The Association

The Michigan Townships Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1953 to provide a unified voice for Michigan's township governments. MTA is proud to claim more than 99 percent of the 1,240 Michigan townships as members.

The MTA staff and board of directors are committed to helping MTA's 6,500 member township officials govern their townships more efficiently and improve the services they provide to Michigan’s four million-plus township residents.

MTA provides information on all facets of township operations and responds to requests for information from township officials by forwarding appropriate materials, researching questions, sending written responses or answering telephone queries, and making presentations.

MTA also provides:

Numerous sample documents, including ordinances, job descriptions, contracts and agreements;

Resource toolkits;

Office consultations; and

County chapter visits and communications.

Through quality, affordable, needs-driven educational products and services, MTA provides township officials with accurate and timely information to better understand their statutory duties and become more knowledgeable about effective township management practices. MTA also provides educational programs for township employees and, to a limited extent, other audiences, to aid in their understanding of township government.

Workshops
From accounting to zoning, MTA offers a variety of educational programs to help elected officials provide more efficient services to their township residents. More than 50 educational programs are offered each year. Workshops are held at locations throughout the state to bring state and federal legislative information, township news and educational opportunities right to your doorstep. MTA also offers the Township Governance Academy, to challenge township officials in their quest to be effective local leaders.

Annual Educational Conference & Expo
As a member, you can also take part in the Annual Educational Conference & Expo in January, which provides two days of professional development PLUS optional Pre-Conference specialized tracks. This event features more than 60 different workshop sessions and an exhibit hall with over 120 booths displaying products and services addressing township needs. The Association’s annual meeting is held in conjunction with the conference. At this meeting, MTA’s executive officers are elected, and legislative resolutions are adopted.

Publications
The official MTA magazine, the Michigan Township News, is sent monthly to all MTA members to keep them informed of township issues, state and federal legislative news, workshops, and township activities and achievements. In addition, the Communications Department publishes an bi-weekly electronic newsletter, mt@newswire, which features the latest news and updates affecting townships.

 

Numerous publications are also available for purchase on a variety of topics, such as the authorities and responsibilities of township officials, effective board meetings, managing the township, parliamentary procedure, on-call fire departments and budgeting.

Influencing legislation, policy and regulations by representing townships before the Legislature, the executive office and state agencies are at the heart of MTA’s mission. MTA initiates and monitors legislation that is in the best interest of townships and follows it through the legislative process.

Member townships are kept informed of the status of legislation through the monthly publication Capitol Currents. Members can sign up for a weekly Legislative Fax, and Grassroots Fax Alerts are sent when immediate legislative action is needed.

Policy Platform
Each year, MTA members have an opportunity to form the Association’s legislative goals for the year by introducing and voting on resolutions.

Capitol Conference & Summer Legislative Forum
Capitol Conference (March) and the Summer Legislative Forum (August) allow MTA members to gather and meet with their state legislators and get up-to-date information on issues affecting townships in Michigan.