Michigan State University Urban & Regional Planning

RSVP Now for the 2026 SPDC Speaker Series!

SPDC will host a six-person panel discussion to examine the intersection of our school's four programs in the planning and ex*****on of the Hudson's Detroit development project that is reshaping the city and now hosts the global headquarters for General Motors.

This event is open to interested professional as well as as students, and attendance qualifies for CEUs from the AIA, AICP, and LA-CES, FREE OF CHARGE!

Space is limited so be sure to RSVP in advance, and we'll see you Thursday, September 10th, from 5pm to 7pm in the MSU Union, Ballroom!

RSVP Today for the 2026 SPDC Speaker Series!

SPDC will host a six-person panel discussion to examine the intersection of our school's four programs - Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban & Regional Planning - in the planning and ex*****on of the Hudson's Detroit development project led by Bedrock Detroit.

Join us, September 10, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm in the MSU Union Ballroom as Katharine Merritt, teaching specialist in the URP program, moderates the panel's conversation about their work on a project that's re-shaping downtown Detroit.

This event is open to interested professional as well as as students, and attendance qualifies for CEUs from the AIA, AICP, and LA-CES, FREE OF CHARGE!

Students and guests will hear from and engage with:

Trevor Wilson - Senior Development Manager, Bedrock Detroit

James Kramek - Project Executive, Barton Malow

Michelle Kleinman - Design Architect, SHoP Architects

Stacey Tobar - Landscape Architect, Hamilton Anderson at time of project (currently Principal, OHM Advisers)

Lauren Minch - Interior Designer, Pophouse Design

Kevin Schronce - Associate Director (Design Director), City of Detroit Planning and Development Department

Space is limited and event is sure to fill quickly, so RSVP now to secure your seat!

To learn more, stay updated, and RSVP, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/2026-spdc-lecture-series

Or to RSVP immediately, visit: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3XcOvt2JEAepZeS

Congratulations to Dr. Deyanira Nevarez Martinez on receiving a 2026 Planning Advocate Award from the Michigan Association of Planning!

Read more about Dr. Nevarez Martinez and her award at: https://associationdatabase.com/.../layout_details/false

MAP would like to recognize Dr. Deyanira Nevarez Martinez for receiving a 2026 Planning Advocate Award. Read all about her and the other award recipients here: https://associationdatabase.com/aws/MAP/pt/sp/award-nominations

Congratulations to Marie Ruemenapp, Ph.D., outreach specialist in SPDC's Urban & Regional Planning program and MSU Extension, on receiving the 2026 National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) National Urban Extension Leadership Award!

Dr. Ruemenapp received the award during the National Urban Extension Conference in Detroit. NUEL recognized Ruemenapp for a distinguished career of visionary leadership and national impact that has expanded the reach, relevance, and effectiveness of Extension in metropolitan and urban communities.

"Through more than four decades of service, Ruemenapp has advanced urban Extension, strengthened community partnerships, and championed inclusive practices that have shaped Extension's work both in Michigan and across the nation."
- NUEL award announcement

Visit: https://connect.extension.org/g/nuel to learn more about NUEL.

Congratulations to Dr. Marie Ruemenapp on this well-deserved national honor!

Two student projects from this year's Urban and Regional Planning (URP) Capstone Practicum have been selected to receive the Outstanding Graduate Student Project Award as part of the 2026 Planning Excellence Awards!

1) East Lansing – East Village Concept Plan

This project updates the East Village planning framework to address current development trends, student housing needs, and community priorities. The team identified zoning challenges and developed strategies to guide the district's future growth and revitalization.

Team Members: Evan Blake, Luke Dillon, Nahid Dristy, Youssef El Hout, Ben Hamrick, Emma Lacross, Max Levinson, Clint Mireles, Rachel Oelsner, Jack Shannon, Terry Smith, and Evan Stowell.

2) Grand Rapids – Bus Stop Shade & Climate Resilience Assessment

This project evaluates bus stop conditions across Grand Rapids to improve shade, comfort, and climate resilience. The team developed equity-focused recommendations for shelters, trees, and transit amenities to create a more accessible and sustainable public transportation system.

Team Members: Sam Durgy, Corey Fein, Ashton Gaishin, Austin Harrison, Brody Keeley, Sean Monroe, Olivia Need, John Quinlan, Zach Stinchcombe, Neha Sutar, and Evan Tietema.
(team photo, 5th picture)

The Planning Excellence Awards are administered by the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP), the Michigan chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). Award recipients are selected by a jury of planning professionals, including current and former MAP Board members, in recognition of outstanding planning work and innovation.

Congratulations to all of the students for this well-deserved recognition of their hard work, creativity, and commitment to advancing planning practice through community-engaged projects.

URP Spartans had a great turnout at the Alumni Reception after the 2026 APA National Planning Conference in Detroit!

Be sure to stay connected to learn about next year's events and all other news and events from MSU URP!

Not one, but five college awards and recognitions were brought to SPDC by our faculty and students, reflecting the excellence, leadership, and impact of SPDC across teaching, research, service, and culture, access, and belonging.

To learn more about these 2026 CANR Awards, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/facultystaff/awards_nominations/

Congratulations to the 2026 Master of Urban & Regional Planning (MURP) cohort, who celebrated their commencement on Friday, May 1st at the Breslin Center!

SPDC is proud of their hard work and commitment to our shared values. We're excited to see the impact each will make on the world and in their community!

With the academic year ending, we want to highlight one of SPDC's biggest end of the year events, the 2026 SPDC Awards Ceremony!

This annual event brings together students, faculty, staff, and our supporters and donors to recognize the excellence of SPDC's students.

It's always great to end the year celebrating our students' accomplishments and the impact our supports and donors have on their academic and professional success.

Congratulation to all scholarship and award winners, and thank you to our supporters and donors.

Enjoy these highlights of the evening, and be sure to stay connected with SPDC to learn how you can impact SPDC's ability to continue educating tomorrow's leaders and innovators!

Congratulations to all SPDC graduates!

It's impossible to condense years of hard work into one post, but here are some commencement highlights.

The celebration is well earned and we can't wait to see the impact you all will make in the world. Proving SPDC is the home of Spartans, BUILT TO LEAD!