Several attorneys from Bauckham Thall will be presenting on a wide range of important municipal issues at the upcoming Michigan Township Association Annual Conference, to be held from April 20-23, 2026 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme Township. Topics include:
- Defining Your Township’s Land Use Future. Attorney and AICP Certified Planner Catherine Kaufman will lead a full-day training on the wide world of planning and zoning, from the basic structure of local government to the nuances of special use permits and master plans.
- Powering Forward: A Guide to Renewable Energy Projects. Taught by Attorneys Robert Thall and Seth Koches, this presentation will explore the latest developments in renewable energy and Public Act 233.
- Power Plays: PA 233 Lessons from the Field. Attorney Catherine Kaufman will join a panel of experts to discuss her practical experiences and important lessons on the local regulation of renewable energy projects.
- The Power of Partnership: Driving Local Growth. Attorneys Robert Thall and Seth Koches will explore tools of municipal cooperation, including joint authorities, downtown development authorities, and tax increment financing.
- Fields of Opportunity: Agritourism & the Right to Farm Act. Attorneys Catherine Kaufman and Michael Bila will break down the Right to Farm Act and the recent rise of Agritourism, including important legal developments affecting townships.
- Legal Lessons Learned the Hard Way. Attorney Seth Koches will review common municipal missteps and misunderstood rules and help township officials better prepare for managing meetings.
- Access Granted: What You Need to Know about New ADA Website Requirements. Attorney Michael Bila will join Kyle Shumaker, President of the Shumaker Technology Group, to discuss the new accessibility rules for all municipal websites and social media pages.
- AI: Helpful or Headache? Attorney Michael Bila will discuss the talk of the town: Artificial Intelligence, and how township officials and residents are using AI in township governance.
Bauckham Thall will also host a vendor booth at the Conference’s vendor showcase. For more information on the annual conference, including specific presentation times and registration, visit MTA’s website: Annual Educational Conference & Expo – Michigan Townships Association.