Carlisle/Wortman’s most-viewed blog posts in 2017

Drum roll, please: Here are the 10 most-read 2017 blog posts, counting down from number 10.10. Your sign ordinance may be unconstitutionalThis April, 2016 post by Matt Lonnestater reported on Reed v. Town of Gilbert, the Supreme Court case that made any sign distinction based on content unconstitutional.9. Regulations for LED SignsWe originally posted this in 2013 then updated it in 2016.8. An overview of oil and gas regulation in MichiganSally Elmiger wrote this well-researched 2014 essay on the geological conditions that make fracking advantageous and the state and federal agencies and court decisions that affect communities’ ability to regulate it.7. Leaders’ shared vision inspires Center Line development planDave Scurto uses his skill in community and economic development for several clients, as featured in a 2017 Metromode article about the Center Line DDA.6. What you need to know about Michigan's RTFAWe organized and videotaped a presentation by the state agriculture department with updated information on the Right to Farm Act, then shared this summary on the blog. Click on the link to the post to find a link to the video.5. Creating a legal framework for urban ag: Lessons from FlintWhen we hired Megan Masson-Minock earlier this year we brought a well-regarded planner to our staff who also is one of the state’s top experts in food systems, especially urban agriculture. This August blog post was her debut article for us.4. Strategies to increase civic engagement at the local levelPaul Montagno and Matt Lonnerstater collaborated on the cover story for the October, 2015 issue of the Michigan Township Association’s magazine.3. Planners and public safety officials unite to fight PhragmitesHere’s an article Don Wortman wrote for the Michigan Association of Planning’s magazine about how planners can use regulation, planning and zoning to battle the scourge of phragmites and other invasive plants.2. Local communities should control short term rentals, not LansingDick Carlisle wrote this blog post and an op/ed column in the Detroit Free Press making the case that the state legislature shouldn’t preempt local governments’ right to regulate short term rentals. Social media sharing vaulted this November article to #2 on our list.And the most read Carlisle/Wortman blog post for 2017:1. Pocket parks' benefits are bigger than their size suggestsWho knew pocket parks were such a popular topic? Apparently our Chris Nordstrom who wrote this 2016 post.