Citizen Planner Program
308 Manly Miles Building
1405 S. Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 432-7600
Fax: (517) 432-7107
cplanner@msu.edu
Master Citizen Planner
What is the Master Citizen Planner Program?
The Master Citizen Planner (MCP) credentialing program was developed to provide advanced skill development and a benchmark for continuing education among Michigan elected and appointed officials, and citizen volunteers. Several states have mandated training for local planning officials. In addition, the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council (MLULC) in its final report recommended that “60 percent of all appointed planning and zoning officials participate in land use education programs within one year of appointment by 2010.”
The MCP program involves completing the Citizen Planner course of seven core sessions, passing an examination, developing a capstone project, and meeting continuing education requirements.
The MCP Advantage
Participants that complete the MCP program receive incentives such as course discounts, exclusive training opportunities and scholarships for annual conferences and regional training offered by partnering organizations. The MCP designation is an achievement recognized as the standard of excellence among planning officials and community leaders in Michigan.
What is the MCP Partnership?
The MCP program is made possible through a unique partnership with Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Association of Planning, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association and MSU Extension. These organizations offer specially designated and pre-approved training throughout the year that meets the continuing education standards established by the MCP program and Michigan State University.
How does the MCP credential work?
To become eligible for the MCP credential, participants must first complete the seven session Citizen Planner short course (20 hours of instruction)*. This can be accomplished in one of two ways:
- The “traditional” classroom-based Citizen Planner program
(one evening class per week/seven weeks, available in selected counties throughout the year); or
- The Citizen Planner online program (self-paced, available anytime).
*Please check the Citizen Planner web site (www.citizenplanner.msu.edu) for availability and details.
To obtain the MCP credential participants must also successfully complete:
- An examination based on program material; and
- A capstone project which applies the material learned to improve local planning and zoning.
To maintain the MCP credential participants must complete:
- A minimum of six content hours (.6 CEU) of MCP-approved continuing education every two years available through partnering organizations.
- The two-year period begins January 1 of the year following MCP designation.
What is a Continuing Education Unit (CEU)?
One CEU is defined as 10 hours of participation in a non-credit organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualified instruction. All MCP-approved courses offer CEUs through Michigan State University in compliance with the standards established by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training. A growing number of professional organizations recognize the CEU as the standard for high quality personal and professional development training.
How is the MCP credential maintained?
Once awarded, the MCP credential is maintained by completing six hours (.6 CEU) of training every two years. Participants can meet the CEU requirement by enrolling in MCP-approved courses available throughout the year. Approved training is offered by MSU Extension and partnering organizations (visit www.citizenplanner.msu.edu for training offerings). The MCP credential can be re-established at any time by re-enrolling in the Citizen Planner short course and successfully completing the examination and capstone project.
Learn more about the unique MCP program by calling 517-432-7600 or visit www.citizenplanner.msu.edu.
MCP Process Overview
Application
Captsone Project Guide
Impact Statement
CEU Overview
CEU Opportunities