This free, self-paced learning journey takes you through MTA’s “little red book” chapter by chapter. Earn credits by completing courses that take you deeper into the topics covered within each chapter. These courses will help you develop broad awareness of township roles and responsibilities, and ensure you are equipped for any challenge facing your community.
Michigan Townships Association
Upcoming Training
Thinking of expanding your knowledge and skills through online learning? Throughout the month of November, MTA members can enjoy half-off almost every on-demand webcast in our catalog! Unlock quality training from the comfort of your home or office—simply visit MTA’s Online Learning Center to browse the 100+ courses available, add your selections to your cart, then enter discount code Thanks at checkout. You’ll get immediate access, with up to a year to watch (and re-watch!) each course. Offer valid Nov. 1-30, 2025. Check out the full catalog at learn.michigantownships.org.
MTA’s live monthly webinar series offers a new topic every month!
Join online November 19 at noon for:
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. Duties like who sets the board agenda, who serves as the Freedom of Information Act coordinator, who is the webmaster, who will oversee hall rentals/use and more!
Are these “additional non-statutory duties” that should be compensated, or are these just part of the job? Take away a better understanding of who’s doing what and assigning additional duties, including options for compensation—all in just one hour!
Click here to learn more or register online now.
Looking for more on-demand training? Visit the Now You Know page for past and future topics or visit the Online Learning Center for a full listing of online classes.
Hone your leadership skills this January with MTA’s 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 your colleagues from around the state at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth this January 13-14, 2026, for any (or all!) of the courses 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.
Have you heard about MTA Online?
Is your township considering purchasing an annual subscription to MTA’s Online Learning Center? Click here to read all about it OR Click here to see a list of what’s included in each of the three levels.
Ready to log in and start learning, but need a little guidance? For a written approach, download or print this Getting Started with MTA Online document.
Still have questions? Email education@michigantownships.org to learn more about how your entire township team can get unlimited access today.
To subscribe (or continue your subscription), click here.
The Township Governance Academy (TGA) is a voluntary credentialing program that was created to give township board members and other local leaders the in-depth 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 as an elected official.
Eliminate travel costs and schedule conflicts with this convenient, affordable option that delivers education directly to your desktop. Learn at your own pace (and convenience!) from the comfort of your home, office or township hall. Purchasing individual webcasts a la carte, or get access for your entire team with an annual subscription package.
Upcoming MTA Training
Click the links below for more details!
Wait, Who’s Supposed to Do That?! (online)
Winter Academy in Frankenmuth, Jan 13-14 (in person)
Love the Now You Know monthly lunch webinars?
Click here to see upcoming topics for the remainder of 2025!
CONTINUE THE LEARNING
New Releases: Did you miss it? Now available on-demand:
- 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. On-demand link coming soon!
- 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!
The Now You Know one-hour webinars feature a new topic every month. We record every episode for on-demand access. Click here to see what’s available and get a sneak peek of what’s coming up next.
Ready to take the next step in your learning journey? MTA’s Township Governance Academy is an innovative credentialing program designed exclusively for township officials and leaders in Michigan. Get started today.
Need to register new members of your township team for an MTA training?
Individuals must first be added to your township roster in our database in order to be registered.
All clerks and treasurers from member townships have authorization to make changes to other individuals on the township roster from the MTA website. For detailed instructions, click here.
Please complete this form or email a list of your updates to database@michigantownships.org. Be sure to include township/county, as well as name, title and email address for each new individual. An email address is required to access any live or on-demand online training, or to receive event or purchase confirmations. Email addresses must be unique, and may not be used for more than one individual at a time.
For tips on navigating a live streamed class, visit www.mta.events.
For help getting started with an on-demand webcast visit our Online Learning Center’s Getting Started page, or check out our FAQs page.