2026 MTA Winter Academy - Board Roles & Relationships, How Boards Make Decisions & At Your Service

When:  Tue, Jan 13, 2026 from 08:30 to 16:00 (ET)

MTA offers three classes in two days at Winter Training Academy

January 13-14, 2026 - Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth

MTA's Winter Training Academy includes three in-depth classes that will help you understand your role on the board, learn how your board can make more effective decisions, and evaluate what services your township residents need and want--and how to pay for them. Join us on January 13-14 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth for any (or all!) of the courses described below. Bonus: Attend any two classes and take $50 off your total registration fees, or save $75 when you attend all three!  

Township Board Roles & Relationships (TGA Course B-101; 4 credits)
Tuesday, January 13 from 8:30 a.m. to noon (includes light breakfast starting at 8 a.m.)
Examine your role as a board member and how you fit into the board as a whole. Discuss the roles of watchdog, supporter, planner, communicator and manager, as well as the relationships among board members, appointed and elected officials, and the board with the community. Identify the fundamentals of leadership and the ethical standards specific to public servants. Presented by governance expert Susan Radwan, Owner, Leading Edge Mentoring.

How Boards Make Decisions (TGA Course B-102; 4 credits)
Tuesday, January 13 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. (includes lunch served at noon)
Maximize the effectiveness of group decisions and learn how “knowledge-based” governance will guide your board to make informed choices with improved outcomes (and less headaches)! This class challenges “old ways of thinking” and offers a refreshing look at the decision-making process to help meld various viewpoints into a consensus decision that everyone is more likely to support. Presented by Susan Radwan.

At Your Service: Meeting Township Needs (TGA Course F-101; 6 credits)
Wednesday, January 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (includes continental breakfast and lunch)
Explore the role, authority and legal requirements of the township board in providing services for your residents. Review funding options as well as the board’s responsibility in assuring that the risk is properly managed. Learn techniques for evaluating whether your township’s services are effectively serving your community and what considerations should be made to ensure future viability. Presented by attorney Steve Mann, Miller Canfield, (former Trustee, Plymouth Charter Township, Wayne Co.) and Susan Radwan

Register by December 22, 2025 for discounted early-bird rates, plus get $50 off your total registration fees if you attend two classes, or save $75 when you attend all three!

These courses are approved for credit in MTA's Township Governance Academy (TGA). Not yet enrolled? TGA is a unique credentialing program designed to enhance your knowledge and skills on every aspect of township governance and provide a hands-on approach to help you deal more effectively with everyday issues that your board faces. You are not required to be enrolled in TGA to attend, however if you do enroll within 6 months, credit will be applied retroactively. Interested in learning more about TGA? Click here for details.