Extension has addressed this need by annually delivering the Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program. In 2025, the program provided more than 21 hours of instruction to 56 participants from 34 Michigan counties through live webinars, self-paced online modules, and two days of in-person, hands-on training. The program also fosters a statewide peer network of zoning professionals who share experiences, resources and support, extending the program’s impact beyond the classroom.
Participants who completed all requirements and passed a comprehensive exam earned a Zoning Administrator Certificate, a credential required by some communities for continued employment.
Post-course evaluations demonstrated strong professional impact: 94% of respondents rated the program as valuable or very valuable and 98% recommended that other zoning administrators and zoning consultants attend the program. Long-term evaluation data further confirmed enduring impacts of the program, with participants having rated themselves significantly higher than nonparticipants in 10 of 12 core zoning administration competencies. These outcomes show the ZAC Program’s continued value in reducing risk, improving governance and empowering local leaders across Michigan.
Participant Quotes:
- “So much useful information and I truly believe even the experienced are taking new information home.”
- “Great program that lets you practice what you learned, educators are literally the best, the atmosphere is laid back making it easy to learn.”
- “You. Must. Attend.”
- “Wish all trainings were laid out like this. Also wish that all educators were like the ones here.”
Additional Inforamtion