Are you Red Book Ready?
Do you find yourself referring to MTA's Authorities & Responsibilities of Michigan Townships (better known as the “Little Red Book”) as your go-to resource? Is it the first thing you reach for when you need guidance on your authority and responsibilities in service to your township? Then you may be interested in our “Red Book Ready” training series.
The variety of statutory authorities of townships can be fascinating and confusing. Our “Red Book Ready” classes will take you beyond the book, offering the same practical advice, in a scenario that helps you apply the knowledge to your township. Using the “Little Red Book” as a guide, we’ve designed a blended learning journey to help you develop a better understanding of township government and give the best public service you can to your community. Each chapter corresponds with an educational session (or two) that takes you deeper into the topic to help enhance your knowledge and build practical application.
Take the first step by enrolling in the program and we’ll provide your road map, and even help you track your progress! What are you waiting for? Enrollment is absolutely FREE!
Are you “Ready” to get started? Click here to enroll now!
Already enrolled? See below for a list of classes that qualify for credits and get started now.
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Contains 13 Component(s)
Whether you couldn't attend MTA's 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, or you added the recorded classes to enhance your in-person Conference experience, our recorded Conference On-Demand is an excellent way to continue your learning journey—and an incredible value. Catch all the action on the main stage and watch 10 recorded classes when (and where!) it works best for you.
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- Non-member - $218
- Member - $150
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Get an overview of the legalities and requirements of the new 2026-2027 ADA requirements for websites, so you can ensure your township's website is accessible and compliant before the deadline.
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- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
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Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits
This four-part webcast series provides you with a comprehensive review of accounting and payroll for townships.
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- Non-member - $197
- Member - $136
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Learn how to be a leader worth following with Randy Fox, MTA's 2023 Conference keynote speaker.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Dig into board authority, township structure and more.
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- Non-member - $50
- Member - $35
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Contains 4 Component(s)
This three-part webcast examines your role as a board member, and how each role fits into the board as a whole.
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- Non-member - $160
- Member - $120
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Contains 3 Component(s)
Two-part course on using “knowledge-based” governance to help your board make informed choices with improved outcomes. Valid for 4 TGA credits.
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- Non-member - $156
- Member - $113
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Contains 4 Component(s)
This three-part webcast will help you learn to identify key values and needs in your community, and explores how to use that information to define your future direction as a township and in regional placemaking.
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- Non-member - $160
- Member - $120
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Contains 3 Component(s)
A two-part webcast of our popular Township Governance Academy Strategic Planning class, offering an in-depth look into the strategic planning process for townships, from exploration and the voices that must be heard through developing the plan itself.
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- Non-member - $170
- Member - $124
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Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
This two-part series on effective meetings will help you structure your meetings to achieve more in less time, with better consensus around the board table. Valid for 4 TGA credits.
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- Non-member - $179
- Member - $128
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Contains 4 Component(s)
This three-part webcast will offer ways to be more open and transparent with your community, tips for determining what your residents need and want, and tools to keep them informed about your township's activities.
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- Non-member - $160
- Member - $120
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Explore what it takes to build consensus and unite the voices of your township board and community.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Dig into long-term capital improvement funding and turn your plans into reality.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits
This two-part course is designed for new officials or those who need a refresh on topics related to the township board as a whole. Part 1 covers the authorities of board members, from the "job description" to practical tips for focusing on what matters most. Part 2 looks at who does what and how to work together on day-to-day operations, especially on those routine actions and decisions that are not governed by statue.
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- Non-member - $173
- Member - $119
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This two-part course is designed to help you understand the legalities (and controversies!) that come with balancing private property rights with public interest and your township’s authority to regulate land use.
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- Non-member - $181
- Member - $125
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Forecasting revenues is a fundamental part of budgeting and financial planning for your township’s future, allowing you to anticipate resource availability and plan accordingly. Review budgetary concepts and legal requirements, explore best practices for preparing, adopting and monitoring your township’s budget, and walk away with techniques for short- and long-term forecasting.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits
This four-part webcast on building a better budget will show you how to prepare and administer the township budget. Segments one and two cover the principles of budgeting, then segments three and four offer an advanced approach to creating a budget.
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- Non-member - $198
- Member - $146
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Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits
This four-part webcast on the basics of budgeting will show you how to prepare and administer the township budget. Segments one and two cover the principles of budgeting, then segments three and four offer a beginners guide to creating a budget.
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- Non-member - $198
- Member - $146
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Learn how you can harness confidence in yourself, and others, to foster a more cohesive and collaborative environment at your township.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
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.
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- Non-member - $136
- Member - $94
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Gain insights into the key stages of recruitment of your next township manager. We’ll review common pitfalls and offer strategies for negotiating, managing expectations and ensuring the right fit for your township team. Learn tips for working with a recruiter to ensure a successful, seamless selection of a manager who fits your community’s needs.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 8 Component(s)
This package includes eight recorded training sessions with content specifically designed for township clerks.
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- Non-member - $217.50
- Member - $150
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Contains 2 Component(s)
This two-part webinar will teach you the essential functions and authorities of a township board, differences from the private sector, as well as the basics of governing.
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- Non-member - $161
- Member - $113
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Contains 2 Component(s)
Early voting, absent voter ballots, new storage and security requirements—oh my! Township clerks, deputies and election administrators have an awful lot of new hurdles to navigate this year when it comes to your township elections. One thing that hasn’t changed, MTA is here to help! This deep dive explores the new requirements and shares effective ways to manage your upcoming elections.
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- Non-member - $145
- Member - $100
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Hear directly from the Secretary of State’s office and state Bureau of Elections on the hot issues in Michigan elections.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 6 Component(s)
Includes six expert-led webinar sessions, now available on-demand, covering a variety of topics including preparing for solar, mining operations, short term-rentals, an intro to planning and zoning for solar and wind, and utility-scale solar arrays. Bonus: MTA Online Plus & Premium Pass subscribers now have free access! Simply click the webcast title to get started now!
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- Member - $94
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Get an introduction to the potential revenue methods a township can use in this eye-opening webcast that can put your township on a more financially-sound path.
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- Non-member - $56
- Member - $40
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Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits
This three-part course offers a comprehensive look into how townships provide services to their constituents, from the board's authority, legal requirements and risk management, to evaluating effectiveness and planning for the future. Valid for six TGA credits.
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- Non-member - $241
- Member - $172
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Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits
This four-part series covers a variety of land use-related topics, from building a great team, to defining your master plan, developing your township's zoning strategy and dealing with new and emerging issues. Valid for 6 credits in MTA's TGA program.
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- Non-member - $329
- Member - $260
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Contains 4 Component(s)
Also known as "Managing HR in the Township", this four-part series will cover human resources issues all townships face -- from hiring and firing to discipline, compensation and managing volunteers. Valid for 6 TGA credits. Updated 2025.
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- Non-member - $277
- Member - $210
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Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits
This two-part webcast covers the processes of assessment & taxation from assessment to board of review meetings, all the way to tax collection, as well as other revenue sources townships deal with. Fulfills TGA F-105 requirement (must pass quiz and submit PAC form & summary for credits to be applied). Fulfills Red Book Ready Ch. 10 requirement.
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- Non-member - $160
- Member - $120
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Contains 1 Component(s)
This half-day class offers insights into financial policies and procedures, from avoiding fraud and embezzlement to top tips for ensuring the clerk and treasurer are on the same page.
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- Non-member - $181
- Member - $125
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Get a handle on the potential financial emergencies in your township fire department with this two hour webinar that delves into funding, cost recover, fire ordinance "must haves", joint authorities and much more.
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- Non-member - $110
- Member - $75
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Contains 1 Component(s)
How do townships borrow money under Michigan’s public finance laws? From financing fire trucks to municipal buildings to water and sewer systems, get invaluable information on the laws and procedures governing municipal borrowing. We will answer the age-old question, “Why can’t the township just get a loan from the bank?”
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Learn the legal responsibilities of the township board regarding fire operations, establishing an appropriate relationship with the fire chief, and practical ways to set expectations and evaluate department results.
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- Non-member - $71
- Member - $50
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Hear from a panel of experts on the opportunities and challenges that solar energy brings, along with tips for planning for the future.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 2 Component(s)
Join MTA for an overview of the hottest emerging issues in planning and zoning for townships.
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- Non-member - $178
- Member - $123
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Contains 3 Component(s)
This three-part series covers an overview of the basic elements of an effective township planning and zoning program. Presented by MTA Legal Counsel.
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- Non-member - $178
- Member - $123
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Hear from a panel of experts on how to deal with heated situations and de-escalate troubling behaviors.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Get practical tips for making the most of your township meetings.
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- Non-member - $58
- Member - $40
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Get clarification on the differences in various township meetings, plus tips for handling common issues.
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- Non-member - $58
- Member - $40
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Gain insight into the laws that provide information on how meetings are conducted and whether each is required to comply with the Open Meetings Act.
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- Non-member - $56
- Member - $39
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Contains 1 Component(s)
This one-hour recorded webinar offers an update on PA 233, including new rules and requirements just released by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Available for MTA members only.
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- Member - Free!
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Contains 5 Component(s)
This recorded version of our popular full-day course offers the knowledge and tools that newly elected officials need to start out on the right foot. From advocacy and required functions to who's in charge and tips for handling public money, we'll cover essential topics for all officials, plus get training on specific duties of your elected position.
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- Member - $150
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Contains 5 Component(s)
This recorded version of our popular full-day course offers the knowledge and tools that newly elected officials need to start out on the right foot. From advocacy and required functions to who's in charge and tips for handling public money, we'll cover essential topics for all officials, plus get training on specific duties of your elected position.
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- Non-member - $218
- Member - $150
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Contains 5 Component(s)
This recorded version of our popular full-day course offers the knowledge and tools that newly elected officials need to start out on the right foot. From advocacy and required functions to who's in charge and tips for handling public money, we'll cover essential topics for all officials, plus get training on specific duties of your elected position.
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- Member - $150
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Contains 5 Component(s)
This recorded version of our popular full-day course offers the knowledge and tools that newly elected officials need to start out on the right foot. From advocacy and required functions to who's in charge and tips for handling public money, we'll cover essential topics for all officials, plus get training on specific duties of your elected position.
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- Member - $150
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Learn more about emerging trends in outdoor recreation and how your township can benefit.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 1 Component(s)
MTA's legislative experts break down the latest action and look ahead to hot topics in 2026.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Take the next step in our three-part ordinance series and learn more about adopting and amending ordinances.
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- Non-member - $40
- Member - $25
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