Planners Gatherings are informational and educational forums (in-person and virtual) covering Planning and Zoning related topics relevant to communities within Oakland County.

Speakers for these sessions are often from nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies and private firms.

The format of these forums can range from casual discussions and information-sharing sessions to more formal presentations and workshops.

Upcoming Topics

Topics scheduled for 2025 include:

• September 2025: Oakland County’s Aging Population – A Local Response
• October 2025: Best Practices in Planning and Zoning for Solar PV

We are always developing ideas and seeking presenters for future sessions.

If you would like to see a specific topic addressed, please contact Ryan Dividock at: dividockr@oakgov.com.

Previous Topics

2025

• January 2025: Lean & Green Michigan’s PACE Financing - Video Recording
• February 2025: Oakland County Regional Housing Partnership and Zoning - Video Recording
• March 2025:  Water Resources Commission – New Standards Manuals - Video Recording
• March 2025: Oakland County Business Loan Programs - Video Recording
• April 2025 Barrier Free Design for Planners - Video Recording
  • ADA Support And Incentives
• May 2025: Online Applications for Planning, Zoning, and Building - Video Recording
• June 2025: A Walk Through Local Woodland and Wetland Ordinances - Video Recording
• July 2025: Regulating Home Occupations Post-Pandemic - Video Recording
• August 2025: Site Design for Emergency Services - Video Recording
• August 2025: Special Assessments - Video Recording

2024

• January 2024: Maximum Extent Practical (MEP) Stormwater Standards - Video Recording
• February 2024: Sidewalk System Maintenance Programs - Video Recording
• March 2024:
  • Partnering to Build Transit-Friendly Communities - Video Recording
  • Partnering to Build Transit-Friendly Communities - PowerPoint
• April 2024:
  • Coordinating With Regional Energy Utilities - Video Recording
  • ITC - PowerPoint
  • DTE - PowerPoint
  • Consumers Energy - Work Sheet
  • Consumers Energy Plan Ahead - Work Sheet
  • Consumers Energy Natural Gas Safety - Work Sheet
• May 2024:
  • Oakland County’s Workforce Development Services - Video Recording
  • Support for businesses to assist individuals with disabilities
    Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) specializes in supporting businesses with accommodation and support for individuals with disabilities.
    For Information Contact: Nacsha Ealy - ealyn1@michigan.gov
• June 2024: When Regional Malls and Big Box Stores Go Dark - Video Recording
• July 2024: Brownfield Programs and Incentives at State and Local - Video Recording
• August 2024: Tiny Homes in a Big City - Video Recording
• September 2024: Oakland County Materials Management Plan - Video Recording
• October 2024: Short Term Rentals - Video Recording
• November 2024: Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund - Video Recording
• December 2024: 2024 Legislative and Judicial Update - Video Recording

2023

• February 2023: Oakland County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update - Video Recording
• April 2023: Social Districts - Video Recording
• June 2023: Accessory Dwelling Units - Video Recording
• August 2023: Office to Residential Conversions - Video Recording
• September 2023: Oakland County Hazard Mitigation Plan – A Draft Review - Video Recording
• October 2023: Oakland County Trails – Building Community Connections - Video Recording
• November 2023: SEMCOG’s 2050 Regional Forecast - Video Recording
• December 2023: Holiday Gathering and Community Updates - No Recording

2022

• February 2022: Commercial and Office Space: Glut or Opportunity? - Video Recording
• April 2022: Neighborhood & Housing Development Division: Services & Funding Opportunities - Video Recording
• June 2022: Water Resources Commission: New Stormwater Regulations and Standards - Video Recording
• August 2022: Planning, Zoning and Land Use: Drones Practical Applications for Planners - Video Recording
• October 2022: A New Approach for Managing Tax Foreclosed Properties - Video Recording
• December 2022: Oakland County Land Bank - Video Recording

Playlist of Planners Gatherings Videos