Wayne Beyea, AICP

Senior Attorney
Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes
Williamston, Michigan

Wayne Beyea brings more than 35 years of experience in zoning, planning, land use law, and economic development. As both a licensed attorney and a certified planner (AICP), he offers a distinctive combination of legal and planning expertise that helps communities navigate complex land use and infrastructure challenges.

Wayne works with municipalities, planners, and development professionals on matters involving zoning ordinances, renewable energy siting, economic development initiatives, and community planning strategies. His work often focuses on helping communities evaluate large-scale projects—such as utility-scale solar—while balancing regulatory requirements, land use impacts, and long-term community goals.

Before entering private practice, Wayne spent 25 years as a faculty member with Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design and Construction and with MSU Extension. He taught courses on Land Use Law, Planning Practice, and Urban Resilient Redevelopment, and helped launch the nationally recognized MSU Extension Citizen Planner program.

Wayne has also served as a planning commissioner and zoning board of appeals member, giving him first-hand insight into how land use decisions affect communities and how planning boards operate in practice. He remains active in the planning community and has received numerous honors, including the MSU Extension John A. Hannah Award for program excellence.

Disclosure information not submitted.

Presentation(s):

• Building Climate Resilient Utility-Scale Solar for Extreme Weather

  Sunday, April 26, 2026
  9:30 AM - 10:15 AM CT