Michigan Townships Association
Michigan Townships Association
Make the most of your lunch break with our monthly learning series, Now You Know. These live one-hour webinars provide timely updates, insights from experts and a chance to get your questions answered in real time. You can join live, watch a recording later, or both. Read on for details!
Coming May 13 at noon:Every well-managed cemetery starts with a solid ordinance—so let’s dig into what yours should include. First, you need an ordinance that’s set in stone. Join MTA consultant, Cindy Dodge—a frequent speaker for the Michigan Association of Municipal Cemeteries—on a walk through a township cemetery ordinance and listen in as she uncovers key elements every ordinance should possess.
Whether you’re reviewing an existing ordinance or starting from scratch, she’ll help you uncover areas that need refreshing and dust off outdated provisions so you can rest assured your township’s cemetery ordinance is well-grounded to stand the test of time.
Can’t participate live? Each Now You Know session is recorded so you can watch at your convenience. Register now and we’ll send you a link when the recorded version is posted in our Online Learning Center. There you’ll find the full lineup of past episodes and much, much more!
Good news! May 13th’s Now You Know counts as full credit for Chapter 16: Other Township Statutory Duties in MTA’s Red Book Ready (RBR) program.
Not yet enrolled? More info about this unique learning journey is here.
In fact, 2026 is full of lunchtime webinars that count towards RBR! Look for the red book icon wherever MTA courses are listed, including the full 2026 schedule below.
Is your township subscribed to MTA Online at the Premium level? You get FREE access to all Now You Know webinars during your subscription year, plus past episodes! To join live, register online to get the link and helpful reminders; your Premium Pass discount will be applied at checkout.
To watch previously recorded sessions, sign in at learn.michigantownships.org and click on My Webcasts for a list of titles.
Use the links below to register for access to recent webcast recordings. Premium Pass members have FREE on-demand access! Looking for previous episodes? Please click here to log in for the complete listing in the Online Learning Center.
The Compliance Countdown FREE webcast now available on-demand! The deadline for your township website to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements is quickly approaching. MTA teamed up with Kyle Shumaker from the Shumaker Technology Group to learn what “accessible” means, how to tell if your website is compliant and how to keep it compliant. Click here for free resources, handouts and more.
Cloud Control: Navigating Data Center Impacts (for officials & staff from MTA-member townships & counties only) – Townships are already fielding data center proposals that raise complex questions about zoning, infrastructure capacity, energy use, taxation and local control. Learn how to ask the right questions, identify potential risks and respond thoughtfully and lawfully to data center projects. To view the on-demand version, register here.
P&Z: NIMBY is Not an Option, Now What? MTA’s staff attorney gives a quick history of why zoning exists, along with an intro to how your team can be prepared for (and respond to!) the next new thing.
Wait, Who’s Supposed to Do That? – The law assigns township elected officials specific duties and responsibilities, and sets forth rules or guidelines for those roles. But there are many routine actions that are not governed by statute. Are these “additional non-statutory duties” that should be compensated, or are these just part of the job?
Governmental Immunity: Wait, I Can Get in Trouble for That?! – Ever wonder where the line is between your responsibilities and personal liability? MTA’s legal counsel Seth Koches breaks down governmental immunity in plain language—explaining what protections exist for townships (and their officials!) and where the limits are.
Revenue Sources: Coins in the Couch – All townships must set their 2025 tax rates by the end of September. Are you ready? MTA staff attorney Catherine Mullhaupt provides an overview of revenue sources, including property taxes, and the ways different types may—or may not—be used.
Coverage Matters: Surety Bonds & Insurance 101 – Break down the fundamentals of township insurance and surety bonds in plain terms, from what types of coverage your township should have to knowing when it’s time to pick up the phone and call your agent.
Preventing Chaos: How to Manage Records – Whether you’re new to the field or looking to refine your skills, you’ll gain practical tips on improving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding your township’s records–all in just one hour!