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
June classes feature two classes in one day
Earned Sick Time Act and Your Township
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Check-in at 8:30 a.m. with coffee & pastries
Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) underwent major changes before it was signed into law this year—changes that directly impact your township’s policies and responsibilities as a public employer. Townships are employers, and even the smallest township likely has at least some employees subject to ESTA compliance.
This session is designed to help your township navigate the new requirements with confidence and provide clarity on your responsibilities. We’ll help you understand who is a township “employee” subject to ESTA compliance and clear the confusion on which employment laws apply to which people “at the hall.”
Dates & Locations
June 17: Northern Center at NMU, Marquette*
June 18: Otsego Resort Event Center, Gaylord*
June 24: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant
Click here to register now OR download the brochure here.
*Note: Online registration is now closed for June 17 & 18 locations. Contact MTA for assistance.
Register for the afternoon session, “Cemetery Challenges & Solutions” (below) and pay only $25 for the ESTA session! Discount applies when you register for both classes.
Cemetery Challenges & Solutions
12:50 to 5 p.m.
Check-in & lunch begin at Noon
Whether you’re new to cemetery oversight or looking to update your knowledge, this course offers practical insights and guidance into cemetery management fundamentals and modern operational strategies that respect tradition while meeting today’s community expectations. Let by MTA Consultant Cindy Dodge, a seasoned expert in township cemetery issues, this session will cover:
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Legal requirements and how to create or revise your cemetery ordinance
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Fee structures, budgeting, and addressing special management concerns
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The roles of cemetery staff and township officials, including sextons, clerks, and advisory committees
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Trends like green or natural burials and how they may affect your cemetery operations
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Dates & Locations
June 17: Northern Center at NMU, Marquette*
June 18: Otsego Resort Event Center, Gaylord*
June 24: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant
Click here to register now OR download the brochure here.
*Note: Online registration is now closed for June 17 & 18 locations. Contact MTA for assistance.
Register for this class plus “Earned Sick Time Act & Your Township” (above) being held in the morning, and get $25 off your total! Discount applies when you register for both classes.
MTA’s Now You Know webinar series provides training in bite-size pieces!
Next up: Join us at Noon on July 16 for
Mid-year Legislative Update
Join us for this insightful update where we’ll unpack the latest twists and turns from the Capitol—including the state budget and road funding. MTA’s Government Relations team will break down the 2025 session to date and share key issues at the forefront, measures on the horizon and their impact on your role as a township official—all in just one hour. You can join us live July 16 at noon, watch a recorded version later, or both! It’s a great way to stay ahead of the legislative tide.
Click here to register online now
Looking for more Now You Know topics coming up? Click here for the full 2025 schedule!
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!
Earned Sick Time Act & Your Township (In-person)
Cemetery Challenges & Solutions (In-person)
A Year Ahead in MTA Ed(ucation)
Wondering what other classes MTA is hosting in 2025? We’re glad you asked! Click here for a sneak preview so that you, and your entire township team, can plan ahead.
Love our Now You Know webinar series? Click here to see our upcoming schedule for the remainder of 2025!
CONTINUE THE LEARNING
New Releases: Did you miss it? Now available on-demand:
- The Perks of the Job: Understanding Municipal Benefits – Navigating employee benefits in the public sector can be tricky—but it doesn’t have to be. This webinar will help you understand your responsibilities, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your township remains compliant and competitive.
- Cloud Chronicles: Digital Records Management – This webinar is your ticket to mastering the art of digital records management, all in just one hour. Let us help you make your files work smarter, so you don’t have to work harder!
- Payroll Precision: Methods and Records –We’ll review 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.
Our Now You Know one-hour webinars feature a new topic every month. We record them every episode for on-demand access. Click here to see what’s available on-demand and get a sneak peak 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.