Join Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes at the 2024 Michigan Townships Association Conference

It’s no secret, popular lake communities experience vacation rental impacts—noise complaints, increased boat traffic, septic system stress, absentee owners, loss of community, and pressures on the housing market. Trends that make regulating vacation rentals a necessity. Learn how one township created a model short term rental certification program that continues to evolve and improve, and how the program resulted in some surprising community benefits that reach beyond simply controlling rentals.

Speakers: Christopher S. Patterson, Member, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes; Jacob N. Witte, Attorney, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes; Claire Karner, AICP, Planner for East Bay Township; and Leslie Sickterman, AICP, Deputy Planning Director/Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Traverse City.

The RTFA and the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs) seriously complicate your zoning ordinance and public nuisance prosecutions. It’s becoming increasingly more common for landowners to assert defenses under the Right to Farm Act (“RTFA”) in response to local ordinance enforcement action. Many times, their “defenses” try to justify activities that have nothing to do with farming. Learn what the RTFA protects, the scope of the GAAMPs and how they impact your ordinances. We’ll review common myths and misconceptions both landowners and townships may have regarding right to farm.

Speakers: William K. Fahey, Member, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes; Kyle A. O’Meara, Attorney, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes; and Kevin Beeson, MTA District Director & Supervisor, Pine River Township (Gratiot Co.)

In an age of oversharing on social media and fiery political disagreements, townships are under more pressure than ever to monitor what’s being said online and take action when it presents their township in a bad light. Navigating the complicated and often frustrating issues can land even seasoned township officials in hot water. Join us for a discussion about free speech and get tips for managing your township’s website and social media, including how your public and your township team engage.

Speakers: Helen “Lizzie” Mills, Member, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes

Get ready to test your Township know-how in a face-off like never before at this year’s Township Trivia Showdown! Our fan-favorite session is back with an exciting gameshow twist, where two teams compete for ultimate bragging rights. You—the gameshow contestant—will have the chance to showcase your individual knowledge of Township Law and the opportunity to learn something new along the way.

We have put together a game board based on some of the most important questions Township Officials are asking. Can you answer before our team of expert Municipal Attorneys weighs in with the correct answer? If you’d like to submit a question about Township Law for the chance to have it answered live during the show, complete the form below. Lunch is provided.