Michigan Townships Association

Township Governance Academy

Township Governance Academy

Township Governance AcademyTownship Governance Academy logo
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. 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.

Join us in January for MTA’s Township Governance Winter Academy

Three timely township topics over two days in one great location!

MTA can offer 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!

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.

Apply for a TGA Scholarship
Thanks to our main sponsor--BS&A Software--along with our supporting sponsors, Acrisure Insurance Group, 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. The scholarship deadline for 2025 has passed. Interested in applying for consideration in 2026? Submit your completed application to MTA by May 1, 2026.
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TGA Group on Community Connection
Join the TGA Group on Community Connection where you can interact and ask real time questions of your TGA candidate peers.
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Online classes
Several of the required courses in the TGA curriculum are available in MTA's Online Learning Center for purchase and viewing at your convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! To obtain credit, you must purchase and view all segments/parts of the webcast, submit the standard PAC form and receive a minimum passing score of 70 percent on the quiz offered following the last segment of the course. *Note that you must attend at least two in-person TGA courses for credit in order to graduate.*
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Upcoming TGA classes
The TGA curriculum will repeat on a regular basis, so you can enroll in the program at any time taking courses as they work out in your schedule. Once you enroll in the Academy, retroactive credit will be applied for courses attended within six months prior to enrollment.
Questions?
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.
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Upcoming TGA Training

Winter Academy (in person)

Earn elective credits FREE via Township Focus articles
Focus magazines

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. 

Click here to get started!

Searching for TGA Forms?

Practical Application Commitment (PAC) Form

Overall Tracking Form

Final Project Reporting Form

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!