Massachusetts Municipal Association

06/02/2026

The MMA today published the June 2026 issue of The Beacon, which features coverage of the latest news affecting local government on topics including legislative and fiscal issues, grant opportunities, and recent and upcoming MMA meetings and webinars.

The MMA today published the June 2026 issue of The Beacon, which features coverage of the latest news affecting local government on topics including legislative and fiscal issues, grant opportunities, and recent and upcoming MMA meetings and webinars. Here are some highlights: • Senate OK’s FY27...

06/01/2026

To everyone working hard to make our communities better — this is for you!

The MMA’s 351 podcast takes a closer look at the people and the projects that shape our local government. We’ve already released 15 episodes, featuring voices from across the public sector, and we aren’t stopping.

We release a new episode every other Tuesday, sharing stories and lessons from the front lines of public service. Whether you’re in the office or out in the field, we hope you’ll join the conversation.

Check out our library of episodes wherever you get your podcasts.

Leading Massachusetts into the future will take the talent, dedication, and hard work of leaders from all of our 351 cities and towns. Our mission at the Massachusetts Municipal Association is to help those leaders deal with some of the toughest issues in the state.

05/26/2026

Anyone who works in local government knows that it’s about showing up every day to do the hard, essential work that keeps our communities moving forward.

On the latest episode of The 351, we sit down with executive coaches Betsy and Anthony Neptune from Neptune Coaching. They specialize in helping municipal leaders navigate the unique, real-world challenges of the public sector.

We’re talking about how to manage conflict, why technical experts can face an uphill battle when moving into management, and how to build a culture that supports your team from the minute they are onboarded.

If you work in civil service, this episode is a validation of the work you do, and a toolkit to help you keep leading through the day-to-day.

Listen here: www.mma.org/the351

05/22/2026

The Senate has passed a fiscal 2027 state spending plan that includes a $53 million increase for Unrestricted General Government Aid and minimum new education aid of $160 per pupil.

The Senate this evening passed a fiscal 2027 state spending plan that includes a $53 million increase for Unrestricted General Government Aid and minimum new education aid of $160 per pupil. After four days of deliberation and the consideration of more than 1,100 amendments, the Senate passed a budg...

05/22/2026

The Senate has passed a transportation bond bill that includes $300 million for the Chapter 90 program in fiscal 2027 to support local transportation infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth.

The Senate today passed a transportation bond bill that includes $300 million for the Chapter 90 program in fiscal 2027 to support local transportation infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth. The $300 million allocation matches last year’s funding level, which represented a 50% increase o...

05/20/2026

The Healey-Driscoll administration on May 7 awarded $900,000 in grants to five communities to enhance public water supplies, improve drinking water availability, and remove harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water.

The Healey-Driscoll administration on May 7 awarded $900,000 in grants to five communities to enhance public water supplies, improve drinking water availability, and remove harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. Now in its third year, the Ipswich Water Supply and PFA...

05/19/2026

With new state clean energy siting and permitting rules coming this fall, the town of Plainfield is working with graduate students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to update its zoning laws, seeking to embrace renewable energy while protecting the town’s agricultural character.

With new state clean energy siting and permitting rules coming this fall, the town of Plainfield is working with graduate students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to update its zoning laws, seeking to embrace renewable energy while protecting the town’s agricultural character. Worki...

05/18/2026

Want local government news sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for our Weekly Update & make sure you never miss a thing. https://www.mma.org/about-mma/newsletter-sign-up/ .

Weekly Review The MMA’s Weekly Review email newsletter is a digest of all the latest updates that have been posted each week on MMA.org. It’s a great way to get all the latest information affecting cities and towns right in your email box every Friday morning. The MMA also offers occasional Brea...

05/16/2026

Local leaders are facing a multitude of challenges, including fiscal pressures, rapid technological change, and maintaining public trust. How do we empower the people who keep our communities running?

On the latest episode of The 351, we sit down with MMA Membership Director Jackie Lavender Bird. Drawing on her experience as a city councillor, mayoral chief of staff, and legislative advocacy leader, Jackie shares how the MMA is equipping municipal officials with the tools they need to stay resilient.

If you missed the episode drop, it’s a great, grounded look at how peer learning, sharing ideas, and just talking through the hard stuff keeps our communities moving forward.

Grab your coffee, or go for a walk, and give it a listen! Available wherever you get your podcasts.

www.mma.org/the351

05/15/2026

Advancing its climate goal commitments, Somerville will be working this summer to fully decarbonize its first municipally owned building, the Traffic and Parking Office.

Advancing its climate goal commitments, Somerville will be working this summer to fully decarbonize its first municipally owned building, the Traffic and Parking Office. The two-story building in West Somerville, was chosen as the first for decarbonization because its three gas-fired boilers were be...