Michigan Townships Association

Upcoming Training

MTA’s Online Learning Center is home to a wide variety of webinars all designed with township officials in mind. From assessing to zoning, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your township team. We recognize how valuable your time is, that’s why we record our classes. We also strive to provide value, so this month you’ll receive 50% off these recorded classes. Choose from dozens of topics and watch on-demand at your convenience. Visit learn.michigantownships.org to get started; use discount code March2024 when you check out.

Upcoming In-Person Training

Show Me the Money

A Township Board Primer on Raising, Spending and Reporting Township Money
April 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (includes light breakfast & lunch)

Who decides how a township spends money? Townships and the way they raise, spend and report money are governed by statutes, rules and best practices designed to protect the public’s money while enabling each township to perform mandated functions and other, optional, governmental expenditures for the public’s good. Every township board member is a trustee when you are sitting at the head table, with the fiduciary responsibility to know and make important decisions about the township’s revenues, expenditures and financial standing. Join us at that Grand Traverse Resort April 22 for a full-day financial deep dive where you’ll glean insights into enabling statutes, fiduciary duties, revenue sources and lawful expenditures. We’ll also explore budgeting, capital improvements, financial reporting and lawful borrowing options.

Download a registration form here or register online now.

Defining Your Township’s Land Use Future  

April 22, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (includes continental breakfast and lunch)

What do you value in your community? What threatens those qualities you value and how can you protect it? This full-day class, coming to the Grand Traverse Resort on April 22, takes you in-depth on land use fundamentals including issues that must be confronted if your township’s planning efforts are to be successful. We’ll review the role that the township board and your community play, and offer strategies for making effective land use decisions that will benefit your community well into the future. Learn how to balance property rights with public interest, and get a better understanding of when, why and how your master plan should be reevaluated. Walk away with insights into a broad range of day-today and emerging land use issues. 

Download a registration form here or register online now

Assessors Renewal: March Madness

Approved by the State Tax Commission (STC) for four hours of assessors elective credit

April 22, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (includes light breakfast)

This motivational learning journey walks you through the planning, preparation and navigation of the assessment cycle, from Tax Day all the way through the equalization process. Join us at the Grand Traverse Resort and discover strategies for success, from setting goals to meeting quality standards. We’ll demonstrate tried-and-true tips for improving time management, team leadership and process improvement for both the municipalities you serve and your peers in the assessing industry.

Download a registration form here
or register online now.

Understanding Assessing Basics

Satisfies the State Tax Commission (STC) training requirement for all uncertified assessing support staff

April 22, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (includes continental breakfast)

All township uncertified assessing support staff—those who engage in assessment roll development, field work or provide assessment roll information to the public—must receive training once every two years. This full-day class, held at the Grand Traverse Resort on April 22, satisfies the STC training requirement. It’s an in-depth review of assessing fundamentals, led by STC experts, that will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the functions of the assessing office and ensure your township’s assessing team is prepared to pass the state’s assessment roll audit. 

Download a registration form here or register online now.

MTA’s Annual Conference offers three days of education and inspiration for township officials.

Our signature event, the Annual Conference & Expo returns to the Grand Traverse Resort April 22-25, 2024—connecting YOU with municipal experts, inspiring speakers and nearly 1,000 of your fellow officials. Educational offerings feature 50 timely township topics and our expo brings more than 100 municipal vendors. You’ll find all the details—from classes to highlights and hotel options to registration forms on our Conference webpages, conveniently packaged here or in the January issue of your Township Focus magazine. Click here to register online now or make your lodging reservations here. 

MTA brings you a new live webinar every month!

Make the most of your lunch break with MTA’s lunchtime learning series, Now You Know. These live monthly one-hour webinars provide timely updates, insights from our experts and a chance to get your questions answered in real time. 

Sign up now for our next episode coming to you live at noon on March 22, 2024:

Legislative Insights

Get the latest on today’s political landscape and its impact on township authority. We’ll share the inside scoop on the current measures being debated and how you can make a difference as well as what’s on the horizon for local governments. MTA’s Government Relations team will also outline key measures in the governor’s executive budget proposal, MTA’s legislative priorities, the impact of an election year and so much more, all in just one hour!

Click here to register online now

 

Next Up: Join us Wednesday, April 10 for:

Public Use of Township Property and Facilities

Because a township is “the government,” the relationship status for a township and its property is complicated. Who “owns” township property? Does “publicly owned” mean “open to the public?” Who decides how a township’s property will or will not be used or accessed? Every township board member needs to be aware of the legal issues regarding township real estate, facilities and equipment. Get a better understanding of the board’s role and responsibilities including when to involve the township’s attorney or other consultants all in just one hour. Click here to register now

 

Coming up on Wednesday, May 8:

Cemetery Services

Cemeteries were originally considered memorial parks. That changed over time and cemeteries evolved to just being a place of burial. In today’s world, families seek different options for memorializing their loved ones. They also look to cemeteries to provide other community services or interests, like historical walks, running and walking, tours, and other events. Join us as we review ways your township can offer updated burial services and learn how to incorporate your cemetery into your overall park plan.  Click here to register now.

Looking for past episodes? Click here.

2024 Now You Know Schedule

See one you missed? Click here to watch it on-demand now! 

Wondering what’s in your MTA Online subscription?

MTA Online logo subscriptions

Is your township considering purchasing an annual subscription to MTA’s Online Learning Center? Click here to read all about it OR Click here to see a list of what’s included in each of the three levels.

Ready to log in and start learning, but need a little guidance? For a written approach, download or print this Getting Started with MTA Online document. 

Still have questions? Email education@michigantownships.org to learn more about how your entire township team can get unlimited access today.

To subscribe (or continue your subscription), click here.

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Red Book Ready

Each chapter within the “little red book” corresponds with a class (or two!) that takes you deeper into the topics covered within that chapter. Given that classes vary widely in time and depth-from 75 minutes to several hours-you may need to take more than one to get the job done. Some classes may cover an […]

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Township Governance Academy

The Township Governance Academy (TGA) is a voluntary credentialing program intended to give township board members and other local leaders the knowledge and skills needed to make effective decisions for the benefit of their township. It’s designed to professionally challenge you and enhance your experience serving as an elected official.

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MTA Online Learning Center

Eliminate travel costs and schedule conflicts with this convenient, affordable option that delivers education directly to your desktop. Learn at your own pace (and convenience!) from the safety of your home office or township hall.

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