Conference On-Demand
Can’t make it in person? Prefer online learning?
You can still get the inspiration and important education with our Conference On-Demand! We’re recording the most popular portions of our Conference, so you can watch and learn at your convenience. This includes recorded access to 10 educational sessions (plus digital handouts!) and three main-stage events to watch on-demand for one year after purchase (recordings will be available in May). Note that sessions will not be live-streamed.
This valuable package also allows in-person attendees to get even more education! If you’re planning to attend but already know you can’t possibly catch every session that interests you, you can purchase the Conference On-Demand add-on for just $50. Already registered but want to add Conference On-Demand? See below for instructions.
From the Main Stage
Opening Session
The MTA Annual Conference is truly an event like no other—and it all kicks off with the inspirational Opening Session. Join us as we unite to welcome and honor the dedicated public servants—including newly elected officials—who work each and every day for their community. This morning is a true celebration of the Unique and United nature and power of township government. Following the always-moving presentation of colors and Township Parade of Flags, help us honor the Township Governance Academy graduating class of 2025. Attendees will also hear from MTA leadership, including 2024 President Connie Cargill and Executive Director Neil Sheridan, on the incredible impact that can result when Michigan’s Unique and United townships work together for better communities and a better Michigan.
General Session
In a world where change is happening faster than ever before, confidence becomes the bedrock upon which effective leadership is built. Our 2025 Conference Keynoter Juan Bendaña will help attendees explore the pivotal role confidence plays in driving both individual and collective success within local government. Drawing on the Conference theme Unique and United, Bendaña will delve into how embracing your unique strengths while fostering unity among your township team can lead to resilient, vibrant communities. Explore practical strategies that improve and inspire confidence, while staying grounded in the real-world challenges that township leaders face. Whether you’re a seasoned official or new to the role, our General Session will equip you with tools to lead with greater energy, courage and a renewed sense of purpose. Discover how, by uniting your unique strengths with those of your fellow township team members, you can drive united, meaningful change in your community.
Speaker: Sam Beland, Government Records Analyst, Records Management Services, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
Annual Meeting
Take part in the final, but critically important, event of the Conference—our Annual Meeting. The business meeting for the Association, this morning event is your opportunity to help guide MTA’s future direction, as delegates cast their vote on proposed policies to be included in MTA’s 2025 Policy Platform (only elected officials from member townships may vote). In addition, attendees participate in the installation of the Association’s new president, officers and newly elected district directors. During the meeting, 2024 MTA President Connie Cargill will also be recognized for her dedicated service to the Association.
Key Breakout Sessions
Big Picture Capital Improvement Plan Funding
Resources are available that enable your township to fund long-term holistic plans for your entire community. We’ll dig into long-term capital improvement plans and help you turn those forecasts into a realistic funding plan! Discussion includes funding options such as cash reserves, grants and bond financing of projects. Specific project finance examples include water and sewer projects, and lead service line replacements. We’ll also cover the State Revolving Fund, USDA Rural Development and open market bond issuance processes.
Speaker: Andy Campbell, CPA, Bendzinski & Co., Municipal Finance Advisors
Budget Development and Forecasting
Forecasting revenues is a fundamental part of budgeting and financial planning for your township’s future, allowing you to anticipate resource availability and plan accordingly. Review budgetary concepts and legal requirements, explore best practices for preparing, adopting and monitoring your township’s budget, and walk away with techniques for short- and long-term forecasting.
Speakers: Brian Camiller, Partner, Government Vertical Leader, and Carolyn Lorenz, Senior Manager, Plante Moran
Speaker: Sam Beland, Government Records Analyst, Records Management Services, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
Building Bridges: Confidence as the Catalyst for Collaboration
Confidence isn’t just a personal trait. It’s a powerful tool for uniting diverse perspectives and driving effective collaboration within your township board and community. Building on his Conference keynote address, Juan Bendaña will provide hands-on strategies to harness confidence in yourself, and others, to foster a more cohesive and collaborative environment. Discover how to leverage your confidence to bridge gaps between differing opinions, cultivate trust among your peers, and create a culture where every voice is valued.
