pre-conference classes
At MTA, we know that your time is valuable. That’s why we design our Annual Conference & Expo to offer you the very best value for your time. Our educational line-up features something for every member of your township team, helping you stay on top of the ever-changing expectations of township officials.
But we don’t stop there! You can take your learning to the next level by joining one of our in-depth pre-Conference classes being held on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Separate registration fees apply. Room locations and event details will be provided in a “Know Before You Go” email sent prior to the event. Already registered for Conference but want to add a Pre-Conference class? It’s not too late—see below for instructions!
monday, april 20
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Defining Your Township's Land Use Future
+ F-102—6 credits 
+ Includes continental breakfast & lunch
What do you value in your community? What threatens those qualities you value and how can you protect it? In this session, attendees will learn about issues that must be confronted if your township’s planning efforts are to be successful. Review the role that the township board and your community play, and discover strategies for making effective land use decisions that will benefit your community well into the future. You’ll discover how to balance property rights with public interest, and get a better understanding of when, why and how your master plan should be reevaluated. Examine the purpose, process and legal requirements of your township’s master plan, and walk away with insights into a broad range of day-to-day and emerging land use issues.
Speakers: Catherine Kaufman, Seth Koches and Michael Bila, MTA Legal Counsel, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC
*To register for a Pre-Conference session only, after clicking the link above, choose a registrant, select “Pre-Conference only” then add the session you wish to register for.
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Assessors Renewal: Leadership by Design
+ Approved by the State Tax Commission (STC) for four hours of assessors elective credit
+ Includes continental breakfast
Just as the Mackinac Bridge rose from vision, planning and precise engineering, effective assessment administration is built on strong leadership and intentional design. Using the Mighty Mac as a guiding metaphor, this course ties timeless leadership principles with real-world responsibilities to help you span challenges, connect communities and create a solid structure that will endure. Explore how to rely on your “support cables”—advisors, peers and partners—to steady your office through changing times while staying within legal and ethical boundaries. And like the bridge’s rigorous maintenance program, you’ll learn preventative practices to keep your assessment operations strong and resilient.
Speaker: Shila Kiander, Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer, Director, Mecosta County Equalization
*To register for a Pre-Conference session only, after clicking the link above, choose a registrant, select “Pre-Conference only” then add the session you wish to register for.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Understanding Assessing Basics
+ Satisfies STC training requirement for all uncertified assessing support staff
+ Includes continental breakfast & lunch
This class ensures your assessing team meets the biennial training requirement for all non-certified staff (those who engage in assessment roll development, field work or provide assessment roll information to the public) and prepares your township to pass the state’s assessment roll audit. Get an in-depth review of assessing fundamentals and enhance your understanding of the functions of the assessing office to ensure your township’s assessing process runs smoothly. Explore valuation concepts, taxable and assessed value, board of review, equalization and more.
Speakers: Will Gast, Education Coordinator, Property Services Division, Michigan Department of Treasury; and Jocelyn Isenberg, STC Executive Director
*To register for a Pre-Conference session only, after clicking the link above, choose a registrant, select “Pre-Conference only” then add the session you wish to register for.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mapping the Money: Strengthening and Streamlining Financial Oversight
+ Includes continental breakfast & lunch
+ Fulfills requirements in MTA’s Red Book Ready program 
Learn practical strategies for strengthening internal controls, spotting inefficiencies and uncovering opportunities for improvement. We’ll start with the fundamentals of process mapping—a structured, visual technique that helps you clearly see how your financial operations actually flow. This allows you to identify every step and decision point, and quickly recognize potential risks, control gaps and areas ripe for streamlining. It’s an eye-opening tool every township should have in its toolbox. We’ll walk through real-world scenarios and practical examples showing how townships are using this process to improve accuracy, accountability and efficiency. In the afternoon, apply what you’ve learned to your own township processes. You’ll leave with practical tools, clear next steps and a customized process map—ready to share with staff and board members alike.
Speakers: Heather Farmer, CGFM, Senior Manager; Rod Taylor, Senior Governmental Consultant; and Bethany Verble, CPA, CFE, CBPA, Senior Manager, Maner Costerisan, PC
*To register for a Pre-Conference session only, after clicking the link above, choose a registrant, select “Pre-Conference only” then add the session you wish to register for.
9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Legal Institute for Township Attorneys
+ Includes continental breakfast & lunch
Connect with fellow municipal attorneys from across the state to discuss changes, updates and other trends affecting township government. MTA’s annual Legal Institute is the premier educational event for attorneys who serve Michigan’s townships. Your attendance keeps you informed on legal news and changes that impact your local government clients. Register on page 10; detailed registration materials will be mailed in January and available at michigantownships.org.
Moderator: Rob Thall, MTA Legal Counsel, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC
*This Pre-Conference session cannot be added during your main Conference registration; please use the registration form or use the Legal Institute online registration link above.
Already registered but want to add a pre-Conference session? Here’s how:
1) Click here to access your user profile (login required).
2) Under the Purchases tab, select Events.
3) Click the Details button next to your Conference registration and select Add Guest/Session.
4) Add a guest, if desired, or just click NEXT to choose the Pre-Conference class(es) you wish to add, then proceed through online checkout to pay the registration fee.
NOTE: Legal Institute cannot be added to a Conference registration; you must register separately using the registration form or the online Legal Institute registration (link coming soon!).
Should you have problems or need registration assistance, please contact MTA at 517-321-6467 x 226.