What you envision for your township’s future won’t happen by accident, it’s built step by step and decision by decision. Building on the concepts outlined in his Conference keynote, Greg Bennick explores how leading with consistency brings authenticity to your work and momentum to your goals. He’ll show you how to keep your eye on mission critical and resist the allure of distraction. Come ready to be inspired, laugh a little and leave with a few new tricks to keep juggling all your township’s priorities in the air and your future goals firmly within reach.

Speaker: 2026 MTA Conference Keynoter Greg Bennick

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the talk of the town, but how do you know when AI is helpful and when it might land you in hot water? Join MTA Legal Counsel as we explore the good, the bad and the downright tricky sides of using AI. We’ll review pros, cons, common pitfalls and practical strategies for managing AI-generated submissions from residents and using AI to improve your township. You’ll walk away practical do’s and don’ts, guardrails to protect your township and a clearer view of whether AI fits your situation.

Speaker: Michael Bila, Attorney, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC

+ Fulfills requirements in MTA’s Red Book Ready program

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has gone high-tech—and so have the questions that come with it. This refresher breaks down how the FOIA has been amended and how court decisions provide guidance to navigate today’s digital FOIA landscape. Explore electronic records from the impact of electronic requests to secure ways to share digital records, including what retention and fee calculations look like in a world of inboxes and cloud folders. Plus, pick up practical tips for handling those repeated or supersized FOIA requests.

Speaker: Kathryn Zoller Stegink, Attorney, Mika Meyers

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a leadership challenge. In today’s world, bad actors don’t need hacking expertise, they can wreak havoc with basic tools, bad intent and a willingness to commit a crime. Your township needs more than firewalls—you need a plan. Learn how a little planning goes a long way and walk away with insights to guide your community through the chaos with composure and confidence.

Speaker: Josh Cook, Partner, Data Privacy and Security Practice Group, Prince Lobel

Fraud prevention starts at the top, and your township board plays a pivotal role in setting the tone. While audits are important, they don’t catch every risk. We’ll break down the board’s responsibilities, where audits help (and don’t), and key policy best practices to strengthen internal controls. Leave with actionable steps to enhance oversight, recognize red flags and foster a culture of accountability.

Speakers: Tyler Baker, CPA, Senior Manager, and Bethany Verble, CPA, CFE, CBPA, Senior Manager, Maner Costerisan, PC

Cut through the clutter! This session will help you sharpen your plain-language skills so your contracts, policies and ordinances say what you mean. We’ll share practical techniques for saying
more with less, and making documents concise, enforceable and easy to understand. You’ll walk away ready to simplify complex clauses, avoid common pitfalls and reduce misinterpretation before it begins.

Speaker:Laura Genovich, Attorney, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, PC

+ Fulfills requirements in MTA’s Red Book Ready program

Learn how township officials can use collaborative tools to create vibrant economic corridors. This session will explore practical tools like downtown development authorities and tax increment financing, tackle common cooperation hurdles, and provide you with strategies to foster growth while maintaining your local identity.

Speakers: Seth Koches and Rob Thall, MTA Legal Counsel, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC

In an era of evolving threats, staying alert isn’t optional, it’s essential. This practical, eye-opening session will sharpen your ability to read your surroundings and recognize concerning behaviors before they escalate. Explore environmental risks in township fieldwork—such as walking on or through private property—as well as at community events like farmers markets and festivals. We’ll also offer insights into potential threats in and around your township hall.

Speaker: Mike Wierenga, Co-founder, Two The Rescue, LLC

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

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