St. Joseph County — Michigan Citizens Coalition
Tracking active issues across St. Joseph County townships — solar farms, land use, and local government accountability.
We are not against progress.
We are against decisions made without us.
We are pro-St. Joseph County.
The Issues
We are tracking developments that could permanently reshape St. Joseph County's land, water, and air.
Solar Farm Expansion
Multiple developers
Large-scale solar developers are targeting St. Joseph County farmland under Michigan Public Act 233, which allows developers to appeal to the Public Service Commission to override local zoning. Townships must act before developers file to retain any leverage.
- PA 233 allows developers to override local township zoning via MPSC
- Townships must adopt a CREO before a developer files to retain leverage
- Multiple projects under review across St. Joseph County townships
- Thousands of acres of prime farmland at risk of conversion
Coalition monitoring active filings — August 2026
Agricultural Land Rezoning
Various township planning commissions
Rezoning requests across St. Joseph County townships are converting agricultural and residential land to commercial and industrial uses. Once farmland is paved, it does not come back.
- Multiple rezoning requests pending across townships
- Agricultural land being converted to commercial/industrial
- Public hearings often poorly publicized
- Residents have right to comment at planning commission meetings
Coalition tracking rezoning requests county-wide — August 2026
Local Government Transparency
Various township boards
Residents report difficulty accessing meeting agendas, minutes, and public comment opportunities across St. Joseph County townships. The coalition is working to improve transparency and public participation in local government.
- Meeting notices sometimes posted with minimal advance notice
- Agendas not always available before meetings
- Public comment periods vary by township
- Coalition tracking all township meeting schedules
Coalition compiling township meeting schedule — August 2026
Find Your Township
Each township has its own Facebook group for local meeting alerts, updates, and action calls.
Municipalities
Incorporated cities and villages within St. Joseph County — each with their own elected officials and local government.
What You Can Do Right Now
Civic power is built one action at a time. Here is where to start.
Attend Township Meetings
Show up to your township board and planning commission meetings. Your presence is noticed and your voice matters.
Submit Public Comment
Written testimony goes on the official record. Draft and submit comments before hearings on issues that affect your land.
Join Your Township Group
Connect with neighbors in your township's Facebook group for meeting alerts, updates, and action calls.
Spread the Word
Share what you learn. Awareness is the first step toward accountability — tell a neighbor, post in your group.
Report a Concern
Have a concern about St. Joseph County? Submit it here and the Michigan Citizens Coalition will review it and follow up. Your voice matters.