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!
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.
Hey Assessors, Looking for CE credit?
Registration is now open for Assessing Uniqueness, a half-day class coming to Grand Rapids on March 31. This course outlines best practices for assessment administration and has been approved by the State Tax Commission for four hours of elective credit. Learn more here or register online now.
March class offers helpful refresh for both new and seasoned officials on the fundamentals of board authority, responsibility, roles
Where do township get their authority? What must townships do? What may a board choose to do? And how do we come together to get it all done?! Gain insights into managing your township’s day-to-day operations at this full-day class coming to Grand Rapids on March 31. You’ll walk away with practical tips for keeping a productive focus on what matters most. Learn more here or register online now.
Take a deep-dive into township finances
MTA teams up with financial experts from Maner Costerisan for a full-day class on Township Finances. We’ll explore 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. Join us March 31 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids and learn what every board needs to do to protect the township’s financial assets. Learn more here or register online now.
Legal Institute for Township Attorneys returns March 31
Connect with fellow municipal attorneys from across the state to discuss recent changes, court opinions and other trends affecting local government at MTA’s Legal Institute for Township Attorneys. This annual event, coming to the Amway Grand Plaza on Monday, March 31, is held in conjunction with MTA’s Annual Conference & Expo. It’s designed for attorneys who serve Michigan’s townships to keep you informed on legal news and changes that impact your municipal clients. Learn more here or register online now.
MTA’s Now You Know series brings you a new live webinar every month!
Join us April 16 at Noon for:
Cloud Chronicles: Digital Records Management
Ready to make your records work for you? Join us as we team up with the Records Management Services Team from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget for the second in our three-part webinar series. We’ll show you how to transform your records management into a smooth, efficient, process. 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, not harder!
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!
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:
- 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.