Andi Knapp earns township governance credential, will be first Michigan township official to complete township foundations learning series
Andi Knapp, Maple Valley Township (Montcalm Co.) clerk, has taken the next step to further enhance the effectiveness of her township by completing the Michigan Townships Association’s (MTA) Township Governance Academy (TGA). In addition, Knapp is also on track to be the first township leader in the state to complete MTA’s “Red Book Ready” (RBR) learning series. Through her participation in these intensive MTA education programs, Knapp both established a foundation of knowledge on township roles, and learned enhanced tools and decision-making processes that can help positively impact Maple Valley Township for years to come.
As a member of the TGA “Graduating Class of 2025,” Knapp was recently honored during a recognition ceremony before nearly 1,000 of her township peers at the Association’s Annual Conference, and will be honored for the RBR accomplishment at next year’s Annual Conference. The MTA programs helped to provide Knapp with a strong foundation of the government closest to the people and the critical services that townships offer to residents.
“I feel more confident in my role as a board member in local government,” Knapp said. “Completing these programs has given me a better understanding of my responsibilities and equipped me with the tools to help the board make efficient and lawful decisions.
“I plan to leverage the comprehensive knowledge and skills I’ve gained to serve my community and support my fellow board members. My goals include enhancing our decision-making processes, ensuring our governance is both efficient and legally sound, and fostering transparency and accountability throughout our local government.”
Knapp has been township clerk since 2022, and served on the township planning commission from 2021 to September 2022. She is president of the Montcalm County MTA Chapter, and previously served as vice president for two years, from 2022-2024. She achieved the designation of Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk in March 2025, following her graduation from the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerk’s Institute, and graduated from the Michigan Municipal League’s Women’s Elected Leadership Intensive, in which she was the only township clerk, in September 2024.
TGA is a voluntary credentialing program intended to provide township officials and leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and expanded skills needed to assist in making more effective decisions for the benefit of their township. The Academy, which challenges candidates to tie together learning and practical experience, consists of 11 courses and includes a requirement for elective credits. Created and administered by MTA, this program is designed to professionally challenge township leaders by offering new ideas, sharing best practices and providing a hands-on approach to dealing more effectively with everyday issues that the township may face.
Based on MTA’s foundational publication Authorities & Responsibilities of Michigan Townships—often called the “Little Red Book” by MTA members—the Red Book Ready learning program was developed to provide Michigan township leaders a comprehensive understanding of township government and enhance their public service to their community. Each of the book’s 17 chapters corresponds with one or more educational sessions to help enhance officials’ knowledge and build practical application.
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The Michigan Townships Association advances local democracy by fostering township leadership and public policy essential for a strong and vibrant Michigan.
Photo by David Trumpie, Trumpie Photography