Massachusetts Municipal Association

10/13/2026

Audio update: If you tuned in early this morning, you might have heard last week’s audio by mistake! The correct file for this episode is now live. Redownload or re-stream to hear the new drop. Thanks for your patience!

How will this winter’s weather impact energy bills for local cities and towns across Massachusetts?

Long-range forecasts suggest a Super El Niño could bring a warmer-than-average winter to New England, but there could still be cold snaps that put immense pressure on natural gas supplies and drive up regional electricity costs.

On the latest episode of The 351, hosts Adam Chapdelaine and John Ouellette are joined by Brandon Fong from Constellation (the MMA’s MunEnergy partner), who breaks down how New England’s energy market connects to global events and what municipal leaders can actively do to protect public budgets.

They discuss:
• Smart energy procurement and contract terms
• Practical strategies for reducing electricity usage during peak periods
• How solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage can make the energy grid more resilient

Listen to the episode now: www.mma.org/the351

10/05/2026

Do you have interest in serving on the Women Elected Municipal Officials steering committee? Nominations due by Nov. 13!

Women Elected Municipal Officials, a group within the MMA’s membership, is seeking nominations for its 2027 Steering Committee. Any woman mayor, select board member, or city or town councillor in Massachusetts may submit their name for consideration by completing the online nomination form by Nov....

10/05/2026

Attention municipal officials! Registration is open for the MMA’s annual conference, Connect 351! Dates: Jan. 21-23, 2027, in Boston. connect351.org

10/02/2026

The MMA today published the October 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 October 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: • MMA opens regis...

10/01/2026

Registration opened this morning for Connect 351! Municipal leaders can join their colleagues from across Massachusetts on Jan. 21-23 for inspiring speakers, timely & educational workshops, & endless opportunities to connect. connect351.org

09/29/2026

There are nine questions on the statewide ballot this November, but three in particular could impact your city or town.

On the new episode of The 351 podcast, co-hosts John Ouellette and Adam Chapdelaine are joined by MMA Legislative Director Dave Koffman, MMA Legislative and Policy Counsel Ali DiMatteo, and MMA Senior Legislative Analyst Adrienne Núñez to break down these ballot initiatives:

Question 4: Same-day voter registration
Question 5: Recalculating the state’s revenue limit
Question 7: A statewide zoning change allowing single-family homes on lots as small as 5,000 sq. ft.

Whether you're a municipal official or a resident who cares about your community, this episode gives you the breakdown you need to understand the potential impacts.

Listen to the episode now: https://www.mma.org/resources/the-351-podcast/

09/28/2026

In interview w/ Northeast Public Radio, MMA Exec Director Adam Chapdelaine articulates municipal concerns w/ ballot question 7, which would allow homes statewide on lots as small as 5,000 sq ft, noting that the question lacks affordability controls, among other issues.

This week, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey threw her support behind a November ballot question that would override local zoning ordinances to allow homes to be built on small lots across the Commonwealth.

09/21/2026

Medfield Assistant Town Administrator Brittney Franklin welcomed 27 students to the 28th offering of MMA & Suffolk University’s Local Government Leadership & Management Certificate Program Friday morning. Programs are being held this academic year in Littleton, Medfield & Palmer. www.mma.org/suffolk

09/18/2026

Women Elected Municipal Officials will host a webinar for all MMA members on Oct. 8 to discuss the administration of the November elections.

A panel of municipal and state election officials, along with representatives of non-governmental organizations, will provide insights on resident engagement and the sharing of election information and voter resources. Discussion topics will include strategies for fostering public trust, safeguarding the right to vote, and effective methods for combating misinformation.

Women Elected Municipal Officials will host a webinar for all MMA members on Oct. 8 to discuss the administration of the November elections. A panel of municipal and state election officials, along with representatives of non-governmental organizations, will provide insights on resident engagement a...

09/18/2026

Two recent decisions by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court have addressed significant questions involving municipal authority over land, public purposes and local decision-making.

Two recent decisions by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court have addressed significant questions involving municipal authority over land, public purposes and local decision-making. In both cases, the MMA filed amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” briefs, in support of the municipal posi...