Michigan Townships Association
This full-day event offers practical, real-world insights designed to cut through complexity and bring clarity to what matters most—from navigating legal pitfalls and avoiding costly missteps, to financial fundamentals and staying ahead of legislative changes. Engaging, relevant and grounded in everyday township challenges, every session is built to help you ask better questions, spot risks sooner and make more informed decisions for your community. Whether you’re strengthening your foundation or fine-tuning your approach, this is your one-stop event for sharper thinking, stronger oversight and smarter governance.
Discover the educational sessions below! Download the full brochure here.
September 22 | Bay Valley Resort, Bay City
September 23 | American 1 Event Center, Jackson
September 29-30 | UP North Summit, Island Resort, Harris
October 7 | Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville
October 8 | Holiday Inn Grand Haven-Muskegon, Spring Lake
October 13 | Treetops Resort Conference Center, Gaylord
Sept. 22 – Bay Valley Resort, Bay City
$130/night + taxes (reserve by Sept. 8)
Call 989-686-3500 and reference this event.
Sept. 23 – American 1 Event Center, Jackson
Click here for a map of nearby hotel options.
Sept. 29-30 – UP North Summit, Island Resort, Harris
$100-$120 + taxes/fees (reserve by Aug. 31 for best availability)
Call 800-682-6040 and reference MTA Up North Summit or use Booking ID 28316.
Oct. 7 – Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville
$159/night + resort fee/taxes (reserve by Sept. 15)
Call 855-520-2974 and reference this event.
Oct. 8 – Holiday Inn Grand Haven-Muskegon, Spring Lake
$139 + resort fee/taxes (reserve by Sept. 16)
Call 616-846-1000 and reference MTA or this event.
Oct. 13 – Treetops Resort Conference Center, Gaylord
$98 + resort fee/taxes (reserve by Sept. 28)
Call 855-261-8764 and reference this event.
Led by MTA's Government Relations Team
Gain insights into the new fiscal year’s budget and the latest laws impacting your township. Hear about the legislative priorities shaping the 103rd session, what lies ahead for the remainder of the session, and how your involvement can help make a difference
Led by Michigan Department of Treasury's Local Audit & Finance Division
A practical look at fiscal best practices, preparing for potential downturns and recognizing financial stress. Learn proactive strategies to maintain stability, respond to red flags and understand the steps to take if your township is already facing financial trouble.
Led by MTA Legal Counsel, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC
Sometimes the biggest lessons come from the biggest mistakes. Review legal landmines, unintended consequences and “wait … can we do that?” moments that trip up townships. From well-intentioned decisions to costly oversights, we’ll help you spot trouble early and avoid common pitfalls.
Led by MTA’s Member Information
Services Team
Special meeting notices, Freedom of Information Act deadlines, meeting procedures—some questions come up again and again. Join us as we tackle the most frequently asked township questions. You’ll get practical answers, useful reminders and a chance to have your own questions addressed by MTA experts.
Led by Rehmann Public Sector
financial experts
An audit presentation should be more than flipping through financial statements and nodding along. Get an insider’s take on the audit process to learn what questions you should be asking and what details deserve a closer look. Unpack who should be talking to whom and when, and turn your audit into a powerful tool for oversight.
Led by USDA Rural Development State Director of Michigan Dom Restuccia
Dreaming bigger for your community? Learn how townships can access funding and partnership opportunities to support infrastructure, public facilities and essential services that may otherwise be out of reach through local revenues alone
Regional Meetings meet our UP North Summit
September 29-30 | Island Resort & Conference Center, Harris
When MTA’s Regional Meetings series reaches the U.P., it expands into two days of education, networking and fun! The return of our popular UP North Summit offers ample time to connect and explore the current issues facing townships, bringing more sessions and even more value.
Summit registrants get the same education (and networking) featured at the downstate regional events described above, PLUS evening activities and the educational sessions described below.
Led by Michael Bila, MTA Legal Counsel, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC
Explore timely (and complex!) land use issues like renewable energy, data centers and short-term rentals, while gaining practical insight into defensible enforcement.
Led by Cindy Dodge,
Owner, LOR Consulting
Packed with practical tax collection tips you can put to work right away. From deadlines and delinquent taxes to legal requirements, common pitfalls and everyday best practices, get insights you need to stay organized, informed and ahead of the game.
Led by Michael Selden, MTA’s Member Information Services Director
Meetings don’t have to be painful, minutes don’t have to be mysterious and the Open Meetings Act doesn’t have to keep you up at night. Expect practical guidance, real-world examples and—knowing Mike—probably a story or two along the way
Led by State Fire Marshal
Thomas Hughes Jr.
Designed to spark ideas and fuel better decision-making—get an update from the state Bureau of Fire Services on the hottest issues facing township fire departments.
Led by Cindy Dodge,
Owner, LOR Consulting
Whether intentional or not, every decision tells a story. So what story is your township telling? Move beyond “the way we’ve always done it” by rethinking whether your resources are reflecting the image you want for your community’s future. Get practical strategies for spending with purpose.
Join us for an evening of fun, laughter and competition after the first day of education.
Join us for an evening of fun, laughter and competition after the first day of education.
2026 UP North Summit sponsors
