Township Governance Academy
Bringing township governance to a new level
The Township Governance Academy (TGA) is a voluntary credentialing program intended to give township board members and other leaders the knowledge and skills needed to make effective decisions for the benefit of their township. It’s designed to professionally challenge you and enhance your experience serving in your township.
The Academy offers new ideas, shares “best practices” in township government and provides a hands-on approach to help you deal more effectively with everyday issues that your board faces. The program consists of 70 required credits, obtained by attending a curriculum of 11 courses and earning electives credits. The coursework is divided into three categories:
- Foundations Courses (28 credits)
- Boardsmanship Courses (24 credits)
- Electives (18 credits)
After completing each course, TGA candidates will be asked to take the information they’ve learned a step further by trying out an idea or concept of their choosing in their township and then reporting the results to MTA using the Practical Application Commitment form. It’s a simple process, but one that will get you thinking and putting what you’ve learned into action. For more information about TGA, download an informational brochure here or email tga@michigantownships.org.
Why enroll in TGA? Click here for a message from TGA instructor Sue Radwan, who helped MTA design this exciting, innovative credentialing program.
The entire TGA curriculum is available in our Online Learning Center so you can embark on your journey online, when and where it works best for you! Click here to browse our virtual classrooms. Please note that a graduation requirement is to complete at least two of the 11 courses in person. Why? Graduates report that one of the most valuable parts of the program is the connection they develop with their peers in the classroom on their path to graduation—something that simply cannot be replicated online.
Earn up to 14 credits at the Winter Academy
Three topics, two days, one great location!
Get insights into your role on (and with) the board, techniques for improving group decision-making and a better understanding of your township’s authority in serving your residents. Join us at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth this January 13-14, 2026 for one (or all!) of the courses described below:
- Board Roles & Relationships: a morning class held Jan. 13 reviewing individual roles (like watchdog, supporter and communicator) and the impact they have on the board and within your community.
- How Boards Make Decisions: an afternoon class on Jan. 13 offering techniques that maximize the effectiveness of group decisions and guide your board to make informed choices with improved outcomes (and less headaches)!
- At Your Service – Meeting Township Needs: a full-day class on Jan. 14 exploring authority, funding, legal requirements and risk management that comes with providing services to the residents in your community.
Register online now or download the full brochure here!
Discounted on-site lodging is available for event registrants; click here for online reservations or call 888-775-6343 and mention the group block number 1417NQ.
You don’t have to walk alone on your path to graduation
MTA’s new TGA Companion Program pairs graduates who’ve completed the Academy with candidates seeking support and advice. Whether navigating coursework, projects or the political nature of bringing something to the board’s attention and moving it forward, your TGA Companion can serve as trusted ally in your pursuit of excellence in governance.
Interested? Email tga@michigantownships.org.
Upcoming in-person
TGA courses:
Winter Academy Jan 13-14 in Frankenmuth.
Online TGA courses:
The entire TGA curriculum is available on-demand in MTA’s Online Learning Center! Click here to browse the catalog of virtual classes.
Earn elective credits FREE via Township Focus articles
Participants enrolled in the Township Governance Academy (TGA) may obtain 2 elective credits for successful completion of quizzes accompanying qualifying articles that appear in MTA’s Township Focus. To obtain credit, participants must answer 10 multiple-choice questions by selecting the correct answer and receive a passing score of 70 percent.
Network with fellow TGA candidates on MTA’s Community Connection forum
Join the TGA Group on Community Connection where you can share tips, discuss course content or PAC projects, and ask real time questions of your TGA candidate peers.
Click here to join.
Apply for a TGA Scholarship
Thanks to our main sponsor–BS&A Software–along with our supporting sponsors, Acrisure Insurance, ITC Holdings and Foresight Group, several “Governance in Action” scholarships are available to elected officials in member townships, based on demonstrated financial need and other criteria. Applications must be received at the MTA office by May 1, 2026 to be considered for a scholarship the coming year. Click here to submit your application today!