Michigan Townships Association

Professional Development Retreats

MTA Retreats bring record attendance to Harbor Springs

As a leader in your community, you are expected to have solutions for a wide variety of challenges. How do you ensure you are equipped to anticipate, and develop strategies to overcome, virtually any situation that arises?

MTA’s 2023 Professional Development Retreats, held at The Highlands in Harbor Springs over the last several weeks, offered training covering a wide variety of topics and teaching valuable skills to 500 township officials from across the state.

We took an in-depth look at elections changes, provided updates on the latest hot topics in planning and zoning, discussed statewide issues such as renewable energy siting and dealing with declining population trends, learned tips for managing those “hot potato” issues no one wants to touch, and heard from experts on how to ensure you’re prepared to handle any question your residents may ask–even on camera–so you don’t become the next internet sensation.

Retreat attendees gained knowledge and perspective on a wide variety of issues, with each retreat tailored to their role in the township. But just as important as the knowledge are the connections made. Networking opportunities such as meals and the evening event offered the chance to connect with fellow officials, to meet with vendors of popular products and services specific to townships, and to glean more insights from the municipal experts who taught each session. 

All in all, the 2023 MTA Professional Development Retreats offered knowledge, skills and connections you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Miss out on the live Retreats? Don’t worry! Several of the MTA Retreats were recorded and will be available for purchase as an on-demand version. Watch this website or visit the Online Learning Center at learn.michigantownships.org for more details coming soon!