Michigan Townships Association

LIVE Webinars:

4 p.m. on Sept. 30: Emergency Preparedness Programs

4 p.m. on Oct. 7: Michigan EMS Update

Available on demand soon:

Fire Protection for Marijuana Facilities

Hot Topics from the State Fire Marshal

'Hot Topics' for Township Fire Departments

Get a handle on the hot topics facing your township's fire department and emergency services team with MTA's newest live webinar series. This annual event gone virtual is designed to offer an update on emerging issues in emergency services and a chance to hear directly from the experts. We've divided this year's content into four separate hour-long LIVE webinars, held at Wednesdays at 4 p.m. (Dates appear in the left column.) Can't attend the live portion? Watch the recorded version on demand at your convenience. Takeaways include:

• Insights into how the unique design and use of marijuana facilities bring considerable risk for fire.

• The inside scoop from the state fire marshal on training and changes being proposed by the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council.

• Statewide initiatives and emergency preparedness programs that can help you identify steps you can take to prepare your community.

• An update on emerging issues in EMS from the director of the state's EMS & Trauma Division.

Don't delay, register today! MTA members may register online and choose a new option to bill their township.

We're taking the MTA show "Off the Road"

The learning doesn't have to end while we're practicing social distancing. MTA is still here for you and dedicated to keeping you connected and informed. Next month, instead of traveling the state for our annual MTA On The Road regional meeting trek, we'll be coming to your home or office with our "Off the Road" virtual summit! That's right-you'll still get each amazing component of our in-person regional meetings, all from the comfort and safety of your home or township hall. Learn more ...

This series is sponsored by:

Have you heard about MTA's new lunchtime learning series?

It's your standard lunch and learn gone virtual! In our new live series, Now You Know, MTA will be hosting live webinars every month, during the lunch hour, on issues that matter to townships. We'll also be answering your questions in real time. You provide the lunch and we'll provide the learning! 

Next up: Budgeting... It's a Process
Wednesday, Oct. 7 from Noon to 1 p.m.

Smart money-management is simply a matter of mind over money. The same holds true for your township budget. It’s critical to begin with the things every township is required to provide—assessing, tax collecting and elections—and then prioritize the most important things your township wishes to accomplish. As many townships begin the process for their upcoming fiscal year, budgeting this year could be even more of a challenge, with COVID-19 providing a hit to local and state revenues.

With that in mind, MTA brings you Budgeting … It’s a Process. Connect with MTA’s Government Relations Director Judy Allen for the latest on the state budget and our entire Member Information Services team—Director Michael Selden, Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt and Liaison Cindy Dodge—as they share what you need to know about budgeting, and how it translates down to your township as you prepare your budget to continue to provide services and programs to your community. Hope to “see” you there!

Learn more here or register online now.

Calling all treasurers, deputies! MTA webinar will offer tax collecting tips you need

Whether newly elected or seasoned seeking refresher you won’t want to miss Treasurers’ Guide to Tax Collection, offering an overview of the tax collection process from start to finish. This webinar, coming to you live in November and December, highlights everything from preparation of the tax bill through summer and winter taxes, all the way to accounting for (and disbursement of) collections. Participants will take away tips on duties, deadlines and important dates on the tax calendar. We’ll even tackle some of the more challenging aspects, including summer tax deferments, delinquent personal property tax collection methods and settlement.

Registration information coming soon!

Will your township have new officials joining your board this fall?

No one understands townships or your roles and responsibilities like the Michigan Townships Association. We are here to help those new to township government get up to speed on their roles and responsibilities. We’ll be offering in-depth New Officials Training in December and January. This intensive training, geared to ALL offices, is designed to introduce those new to the board to what they need to know as they attend their first meetings and take on administrative duties. We’ll share our municipal expertise, offering insights into the “hows and whys” of township government. Breakout sessions are targeted to each office.

Registration information coming soon!

Election Tips and Fundamentals

Townships vary dramatically in size and location, but they all have elections in common. Every township runs elections, and each of you are challenged with doing so safely. While some logistics are tried and true, other new procedures for handling hurdles like COVID-19, cyber-attacks, AV ballots and more, must be put into place.

MTA can help! Our newest webcast series Elections Tips and Fundamentals is designed to help you navigate these new challenges and provide tips to help you organize and prioritize your elections.

Register yourself online now OR use this form to register via fax or mail. Click here to register groups or another individual.

Now available on demand:

Taking Your PC & ZBA Meetings Virtual
Mining Operations & Short-Term Rentals
Intro. to P&Z for Wind & Solar Energy
P&Z for Utility-Scale Solar Energy

Emerging Issues in Planning & Zoning

Not only has it gone virtual, we've divided this half-day class into four separate hour-long webinars, offering both a how-to guide and real-life practical experiences.  If you missed the live events, don't worry, recordings of each segment are available on demand in our Online Learning Center.

• Get tips for how your planning commission and zoning board of appeals can navigate the new virtual environment we've all been thrust into during the pandemic.
• Dig into mining operations and short-term rentals and gain insights into how townships can mitigate the legal issues while addressing the concerns of its residents.
• Review the fundamentals of planning and zoning for both wind and solar energy and learn more about utility-scale, non-residential solar arrays.

Click here to register now!

 MTA ONLINE PREMIUM & PLUS MEMBERS: This series is available to you at no additional cost! Simply login to the MTA Online Learning Center then click on My Webcasts to find this title (and dozens of others!) and start watching today!

MTA Online: Discounted online learning packages

Planning to take advantage of more remote learning over the next year? Start your annual subscription today and get unlimited access for your entire township team. Descriptions of the various levels and packages were mailed to every township. Did you miss it? Click here to learn more about MTA Online.