A Township of Excellence is defined as a strong, vibrant community governed by a township board, which adheres to best practices to deliver quality programs and services to accomplish community-driven goals.

This designation program encourages and allows all townships to take an introspective look at how they operate and areas where they excel at meeting the needs of their community.  This program has been described by some township officials as a wonderful benchmarking tool, which is the case since the program exists to help you do what you do even better than before. 

Criteria

The application is designed to provide each township with the opportunity to excel.  Although there are 11 sections that make up the application-governance, financial stewardship, assessment administration, tax collection, emergency services, land use management and economic development, transportation, utilities and cemeteries-do not be discouraged by its length. The application and Checklist offer a step-by-step approach to assist townships in completing the process.  (Note that if the township does not provide utilities or cemeteries, they are able to opt out of those sections.)

These 11 sections were selected because they encompass the majority of duties, responsibilities and services that townships provide.  Doing only what is required by statute in each section does not determine excellence in this program.  This program is designed to push townships to go above and beyond what is required by law to provide the best possible service to its residents. 

Two Ways to Apply
There are two ways a township can apply for the designation.  The first is the Township of Excellence designation.  To apply for the full designation, a township must complete the requirements and provide requested documentation in each of the 11 sections. 

If a township isn't prepared to apply for the full designation-because they do not meet all of the requirements in each section-a township may apply for a Certificate of Achievement in an individual section.  The Certificate of Achievement is a way for townships to build toward fulfillment of achieving the full designation or for those townships who excel in one or more sections to receive recognition.

Length of Designation
Township boards may apply for the designation after the board has served together for six months.  The designation is good until the end of the four-year township board term.  A township may reapply for the designation in each new term, with no limit to the number of terms that a township may be recognized as a Township of Excellence.  Certificates of Achievement follow the same timeline as the Township of Excellence.

MTA encourages all township boards to take the time to review this application and seriously consider applying for the designation.  This designation program honors townships that go above and beyond in their service to residents.  Having your township receive this distinguished honor will help create an identity and sense of community pride for residents and business leaders. 

Click here for the Guidelines and Application.
Click here for the checklist and sample resolution.