The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) announces its 2026-27 legislative priorities, following adoption of its policy platform by Association member township officials.
The MTA membership approved the Association’s platform at the MTA Annual Meeting, held last week in conjunction with its Annual Conference & Expo in Acme Township (Grand Traverse Co.). These legislative priorities will guide MTA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of Michigan’s 1,240 townships throughout the year.
“MTA’s member-adopted Legislative Policy Platform outlines priorities to help safeguard and enhance townships’ ability to continue to provide critical public safety, infrastructure, and essential programs and services, guided by residents’ needs and local decision-making,” said MTA Executive Director Thomas Hickson. “It also allows lawmakers and the public to see where we stand on a variety of key issues. We look forward to working with the Legislature and state policymakers to accomplish these goals.”
The policy platform outlines specific objectives within six broad categories—assessment and taxation, elections, environment and land use, intergovernmental relations, township operations, and transportation and infrastructure. Among MTA’s top priorities are maintaining local authority and keeping zoning decisions at the community level, securing guaranteed statutory revenue sharing for all townships through a dedicated state revenue source, and ensuring guaranteed funding replacement for property tax reform and property tax exemptions. The Association will also work for state funding for statewide replacement of election equipment, and advocate for state laws that allow township officials to solve local issues in a manner consistent with local values, priorities and needs rather than impose a one-size-fits-all approach.
The full MTA Legislative Policy Platform is available here.
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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.