Each chapter within the “little red book” corresponds with a class (or two!) that takes you deeper into the topics covered within that chapter. Given that classes vary widely in time and depth-from 75 minutes to several hours-you may need to take more than one to get the job done. Some classes may cover an […]
Michigan Townships Association
Upcoming Training
MTA's Board of Review Training is back!
Every board of review member (and alternate) must complete State Tax Commission-approved training at least once every two years. This year, MTA is offering 10 in-person Board of Review Training classes, plus several online dates to help your township meet the requirement. We’ve got advanced training too!
Whether you need to satisfy the biennial training requirement OR are seeking next level training, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what we’ll discuss:
- PA 660 Required Training for Board of Review Members (Approved by the STC, meets the biennial training requirement): An overview of the board’s role and statutory authority, how to handle protests, July and December boards of review, key items and updates for 2025.
- Advanced Training: Board of Review Management (For those who’ve already met the training requirement; this class does NOT meet the STC’s training requirement): Procedural changes, best practices for minutes and agendas, administration of paperwork and forms, how to respond and when to punt to your assessor, 2025 trouble spots and hot topics, key points of the PA 660 audit. *Advanced class is only available at Gaylord, Mt. Pleasant and Jackson.
Prefer online training? Choose from three live online Basics classes, or one Advanced class:
- Feb. 6: 4 to 8 p.m. – PA 660 Required Training
- Feb. 18: 1 to 5 p.m. – PA 660 Required Training
- Feb. 28: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – PA 660 Required Training
- Feb. 27: 1 to 5 p.m. – Advanced Training (does not meet STC training requirement)
Online participants in the PA 660 classes must keep their cameras on and remain visible for the full duration of class and complete a quiz at the end to receive certification.
Continue the learning with MTA’s Board of Review Guide
In-person attendees may purchase the 2025 edition for the discounted onsite rate of $37.40 per book (member rate only; non-members, call for rates). Books will be distributed at check-in. Online registrants pay $44 which includes shipping and handling.
Winter weather make you nervous? Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will keep us from our educational offerings. The show must go on! MTA does NOT issue refunds for registrants choosing not to attend a workshop due to inclement weather. If you deem travel conditions unsafe, please know that we allow last-minute switches to either the online version of the course (for no extra charge), or to another in-person class (for a $25 administrative fee) when space at other locations allows. Please call MTA at 517-321-6467 in advance to check on availability for in-person switches or email education@michigantownships.org to request a switch to the online class.
See your registration confirmation or the event brochure for further details.
Register now for MTA’s 2025 Conference & Expo
MTA’s signature event returns to Grand Rapids March 31 through April 3— connecting YOU with municipal experts, inspiring speakers and more than 1,000 of your fellow officials. Premier education includes 55 timely township topics targeting the changes, requirements and expectations of today’s local leaders. The expo features more than 100 municipal vendors offering services that can help you improve your community. Visit MTA’s Conference webpage for all the details or download the full registration brochure here.
Did you miss out on MTA’s New Officials Training?
Get started off on the right foot with online training, offering the same great content in a convenient, on-demand format!
As a newly sworn-in township official, you are taking on a role that requires leadership, strategic decision-making, and effective administration. Beyond fulfilling legal duties, you must lead proactively, engage the community, and manage township resources with transparency and efficiency.
The on-demand recorded version of MTA’s New Officials Training can help you hit the ground running! Review the “hows and whys” of township government, explore the duties and responsibilities of both the township board and your specific role. Registration includes access to a special breakout session for your elected office.
You’ll not only get access to the recorded class to watch whenever (and wherever!) works for you, if you register by Jan. 24 you’ll also be invited to join us online for a live Q&A specifically for your elected office. Our experts will join in a special Zoom meeting where you can get your toughest questions answered in real time. Each live Q&A begins at 10 a.m. on the following dates:
Clerks: Jan. 27 Supervisors: Jan. 28 Treasurers: Jan. 29 Trustees: Jan. 30
For immediate access, click here to register online now!
Prefer to invoice your township? Click here to register. Please allow 2-3 business days before access is granted to the on-demand course if using this registration method.
MTA’s Now You Know series brings you a new live webinar every month!
Join us February 12 at Noon for:
Record Ready: Basic Record Management
Join us as we team up with the Records Management Services Team from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget for the first in our three-part webinar series. We’ll begin with a review of the different types of records and explore how retention and disposal schedules can assist and protect your township. This webinar will help you understand and comply with your recordkeeping responsibilities all in just one hour!
Click here to register online now.
Looking for what’s next in the Now You Know series? Click here for the full 2025 schedule of dates and topics!
Wondering what’s in your MTA Online subscription?
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 intended to give township board members and other local 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 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 safety of your home office or township hall.
Upcoming MTA Training
Click the links below for more details!
New Officials Training (in-person)
FREE MTA Q&A on Obligating ARPA Funds (online)
MTA Board of Review Training (in-person and online)
MTA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo (in-person)
CONTINUE THE LEARNING
MTA has training to help your township navigate the transition following the November election AND for getting your new officials up to speed.
Our Now You Know one-hour webinars feature a new topic every month. Can’t make the date? We’ve recorded them for on-demand access. Here’s what’s coming up and available on-demand:
- Coming up on Jan. 22 at Noon: Is Your Township Ready for the Earned Sick Time Act? – Join MTA and experts from Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PC to learn more about this new law that goes into effect in February and it’s impact on your township.
- On-demand: Legislative Wrap-up: What’s in, out and what’s to come – Hear from MTA’s legislative team about the impact of the election, legislative action during lame duck, plus issues expected to be addressed in the new session.
- On-demand: Onboarding New Officials: Getting Started Right – This webinar helps incoming officials hit the ground running! Including tips for accessing critical MTA resources.
Prefer in-person or more in-depth training? We’re hosting full-day classes designed just for newly elected officials.
- New Officials Training | Available in-person or online: A full-day intro to township government, responsibilities of the board plus breakouts covering the duties specific to each elected office.
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.