Speaker: MTA 2025 Conference Keynoter Juan Bendaña
Choosing the Right Township Manager: A Recruitment Roadmap
Gain insights into the key stages of recruitment of your next township manager. We’ll review common pitfalls and offer strategies for negotiating, managing expectations and ensuring the right fit for your township team. Learn tips for working with a recruiter to ensure a successful, seamless selection of a manager who fits your community’s needs.
Speaker: Stacy Belisle, Attorney, McGraw Morris, PC
Elections Update
Hear directly from the Secretary of State’s office and state Bureau of Elections on the hot issues in Michigan elections. We’ll share the lessons learned from 2024 general elections, including early voting, absentee voting and more.
Speaker: Kristi Dougan, Manager, Training and Elections Assistance, Michigan Bureau of Elections, Michigan Department of State
Fundamentals of Municipal Financing
How do townships borrow money under Michigan’s public finance laws? From financing fire trucks to municipal buildings to water and sewer systems, get invaluable information on the laws and procedures governing municipal borrowing. We will answer the age-old question, “Why can’t the township just get a loan from the bank?”
Speaker: Steve Mann, Attorney, Miller Canfield
Powering Up: What Public Act 233 Means for Your Township
Stay informed on the latest developments in renewable energy and how Public Act 233 of 2023 is reshaping the siting of large-scale renewable energy projects. Join MTA legal counsel for expert insights that will clarify new requirements, explore practical implications for your township, and share valuable lessons learned from real-life experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve on this important issue.
Speaker: Catherine Kaufman, MTA Legal Counsel, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC
Practical Approach to Records Management
Get an overview of records management from retention and disposal schedules to storage and destruction techniques. Walk away with tips for email retention and reproduction, and ways to tame your “paper tiger.”
Speaker: Sam Beland, Government Records Analyst, Records Management Services, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
Stay in Your Lane: Working With Your Road Commission
Explore the options and benefits of partnering with your road commission to fix the damn roads. You’ll learn practical strategies, hear about unique collaboration efforts, and walk away with insights into what works and what doesn’t!
Speaker: Mark Timmer, Managing Director, Oceana County Road Commission
Zoning for Your Community Identity
Townships across the state are rediscovering the power of local zoning to shape their destinies. With development pressure coming from many corners—the housing crisis, renewable energy buildout, state and national efforts to rebuild the industrial base, and more—township leaders are finding their zoning ordinances and administration capacity stretched in new and challenging ways. This session will discuss how to develop your community identity and vision, and how to translate that vision to zoning language. We’ll also dive into how to create local zoning, even if you’ve never had it before.
Speakers: Christopher Khorey, AICP, Vice President, Kyle Mucha, AICP, Senior Planner, and Hunter Whitehill, AICP, Senior Planner, McKenna
Already registered but want to add Conference On-Demand? Here’s how:
1) Click here to access your user profile (login required).
2) Under the Purchases tab, select Events.
3) Click the Details button next to your Conference registration and select Add Guest/Session.
4) Add a guest, if desired, or just click NEXT then choose the Conference On-Demand Add-on. Then, simply proceed through online checkout to pay the registration fee.
Should you have problems or need registration assistance, please contact MTA at 517-321-6467 x 226.
The Conference On-Demand package also includes:
Discounts on MTA publications—Browse the nearly two dozen publications geared exclusively to township government in the MTA Store, and save up 15% on MTA books when you order before July 31!
MTA Expo info—Receive a listing (including contact information) and resources from MTA Expo vendors who can offer tools and services to streamline programs, systems and services within your community. From attorneys to engineering firms, software companies to environmental services, these vendors are available to help you discover ways to run your township more efficiently.
Session recording assistance provided by 