The Michigan State University Urban and Regional Planning (URP) Program invites municipalities, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations to propose projects for the Spring 2027 Planning Practicum. This capstone course brings graduating undergraduate and graduate students together in consultant-style teams to address real planning needs for community partners.

The Practicum is student-led and faculty-guided. Teams work with a designated community partner through a structured semester process that moves from project scoping and analysis to community engagement, concept development, precedent research, implementation strategies, and final recommendations. Partners receive a professional planning report and presentation materials intended to support future decision-making, grant applications, policy development, design, or implementation.

The deadline for proposals is December 1st, 2026. Any questions can be directed to Dr. Jesus J. Lara, 1855 Professor, at jjlara@msu.edu. For more information - including the types of projects URP is seeking, what makes a strong proposal, and how to apply - please visit the URP Practicum website.