The deadline is approaching to implement new rules on making your website compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A professional website developer and MTA Legal Counsel break down what it means to make a website “accessible” and just how costly it can be to ignore the new rules. Learn best practices and simple, actionable steps to ensure compliance by the 2026-2027 deadlines.

Speakers: Michael Bila, Attorney, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC; and Kyle Shumaker, President, Shumaker Technology Group

Closed sessions can be one of the most confusing—and scrutinized—parts of the Open Meetings Act (OMA). Don’t miss this practical overview of the act, with a focus on when—and how—a public body may properly enter closed session. We’ll walk through the most common closed-session scenarios, frequent compliance pitfalls and real-world examples that can trigger public criticism or legal challenge. Walk away with concrete guidance to conduct meetings confidently, protect attorney-client communications and maintain public trust.

Speaker: Alexandra Page, Attorney, Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler, PC

Step into the latest election landscape with a clear, concise briefing from the state Bureau of Elections. This annual session cuts through the noise to deliver what’s new, what’s changing and what you need to know right now. Get expert guidance, practical insights and answers to your most pressing questions. Walk away informed, confident and ready for the year ahead.

Speaker: Kristi Dougan, Training and Elections Assistance Section Manager, Michigan Bureau of Elections, Michigan Department of State

Disagreements are inevitable, it’s how we handle them that make the difference. Explore practical strategies for keeping discussion on track when opinions clash. Learn techniques for staying calm and communicating clearly when tensions run high. Walk away with tools to turn conflict into collaboration.

Speaker: Susan Radwan, Owner, Leading Edge Mentoring

Townships are primarily funded by property taxes, including general law voted or allocated operating millage or charter township millage, as well as extra-voted millages for lawful township purposes. Whether you are in a large or small general law or charter township, you need to understand how your property taxes work—from how to use property taxes along with other lawful options for funding township programs and services. All township board members are involved in making strategic choices for funding the township’s budget; join us for a discussion of the factors you need to consider.

Speaker: Catherine Mullhaupt, MTA Staff Attorney

Get a comprehensive overview of the additional state reporting requirements that must be completed alongside your township’s annual financial statements, including the essential F-65 report. You’ll learn about each required state report, their purposes, deadlines, and how to properly prepare and submit them to ensure compliance with the state.

Speakers: Heather Farmer, CGFM, Senior Manager, and Adam Frost, Manager, Maner Costerisan, PC

This informative session combines the financial expertise of both municipal advisors and bond counsel. We’ll begin by demonstrating how utility rate studies can offer insights into your township’s water and wastewater improvement costs and provide tips for rate management and capital spending, including the impact of Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule. A discussion on options for financing lead service line replacement and infrastructure improvements, including USDA Rural Development and the State Revolving Fund, rounds out the session.

Speakers: Steve Mann, Attorney, Miller Canfield; and Andy Campbell, CPA, Municipal Financial Advisor, Bendzinski & Co.

Although most townships process payroll “the way it’s always been done,” it may not be right! Learn when you must pay employees (including paid on-call staff!), what the basic requirements of minimum wage and overtime calculations are, when compensatory or flex time can be utilized (safely!) and much more from employment law experts.

Speakers: Helen “Lizzie” Mills and Kayla Seger, Attorneys, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC

With input from fellow township members across the state, learn about the proposed 2026 Policy Platform from a panel of MTA directors who serve on the MTA Legislative Policy Platform Committee. Committee chairs will discuss the proposed changes and receive feedback from members attending. This session will allow you to learn the rationale behind the proposed changes as well as get questions addressed prior to the Annual Meeting, where the proposed policy platform will be formally adopted.

Speakers: Members of the MTA Board of Directors and MTA Government Relations Staff

Discover strategies for expanding your township’s housing options without sacrificing local character. We’ll review practical zoning approaches that align with your township’s size and infrastructure, and offer insights into crafting ordinances that encourage housing diversity and support affordability while thoughtfully addressing common concerns. We’ll explore proven approaches—such as accessory dwelling units, lot-size flexibility and mixed-use districts—along with solutions like brownfield housing amendments, community land trusts and land banks.

Speaker: Wayne Beyea, JD, AICP, and Trent Cunningham, Attorneys, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC