Free MTA Online Subscription Trial

  • Registration Closed

Explore MTA Online with Our Exclusive Trial Offer

MTA’s Online Learning Center is home to a wide variety of recorded webinars designed with township officials in mind. From assessing to zoning, you’re sure to find something for every member of your township team, at every stage in their public service career. To make it even easier, and more affordable, MTA developed annual subscription packages giving everyone on your township team (yes everyone!) access to all of the courses included in that package for one yearly rate, with no additional “per person” fees. If your township hasn't tried an MTA Online subscription in the past, now is your chance! 

Throughout October, MTA is offering a free trial so you can try before you buy! That’s right, we hand-selected 12 of our most popular webinars so you can watch and learn for FREE, when and where it works for you. No credit card required, simply register before Oct. 31 and you'll have access through Dec. 31, 2024. This special offer is available by invitation only to MTA-member townships who are not current or past MTA Online subscribers. 

Get training on a variety of township topics, including:

  • The Role of the FOIA Coordinator
  • Keep Calm & Carry On 
  • A Leader Worth Following
  • Financial Reporting: from Revenue to Red Flags
  • Planning for a Millage Question
  • Spending Public Money
  • The Art of the Agenda
  • Cemetery Management
  • Building a Better Budget
  • Roles & Functions of Zoning Board of Appeals
  • Civil & Collaborative Leadership
  • Geez, I Wish I Hadn't Said That!

Register now to take advantage of this exclusive* offer! 

Interested in registering your entire township team for the free trial? Email your request to education@michigantownships.org by Oct. 31. For questions about the MTA Online program or this free trial, email us at education@michigantownships.org  or call 517.321.6467 ext. 234.

*Offer is not valid for townships who are current subscribers at any level or who have subscribed in the past. Non-members are NOT eligible.

 

Search by Category
Search by Format
Sort By
Search by Keyword
  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    When leaders work together effectively, they are more likely to make meaningful progress in serving the needs of their township. This webinar delves into techniques for developing a strong township team.

    Typical township leadership teams are made up of hard-working, honorable, conscientious people with a genuine intent to serve. However, municipal leaders across the nation are reporting a growing need to figure out how to work together in respectful and productive ways to achieve results for the communities they serve. Identify team development strategies, detours to avoid dysfunction pitfalls, and techniques for working together to avoid and/or manage “that guy” who appears to have a need to intentionally disrupt, usually for self-serving reasons. Understand the stages of development all teams experience and actions that need to be taken in each to stay focused on collaborative results.

    Speaker: Marilynn Semonick, Chief Exploration Officer, The Success Studio

    Marilynn Semonick

    Chief Exploration Officer

    The Success Studio

    With a passion for individual and organizational improvement, our presenter, Marilynn Semonick (Se-mon-ik), has spent over four decades assisting communities of people around the world in their initiatives to create intentional, results-oriented change. She brings a wide range of diverse experiences that include work in numerous industries across 5 continents. Receiving requests from municipalities expressing a need to finds ways to work together with civility and respect to best serve their communities, she came out of retirement to assist in facilitating the creation and sustainability of high-functioning city leadership teams, with the ability to work together to productively achieve results.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Gain insights from an experienced municipal litigator on how such communications can negatively impact you and your township in litigation.

    We’ve all said something at a meeting, in an email or on Facebook that we wish we had said differently. Gain insights from an experienced municipal litigator on how such communications can negatively impact you and your township in litigation. Learn what you can do to reduce the risk of it coming back to bite you in court, how to handle the records, and some suggestions on how to avoid getting yourself into this situation in the first place.

    Michael Berger

    Attorney

    Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler, PC

    Michael Berger is an attorney at Rosati Schultz Joppich Amtsbuechler, PC who has been practicing law since 2013 and has been representing municipalities since 2015. He is an experienced litigation and appellate lawyer who is here today to help prevent you from saying "Geeez... I wish I hadn't said that!" and help discuss what to do if you do say that.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Get be basics on the role of the FOIA coordinator and how others at the township can assist in responding to FOIA requests.

    Role of the FOIA Coordinator

    All townships must comply with the Freedom of Information Act regarding access to township records. But who does what when a FOIA request comes in? STOP—Don’t just hand this off to the clerk! Nobody is “off the hook” even in the smallest township. (Spoiler alert: It’s not automatically the clerk’s job to handle FOIA requests.) Listen in as MTA Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt discusses what can only be done by the FOIA Coordinator, and how everyone else should assist the FOIA Coordinator in responding to requests.

    **MTA Online "Premium Pass" subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**

    Catherine Mullhaupt

    Staff Attorney, Member Information Services

    MTA

    Catherine provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She writes for the "Hello, MTA...?" and Legal Briefs columns, and other articles in the Michigan Township Focus, develops MIS Department resource materials and webpages, authors MTA publications, and presents workshop and conference sessions, as well as live and recorded online courses.

    She joined MTA in 1991, spending her first nine years in MTA's Education Department writing and editing articles for the Township Focus and MTA publications. She coordinated educational workshops and the annual MTA trade show, and assisted in coordinating the annual MTA educational conference. 

    She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2006 and is currently the MTA Staff Attorney.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Hear from a panel of experts on how to deal with heated situations and de-escalate troubling behaviors.

    It’s happening everywhere and with increasing frequency. Angry individuals unleashing their opinions with profanity and aggression—in your board meetings, your office, even in the parking lot. Often, the bullies come armed with a video camera (or worse!) and attempt to goad you into bad behavior. Next thing you know, it’s all posted on social media. Maintaining your composure in the heat of the moment can be challenging, to say the least. Listen in as our experts break down this troubling behavior and offer techniques for handling these heated and uncomfortable situations, including what the law allows when constitutional lines are crossed. 

    Moderator: Nancy Ohle, President, Professional Training & Development Resources
    Panelists: Steven Joppich, Shareholder, Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler, PC; Allie Walker, Vice President, Truscott Rossman; and Mike Wierenga, Co-founder, Two The Rescue LLC

    Nancy Ohle

    Organizational Development Consultant

    Nancy Ohle has been a leader and mentor in local government Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, Performance Management, and neutral facilitation for over 25 years. Her consulting and executive coaching partnerships have spanned townships, municipalities, public utilities, school systems, non-profits, and Fortune 100 industries. She is a frequent speaker for groups across the country, as well as a sought-after facilitator, coach, and consultant.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Learn how to be a leader worth following with Randy Fox, MTA's 2023 Conference keynote speaker.

    The world is starving for leaders who make a difference—those willing to step up to implement positive change and who are worthy of following. Randy Fox, MTA's 2023 Conference keynote speaker, will explain various ways of approaching problems that allow people to come together, set aside misunderstandings, and utilize their own individual gifts to manage issues with vision and unity. 

    Randy Fox

    MTA 2023 Conference Keynoter

    Randy Fox, MTA's 2023 Conference Keynote Speaker, is an award-winning speaker, accomplished NCAA basketball official & proven corporate leader. As a professional speaker and Founder of FoxPoint, Randy uses his experience and energy to engage audiences and transform their leadership. Randy is a professional member of the National Speakers Association, the author of several books on leadership, the Coordinator of Officials for the Midwest Conference for NCAA Basketball Referees, and a former Managing Director, Director of Marketing, Vice President of Operations, and Plant Manager.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Get a thorough overview of the financial reports townships use, plus tips on recognizing any budget-related red flags.

    Financial Reporting: From Revenue to Red Flags

    This one-hour recorded webinar will provide a better of your township’s financial reports from revenue in to payables out, including which reports should be presented to the board when. We’ll help you recognize red flag warnings that indicate you should be monitoring a developing situation or preparing to amend the budget–-and much more!

    **Premium Pass subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**

    Cindy Dodge

    MTA Member Information Liaison

    Michigan Townships Association

    MTA Member Information Liaison Cindy Dodge joined MTA in 2006 from Williamstown Township in Ingham County where she served as Clerk since 2005. She has been involved with the township since 2003 as assistant to the supervisor, planning commissioner, and assistant to the planning commission. She is currently a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer. Via phone, fax and e-mail, Cindy provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She is also the Association liaison for MTA county chapters, develops MIS Department resource materials, and presents workshop and Conference sessions as well as teaching live and recorded webinar courses.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    This one-hour webinar offering a review of township millages, covering differences between new millages and renewals, mandated elements, and much more.

    Now You Know - Planning for a Millage Question

    Is a millage ballot question in your township’s future? You won’t want to miss our next live webinar, led by MTA Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt, on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at noon. As townships grow and revenue sources become more limited, an understanding of voted millages can help township officials finance much-needed programs and services. Learn the nuances between a new millage and different types of renewals, mandated elements of a millage ballot question, tips for scheduling millage questions, and how far a township board can go to promote a ballot question.

    **Premium Pass subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**

    Catherine Mullhaupt

    Staff Attorney, Member Information Services

    MTA

    Catherine provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She writes for the "Hello, MTA...?" and Legal Briefs columns, and other articles in the Michigan Township Focus, develops MIS Department resource materials and webpages, authors MTA publications, and presents workshop and conference sessions, as well as live and recorded online courses.

    She joined MTA in 1991, spending her first nine years in MTA's Education Department writing and editing articles for the Township Focus and MTA publications. She coordinated educational workshops and the annual MTA trade show, and assisted in coordinating the annual MTA educational conference. 

    She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2006 and is currently the MTA Staff Attorney.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    This one-hour webinar reviews the general guidelines and specific examples of lawful and unlawful expenditures.

    Now You Know - Spending Public Money

    Wondering whether your township can spend money on an activity? Townships need statutory authority to spend public money. Why all the restrictions? Because it’s ‘other people’s money’. If you can’t point to a law authorizing the use of public funds on a particular activity then it’s an “unlawful expenditure”. This webinar, featuring MTA Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt, will review the general guidelines and offer specific examples of lawful and unlawful expenditures—all in just one hour!

    **Premium Pass subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**

    Catherine Mullhaupt

    Staff Attorney, Member Information Services

    MTA

    Catherine provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She writes for the "Hello, MTA...?" and Legal Briefs columns, and other articles in the Michigan Township Focus, develops MIS Department resource materials and webpages, authors MTA publications, and presents workshop and conference sessions, as well as live and recorded online courses.

    She joined MTA in 1991, spending her first nine years in MTA's Education Department writing and editing articles for the Township Focus and MTA publications. She coordinated educational workshops and the annual MTA trade show, and assisted in coordinating the annual MTA educational conference. 

    She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2006 and is currently the MTA Staff Attorney.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    This one-hour webinar reviews guidelines for meeting agendas, from who creates it to what goes on it, adding items, distribution and more!

    Now You Know - The Art of the Agenda

    While having an agenda is not required by law, it’s one of the most important tools for creating successful meetings. After all, how can your township hold an effective meeting if nobody knows what’s up for discussion until they get there? MTA’s Member Information Services Director Mike Selden shares who’s responsible for creating the agenda, what goes on it, how items get added, when it should be distributed and more! 

    **Premium Pass subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**

    Michael Selden

    Director of Member Information Services

    MTA

    Michael Selden is MTA's director of Member Information Services. As director, he supervises the development and delivery of Association member information programs and services.

    Before joining MTA in November 2015, Selden served as the city manager of Wayland, Mich., for three years. In that role, he prepared and managed the city budget, supervised 22 employees, oversaw multiple city departments and served as liaison to numerous boards and commissions. Selden also served as the city manager of Bangor, Mich., from 2007-2012. He holds a master’s in public administration from the University of Michigan—Flint, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/22/2020

    This package contains all three segments of our Cemetery Management course. First, get an update on what's new and changing in cemetery management. In Part 2, learn more about writing a cemetery ordinance that promotes safety and orderliness, while also protecting the township from liability. Then, explore new types of burial services as well as proper record-keeping procedures.

    This three-part series covers many of the top concerns related to township cemeteries. Part 1 kicks off with recent changes, what's new, and trends for the future. Part 2 explains why, without a cemetery ordinance, rules and regulations do not have the force of law and anyone who violates such rules or regulations cannot be prosecuted or subject to a municipal civil infraction enforcement proceeding. Learn how to develop a cemetery ordinance to promote orderliness, proper conduct, certainty, predictability, smooth procedures and minimize township liability with regard to township cemeteries. Part 3 explores all the new types of burial services and memorialization options available in the current market and how your cemetery ordinance may need to be updated to regulate these new options. Learn how to identify grave sites, ensure proper record keeping and reclaim older or abandoned burial spaces.

    Cindy Dodge (Moderator)

    MTA Member Information Liaison

    Michigan Townships Association

    MTA Member Information Liaison Cindy Dodge joined MTA in 2006 from Williamstown Township in Ingham County where she served as Clerk since 2005. She has been involved with the township since 2003 as assistant to the supervisor, planning commissioner, and assistant to the planning commission. She is currently a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer. Via phone, fax and e-mail, Cindy provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She is also the Association liaison for MTA county chapters, develops MIS Department resource materials, and presents workshop and Conference sessions as well as teaching live and recorded webinar courses.