More than 1,000 local officials and guests, representing hundreds of townships from 68 counties across Michigan, will convene next week for the largest gathering of municipal officials in the state.
The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) will host its 2016 Annual Educational Conference & Expo, Jan. 19-22 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. Township officials from all corners of the state will gather for three days of education-including more than 70 educational sessions-and networking at the event, which also includes the largest municipal expo in the state, with more than 100 exhibitors.
This year's conference aims to recharge township officials while also encouraging them to re-engage, re-think, re-invent and re-build their ideas of what it means to be a leader in the 21st century. Detroit native and entrepreneur Josh Linkner will provide the keynote address at the conference, focusing on how attendees can forge their legacy though public service.
Education is the focus of the week, and officials can choose from dozens of educational sessions throughout the event, providing them with information on statutory duties and core township services, as well as township trends and legislative updates. Sessions will cover revitalizing board meetings, utilizing Twitter, handling invasive species, how trails can be an economic and cultural benefit to communities, among many other topics. Presenters include the state's foremost policy and governance experts, including Chris Thomas, director for the state Bureau of Elections, Michigan Department of State, planning expert Mark Wyckoff, director of the Planning & Zoning Center at Michigan State University and Senior Associate Director of the MSU Land Policy Institute
"By attending our conference, township officials will leave re-energized and re-dedicated to leading Michigan's communities, residents and businesses forward, toward a prosperous future," MTA Executive Director Larry Merrill said. "During the week, they will gather knowledge and insights from a multitude of local government experts, as well as their peers, to improve their own township's services and operations, and even more effectively and efficiently govern their communities."
U.S. Rep. Candice Miller will also be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her career serving Michigan residents, from serving 12 years as supervisor of Harrison Charter Township (Macomb Co.) to seven terms in the U.S. Congress. Rep. Miller will receive the award at the conference's annual banquet, held on Thursday, Jan. 21. The banquet is preceded by a legislative reception, which will be attended by township officials and dozens of Michigan senators and representatives.
Published: Thu, Jan 14, 2016
