The local tiers of government in Cass County consist of the county, 27 incorporated cities, several additional unincorporated villages, 49 townships, and four water resource districts. This article, more specifically, will explore the role of the Cass County Planning Office and how it teams with the Townships. Republished courtesy the North Dakota Planning Association Newsletter. by Hali A Durand, Cass County, North Dakota

The residents in and around the City of Sierra Vista, Arizona value their dark skies and the ability to observe celestial phenomena, so much so that this area has attracted numerous amateur astronomers from all over the country. When a local business owner requested a code amendment to allow Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs, which had been prohibited, the city created a sign task force to develop Sign and Outdoor Light Control amendments. Carefully crafted ordinancesgo a long way to protecting this important regional asset. by Jeff Pregler, AICP

The City of Williston, North Dakota needed a larger overhaul of sign regulations that truly took into account the wide variety of development types occurring in Williston as well as modernizing regulations. Education was a huge component of the ordinance effort. In the end, the city ended up with an ordinance that allows for more permanent signage for most properties, allows for more temporary signage, creates allowances for non-residential residentially zoned properties such as churches, creates flexibility for large commercial and campus-style properties, and represents and accommodates the needs of stakeholders. by Rachel Laqua

Small towns face enormous hurdles in enforcing code. This article highlights the importance of small towns having strategies that work for their unique situation.  Although this article is directed to small-town leaders, the principles inherent in code enforcement strategies can benefit leaders, planners, and code enforcement officers in any community. by Kyle Slaughter

The article discusses Albuquerque’s efforts to overhaul its development review process with an Integrated Development Ordinance. by Andrew Webb and Mikaela Renz-Whitmore

Since the passage of TEDD legislation in 2013, three TEDD districts have been established in Montana. by Janet Cornish and Lanette Windemaker, AICP

This article identifies several principles and concepts key to revitalizing and/or establishing the types of mixed-use development that once filled small town America. by Aric Jensen, AICP

The formation of the Powder House Pass Community Improvement District will create a new development the size of a small town, located four miles from any infrastructure. by Amber Vogt

Regulating people’s animals can raise public ire so it needs to be done right. The article gives a review of regulations in Western states. by Jason Radtke

When revitalizing a mixed-use district or building one from scratch, every design decision must be made with the pedestrian in mind. by Michele E. Reeves