Nearly 200 township officials from across the state convened in Lansing today for the Michigan Townships Association’s (MTA) 2026 Capital Conference to gather insights and information on key township issues at the forefront in Lansing, including housing preemption legislation and the critical need for preservation of local decision-making, protection of revenue sharing, and adequate funding and investments in Michigan’s communities.
“Today, township officials brought a united voice to Lansing to demonstrate the tremendous value—and pride—of townships in providing essential services, programs and quality of life to Michiganders,” said MTA Executive Director Thomas Hickson. “The number of legislative initiatives affecting our 1,240 townships is immense. MTA’s Capital Conference is an opportunity for local leaders to receive updates on key issues, and to share with lawmakers their insights and experiences on how legislation impacts their communities.”
During a networking lunch, legislators and staff met with officials from their districts, who were able to discuss their local government perspectives on critical matters being debated in the Legislature. The Capital Conference also allowed attendees to hear firsthand from experts on topics impacting townships in all areas of the state, including general sessions providing a legislative update, a countdown to the 2023 Census, discussion on data centers and renewable energy, and an outlook on state revenues. A panel of Capitol press corps members offered insights into the dynamics of the 103rd legislative session.
Additional session topics included property tax reform considerations and the effect on local government, changes in election administration, federal website accessibility requirements, and more. In addition to MTA legal counsel and other local government thought leaders, presenters included staff from the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources and Treasury, state Bureau of Elections, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, and the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.
“Today was about education and action,” said 2025 MTA President Kevin Beeson, supervisor of Pine River Township (Gratiot Co.). “Our Capital Conference connects local leaders with those who represent them in Lansing, to ask them to affirm their commitment to standing with township government and our ability to make decisions that impact our communities every day.”
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The Michigan Townships Association advances local democracy by fostering township leadership and public policy essential for a strong and vibrant Michigan.