Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC

10/15/2026

A few moments from last week's Economic Club luncheon!

FSBR was a sponsor of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce event, where our own Stacy Hissong joined Steve Roznowski, P.E., of Spicer Group to discuss Michigan's aging water infrastructure and the challenges communities face with flooding and stormwater management.

The conversation brought attention to an often-overlooked issue with real consequences for Michigan communities, highlighting the importance of planning and investment in the years ahead.

Thank you to the Chamber for hosting, to the business and community leaders who attended, and to our guests for spending the afternoon with us!

10/12/2026

“Do we want to spend a little bit more money, or are we prepared to have flooding increase from what it is today?”

That’s the question FSBR’s Stacy Hissong raised when speaking with WILX News 10 Lansing following Thursday’s Economic Club luncheon hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

Stacy and Steve Roznowski, P.E., President and CEO of Spicer Group, shared their perspectives on Michigan’s aging water infrastructure, the challenges of securing funding, and the importance of proactive planning to help communities prepare for future flooding.

Watch the WILX News 10 report to hear more from both speakers, here: https://www.wilx.com/2026/10/09/michigan-infrastructure-inadequate-stop-flooding-experts-say/

Michigan’s infrastructure is not adequate to stop flooding being seen across the state.

10/08/2026

A Major Milestone for FSBR: Announcing Our New 45,000-Square-Foot Office!
We're excited to announce one of the most significant milestones in Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes' history! In spring 2027, FSBR plans to relocate to approximately 45,000 square feet of office space at MSU Federal Credit Union's Headquarters 2 in East Lansing.

Representing one of the most significant office lease transactions in Greater Lansing in recent years, this move marks a major investment in our firm's future and our continued presence in the region.

Since our founding in 2008 with just four attorneys, FSBR has grown to a team of 40 attorneys, with plans for continued growth. Our new office will provide room for our growing team while allowing us to build on the client relationships and commitment to service that have defined our firm for nearly two decades.

As FSBR President Mark Burzych shared, “We went looking for room to grow without changing who we are and a place our clients and community can easily reach. Just as important, we wanted a workplace where our team can collaborate, connect, and enjoy coming to work. HQ2 achieves all of these goals.”

We're grateful to MSU Federal Credit Union and Martin Commercial Properties for their partnership in making this milestone possible and look forward to welcoming clients, colleagues, and friends to our new office in 2027!

Read the full joint announcement: https://fsbrlaw.com/2026/10/07/fahey-schultz-burzych-rhodes-to-lease-45000-sf-at-msufcu-headquarters-campus/

10/07/2026

FSBR attended the Planning Michigan Conference, where Wayne Beyea, Lindsey Gergel, and Jessie Williams connected with planning professionals from across Michigan and took part in educational programming focused on issues affecting communities and planning practice.

Wayne also presented “AI and Ethics in Urban Planning Practice,” exploring the opportunities and ethical considerations emerging as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into the profession.

Thank you to the Michigan Association of Planning for another valuable conference and the opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to conversations shaping Michigan communities.

10/07/2026

FSBR was proud to sponsor and attend The House of Promise 's Beauty for Ashes Gala, an evening centered on life, transformation, and hope.

Lindsey Gergel, Hannah Morgan Smith, Jessie Williams, and Kayla Seger represented our firm at the event, joining members of the community in support of The House of Promise and its work serving individuals impacted by s*x trafficking.

We are grateful for the opportunity to support this important mission and to stand alongside others committed to creating hope and meaningful change in our community. Thank you to The House of Promise for a meaningful evening and for the work you continue to do.

10/02/2026

Hiring the right municipal employee is only part of the challenge. How a municipality recruits, interviews, evaluates, and screens candidates can also create legal risk.

