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
Gain a better understanding of township planning and zoning at MTA’s May workshops
Whether you’re a member of the township board, planning commission or zoning board of appeals, your knowledge of the planning and zoning process is vital to your community. MTA can help! Join us as we team up with MTA Legal Counsel from Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC for this practical evening class offering an in-depth overview of the basic elements of an effective planning and zoning program. We’ll review:
- Sources of township planning and zoning authority
- The structure and function of the planning commission and ZBA
- The role of the township board
- Elements of master plans and zoning ordinances
- Key strategies for effective decision-making
To register, choose your location below or download the full brochure here. Don’t wait, classes fill up fast and seating is limited!
Event Details: Registration check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. Class in session 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
June brings MTA’s newest double feature
Join MTA in June for in-person sessions covering two timely township topics. We’ll begin the day with a review of Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), its impact on your township, and how to comply with ESTA requirements. Then, spend the afternoon exploring the fundamentals of cemetery management and administration. Both courses are taught by MTA Consultant Cindy Dodge, who has a background in human resources and is an expert in township cemetery issues. You may attend both sessions (at a discount registration rate!),or select the class that interests you most.
Dates & Locations:
June 10: Commonwealth Center, Jackson
June 17: Northern Center at NMU, Marquette
June 18: Otsego Resort Event Center, Gaylord
June 24: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant
Read on for details or click here to register now!
Earned Sick Time Act & Your Township
Class is held from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.; includes coffee & pastries
Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act underwent significant revisions before it was signed into law earlier this year, and it’s essential for townships to understand how these changes affect their responsibilities as public employers. Join us as we review key provisions in the act, how it impacts your township, and policy updates you should make immediately. Designed to help townships navigate the new requirements with confidence and clarity, this session provides clarification on how it applies to deputies, election workers, firefighters and your assessor. You’ll receive practical scenarios and ample time for Q&A to ensure you walk away prepared to update your policies and implement them effectively. Whether you’re managing policy updates or overseeing leave time, we can help ensure your township stays compliant while supporting your township team.
Click here to register now OR download the brochure here.
Cemetery Challenges & Solutions
Class is held from 12:50 to 5 p.m.
Check-in & lunch (included) begin at Noon
Township cemeteries provide a positive personal service to residents during a difficult time. MTA can help you gain a better understanding of the rules, regulations and other important aspects of cemetery management. We’ll dig into elements of green or natural burials and other options that many conventional cemeteries are incorporating. We’ll also:
- Review the legal obligations for cemeteries, including content and procedures for adopting a cemetery ordinance
- Explore fees and other budgeting and financial aspects, including tips on dealing with special cemetery management issues
- Examine the role of advisory committees, cemetery sextons and other caretakers, as well as the duties and responsibilities of the clerk and township board.
Click here to register now OR download the brochure here.
MTA’s Conference On-Demand offers more than 15 hours of recorded content from our signature event
Did you miss out on the 2025 MTA Conference? You can still get the inspiration and important education with our Conference On-Demand! We recorded the most popular classes so you can watch and learn at your convenience. This includes access to 10 educational sessions (plus digital handouts!) and three main-stage events to watch on-demand for one year after purchase (starting in May).
This valuable package also allows in-person attendees to get even more education! If attended in-person, you can purchase the Conference On-Demand add-on for just $50. (Discount applies automatically at checkout for Conference registrants.)
Join us at noon on June 11 for:
Preventing Chaos: How to Manage Records
This lunchtime webinar will review essential strategies for organizing, storing, and maintaining records effectively. 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! You won’t want to miss the last segment in our three-part webinar series with the experts from Records Management Services at the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. You can join us live at noon on June 11, watch a recording later, or both.
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!
Introduction to Planing and Zoning (In-person)
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: On-demand version coming soon
- 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.
- New Officials Training – An introduction to township government including responsibilities of the board plus breakouts covering the duties specific to each elected office. Learn more here.
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.