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.

New Version of this course coming soon!

Township Finances (F-103)

Oversight of township finances is a fundamental statutory duty of township boards. Good governance demands that every board exercise effective oversight of all township assets, including human and physical resources. This course explores how township boards can achieve a greater degree of control over the township’s financial position and assure that resources are directed to address the township’s highest and greatest needs.

*The entire TGA curriculum isavailable on-demand in our Online Learning Center. Click here to browse our virtual classes.

 

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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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 March 7, 2025 to be considered for a scholarship the coming year.

This deadline has been extended to March 21, 2025. Click here to submit your application today!