In our latest Municipal Law E-Letter, FSBR attorneys Janelle Orange and Chad Karsten outline 10 practical hiring guidelines for Michigan municipalities. The article addresses issues that can arise throughout the hiring process, including job descriptions, recruitment practices, applicant accommodations, standardized interviews, AI-assisted hiring tools, background checks, documentation, and employee retention.

Read “Hiring Without Headaches: Ten Hiring Guidelines for Michigan Municipalities”: https://fsbrlaw.com/2026/10/01/hiring-without-headaches-ten-hiring-guidelines-for-michigan-municipalities/

For a deeper discussion, join Janelle and Chad on Thursday, October 29, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. for our upcoming webinar, Hiring Without Headaches: Legal Risks, Common Pitfalls, and Best Practices.

The one-hour program will walk through practical steps municipalities can take to strengthen their hiring processes, improve recruitment outcomes, and reduce common legal risks.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dvtvTNnqRbKHtHFqeOnQ_A

Michigan municipalities continue to face significant hiring challenges. Competition with private employers, retirement-driven vacancies, shortages of qualified public-sector professionals, and persistent recruitment and retention concerns in police, fire, and EMS departments have made it increasingl...

09/25/2026

At the October 8 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Economic Club luncheon, Stacy Hissong of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC and Steve Roznowski, P.E., President and CEO of Spicer Group, will discuss Floods, Funding, and the Future: Michigan’s Water Infrastructure Challenge.



Stacy leads FSBR’s Environment and Water Resources practice and serves as general counsel to the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners. Steve brings more than 16 years of experience working on complex water resource and infrastructure projects across Michigan.



Together, they will examine what recent storm events have revealed about Michigan’s water infrastructure and a central question facing local governments: how to fund the improvements needed before the next major event occurs.



Learn more and register: https://members.lansingchamber.org/ap/Events/Register/EqFlvaRigC6C9

09/25/2026

How are Michigan courts approaching nonconforming uses and the zoning disputes that can follow?



FSBR attorney Christopher Patterson recently presented an educational webinar, 2025 Zoning Cases Review, Part II, examining recent Michigan decisions involving the nonconforming use doctrine and what municipalities should know when these issues arise.

Chris discusses cases involving the burden of proving a lawful nonconforming use, zoning estoppel and laches, changes or expansions to existing uses, and other issues municipalities may encounter when administering and enforcing their zoning ordinances.



For municipalities, the webinar offers a practical look at these recent cases and the considerations they raise for documenting existing uses, administering ordinances, and making enforcement decisions.



The full recording is now available on our website.



Watch the webinar: https://fsbrlaw.com/video/2025-zoning-cases-review-part-ii-the-nonconforming-use-of-doctrine/

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09/11/2026

Michigan communities have seen firsthand the damage severe weather and flooding can cause. With aging infrastructure and limited funding, preparing for the next major event is becoming increasingly important.

On October 8, FSBR Member Stacy Hissong will join Steve Roznowski, P.E., President and CEO of Spicer Group, at the Lansing Regional Chamber Economic Club luncheon for Floods, Funding, and the Future: Michigan’s Water Infrastructure Challenge.

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes is proud to sponsor the program.

Learn more and register: https://members.lansingchamber.org/ap/Events/Register/EqFlvaRigC6C9

09/10/2026

A broad FOIA request. A demand letter. A dispute drawing increased public attention.

Sometimes the warning signs of potential litigation appear before a lawsuit is ever filed. Recognizing them early can give a municipality valuable time to respond.

Join FSBR attorneys Eric Conn and Nichole Gertsen for “An Ounce of Prevention, A Bushel of Protection: Litigation Lessons Taught by the Apple,” a practical one-hour webinar for municipal officials. They’ll share lessons on recognizing warning signs, preserving records, involving insurers and counsel at the right time, and avoiding common missteps once a dispute is underway.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RGSC9rcKRY-TUZyiul6fsA

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: FSBR Presents: An Ounce of Prevention, A Bushel of Protection: Litigation Lesson Taught by the Apple. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.