8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Includes continental breakfast.
Approved by the State Tax Commission (STC) for four hours of assessors elective credit. 

Hey assessors, you won’t want to miss this motivational journey that walks you through the planning, preparation and navigation of the assessment cycle, from Tax Day all the way through the equalization process! We’ll share strategies for success, from setting goals to meeting quality standards, and demonstrate tried-and-true tips for improving time management, team leadership and process improvement for both the municipalities you serve and your peers in the assessing industry. Find ways to enhance your professional knowledge, competence and effectiveness.

Speaker: Shila Kiander, Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer, Director, Mecosta County Equalization

Learn more or get a registration form here, or register online now. (To register online for only this class, select “Pre-Conference only” then choose the class you wish to attend on the “Sessions” page.)

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Includes continental breakfast.
Satisfies STC training requirement for all uncertified assessing support staff. 

Get an in-depth review of assessing fundamentals from STC experts! Enhance your knowledge and understanding of the functions of the assessing office and ensure your township’s assessing process runs smoothly. Review valuation concepts, taxable and assessed value, board of review, equalization, and much more. All township uncertified assessing support staff—those who engage in assessment roll development, field work or provide assessment roll information to the public—must receive training once every two years. Ensure your assessing team is covered and prepare your township to pass the state’s assessment roll audit.

Speakers: David Buick, Executive Director, State Tax Commission, and Will Gast, Education Coordinator, Property Services Division, Michigan Department of Treasury

Learn more or get a registration form here, or register online now. (To register online for only this class, select “Pre-Conference only” then choose the class you wish to attend on the “Sessions” page.)

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Includes continental breakfast and lunch.
Valid for 6 TGA “Foundations: credits

MTA’s Township Governance Academy (TGA) goes beyond board meetings and budgets, enhancing your leadership skills and motivating you to take on the challenges and opportunities unique to those serving as township public servants. Regardless of your position with the township or amount of experience, the Academy will move you to a higher level of performance and make your service to your community more effective—and more rewarding. You don’t have to be enrolled in TGA to attend our pre-Conference class. If you decide to enroll within six months after this class, credit will be applied retroactively.

Course description:

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-today and emerging land use issues. 

Speaker: Steve Langworthy, land use expert and author of MTA’s planning and zoning guides

Learn more or get a registration form here, or register online now. (To register online for only this class, select “Pre-Conference only” then choose the class you wish to attend on the “Sessions” page.)

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Includes continental breakfast and lunch.

Who decides how a township spends money? Townships and the way they raise, spend and report money are governed by statutes, rules and best practices designed to protect the public’s money while enabling each township to perform mandated functions and other, optional, governmental expenditures for the public’s good. Every township board member is a trustee when you are sitting at the head table, with the fiduciary responsibility to know and make important decisions about the township’s revenues, expenditures and financial standing. Join us for a deep dive and gain insights into enabling statutes, fiduciary duties, revenue sources and lawful expenditures. We’ll also explore budgeting, capital improvements, financial reporting and lawful borrowing options. 

Speakers: MTA Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt; Rod Taylor, Senior Government Consultant, Maner Costerisan, PC; and Steve Mann, Attorney, Miller Canfield

Learn more or get a registration form here, or register online now. (To register online for only this class, select “Pre-Conference only” then choose the class you wish to attend on the “Sessions” page.)

Full day class
Includes continental breakfast and 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.

Download a registration form here or  Register online now.

Moderator: Rob Thall, MTA Legal Counsel, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC