Tracy Butcher, Atlas Township (Genesee Co.) trustee, has taken the next step to further enhance the effectiveness of her township by completing the Michigan Townships Association’s (MTA) Township Governance Academy (TGA). Through her participation in this intensive program, Butcher has established a foundation of knowledge on township roles, and learned enhanced tools and decision-making processes that can help positively impact Atlas Township for years to come.
As a member of the TGA “Graduating Class of 2025,” Butcher was recently honored during a recognition ceremony before nearly 1,000 of her township peers at the Association’s Annual Conference. The Academy helped to provide Butcher with a strong foundation of the government closest to the people and the critical services that townships offer to residents.
“The Township Governance Academy has been an invaluable experience, providing me with comprehensive understanding of township governance,” she said. “While many of the principles align with my background in business, education and leadership, this program deepened my knowledge and honed my skills specifically for public service at the township level. It has been an outstanding foundation for my role as a trustee, equipping me with the insights and tools necessary to serve my community.
“We create the communities we live in through service, leadership and connection. Graduating from the Township Governance Academy has empowered me to govern with purpose, collaborate effectively and help shape a stronger future for our township.”
TGA is a voluntary credentialing program intended to provide township officials and leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and expanded skills needed to assist in making more effective decisions for the benefit of their township. The Academy, which challenges candidates to tie together learning and practical experience, consists of 11 courses and includes a requirement for elective credits. Created and administered by MTA, this program is designed to professionally challenge township leaders by offering new ideas, sharing best practices and providing a hands-on approach to dealing more effectively with everyday issues that the township may face.
In addition to graduating from the Township Governance Academy, Butcher will also be among the first township leaders in the state to complete another MTA learning series, Red Book Ready. Based on MTA’s foundational publication Authorities & Responsibilities of Michigan Townships—often called the “Little Red Book” by MTA members—the Red Book Ready program was developed to provide Michigan township leaders a comprehensive understanding of township government and enhance their public service to their community. Each of the book’s 17 chapters corresponds with one or more educational sessions to help enhance officials’ knowledge and build practical application.
Butcher is serving her first term on the Atlas Township board, following her election as trustee in November 2024. She previously served on the township’s master plan advisory council. A local business owner, she has been an officer for the Goodrich Atlas Chamber of Commerce, including as its secretary and acting secretary and has been chamber treasurer since 2022.
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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.
Photo by David Trumpie, Trumpie Photography