Berkley Wins Planning Outreach Award for Recent Zoning Ordinance Update Process
(City of Berkley, Aug. 7, 2025)
Berkley, MI – The City of Berkley’s recently updated Zoning Ordinance has been honored with the Planning Outreach Award by the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP), recognizing the City’s exceptional efforts to engage the public and modernize its land use regulations thoughtfully and transparently.
Carlisle | Wortman, Associates, Inc., a municipal services consulting firm, assisted with this project.
“This zoning ordinance update represents the very best of what community-driven planning should look like,” said Community Development Director Kristen Kapelanski, “Our team worked hard to make sure residents had a voice at every step, and I’m incredibly proud of the result—a forward-thinking ordinance that reflects the needs and values of our entire community.”
According to MAP’s awards jury, the City of Berkley was selected for its robust public engagement strategy, clear communication throughout the process, and a final ordinance that promotes sustainable development, housing diversity, and neighborhood character. Jurors praised the City’s commitment to accessibility and transparency, including multiple public workshops, surveys, online engagement tools, and open office hours with planners.
“As Mayor for the City of Berkley and former downtown Berkley business owner, I don’t remember a time when public engagement has been more important,” said Berkley Mayor Bridget Dean, “It lays the foundation for transparency and connectedness, allowing people to voice their opinions, concerns, and ask questions.”
The update was spearheaded by the City’s Community Development team and included four public open houses, an interactive zoning changes map, monthly public steering committee meetings, and a booth at the City’s annual Halloween celebration to collect direct feedback from residents, business owners, and neighborhood groups.
The new ordinance simplifies outdated regulations, encourages walkability and mixed-use development, and provides a strong framework for future growth.
The Michigan Association of Planning, the state chapter of the American Planning Association, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sound community land use planning that benefits the residents of Michigan. Learn more at www.planningmi.org. Learn more about the City of Berkley at https://www.berkleymi.gov/. View the ordinance here.
