Michigan Townships Association
The zoning board of appeals (ZBA) has a unique function for the township. As the zoning appeals body, every decision the ZBA makes has legal consequences and carries more legal exposure and risk for the township than just about any other township body.
This May, MTA legal counsel is leading an afternoon class explaining how the ZBA serves as a safety valve in circumstances where zoning requirements don’t fit. Together we’ll explore how variances approved without sufficient justification can turn the safety valve into a leak, and a leak into a flood.
Other topics covered include the ZBA’s authority, duties and roles, including use of alternates and when a conflict of interest might exist. Dig into ZBA review standards, variances, appeals of administrative decisions and interpretations, and more!
Join us on May 15 in Gaylord, May 22 in Frankenmuth, or May 29 in Kalamazoo. The workshop is held from 1 to 4:30 p.m.; lunch is included and will begin at noon.
Team MTA is packing up our resources, publications and municipal experts and heading north to the Island Resort in Harris (west of Escanaba) for two full days of education, networking and fun! The program is packed with informative sessions featuring topics relevant to the entire board, and some tailored to the duties specific to your township position—all with an educational emphasis targeting our northern township officials. You can join us for a session, a day or both days, based on your areas of interest. Save the dates (July 23 & 24) and watch for more details soon!
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 May 8:
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.
Coming up on Wednesday, June 5: Blight Buster
Looking for past episodes? Click here.
See one you missed? Click here to watch it on-demand now!
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.
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 […]
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.
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.
Like to plan ahead? Want to know what’s happening in advance? MTA has you covered.
Ready to take the next step in your learning journey? MTA’s Township Governance Academy is an innovative credentialing program designed exclusively for township officials and leaders in Michigan. Get started today.
Individuals must first be added to your township roster in our database in order to be registered. All clerks from member townships have authorization to make changes to other individuals on the township roster from the MTA website. For detailed instructions, click here.
Not the clerk, but need to make updates?
Please complete this form or email a list of your updates to database@michigantownships.org. Be sure to include township/county, as well as name, title and email address for each new individual. An email address is required to access any live or on-demand online training, or to receive event or purchase confirmations. Email addresses must be unique, and may not be used for more than one individual at a time.
Looking for help with MTA’s online training?
