Mass. Municipal Assn

Women are gaining ground in municipal leadership, but how do we maintain momentum? On a new episode of The 351, North Andover Town Manager Melissa Murphy Rodriguez & Melrose Mayor Jen Grigoraitis share a behind-the-scenes look at the unique realities women face in local government www.mma.org/the351

Western Mass. towns push back on state solar siting rules at Shutesbury forum. via @dailyhampgazette.bsky.social

Marblehead meets MBTA Communities zoning law, state says. via Item Live

Connect 351 is the largest regular gathering of #municipal officials in Mass. We are so excited to get back together! Join your colleagues on Jan. 21-23 in Boston for inspiring speakers, 18 timely workshops & networking! Register now: connect351.org #connect351

MMA Op-ed: Voters should reject Ballot Question 7; the measure’s promised ‘starter home’ construction boom is just an illusion. via @bostonglobe.com

At the MMA Legislative Breakfast Meeting in Westport, Rep. Mark Sylvia speaks about the Chapter 70 commission, local aid and other issues relevant to cities and towns. A former town manager, he said that he and his colleagues will continue to push for municipal support.

At the MMA Legislative Breakfast Meeting in Westport, Sen. Michael Rodrigues highlighted the close working relationship between Senate Ways and Means and MMA. He said the MMA plays an “invaluable” role in ensuring that proposed legislation doesn’t have unintended consequences for cities and towns.

We had great turnout at our Fall Legislative Breakfast Meeting this morning in Needham! A big thank you to Sen. Becca Rausch, Rep. Joshua Tarsky & Rep. David Linsky for joining us and speaking with municipal officials from across the region.

Taunton bans data centers amid public backlash. via Cape Cod Times www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/l...

Tightening local budgets point to tough post-election decisions www.wwlp.com/news/massach...

Grants lift year-round housing efforts in seasonal Mass. towns. via @bostonglobe.com

Amid election challenges, Mass. election officials reassure voters. via @wgbh.org

We had great turnout at our Fall Legislative Breakfast meetings last Friday in Leicester and Great Barrington, looking forward seeing more of our members this Friday in Needham and Westport! www.mma.org/mma-to-hold-...

MMA Exec Director @adamchapdelaine.bsky.social was on Keller @ Large Sunday to discuss ballot question 7, which would allow homes on lots as small as 5,000 sq ft by right statewide, noting question lacks affordability controls & bypasses local input. www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_B3...

Officials: Federal funding for water infrastructure is drying up. via Eagle Tribune

Northampton breaks ground on $11.6M geothermal system to cut high school’s emissions in half. via @dailyhampgazette.bsky.social

City of Boston sues Trump administration to recover $20M in federal funding. via @boston25news.com

Happening NOW on Boston Public Radio, MMA Exec Director Adam Chapdelaine is discussing ballot question 7, which would allow homes statewide on lots as small as 5,000 sq ft. Streaming here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3udL...

#localgov officials & state legislators will connect this Friday, Oct. 16, in Great Barrington & Leicester for MMA fall Legislative Breakfast Meetings. Don't miss out! Details: www.mma.org/mma-to-hold-...

Opinion: Opposition To Massachusetts Ballot Question 4 – Election Day Registration. via Cohasset Anchor cohassetanchor.com/opinion-oppo...

Chelsea considering eliminating parking minimums to promote housing production. via @cwbeacon.bsky.social

Amherst’s ‘very difficult’ budget spurs talk of cuts, new revenue. via @dailyhampgazette.bsky.social

Schools face an unanticipated problem: Soaring fuel costs are threatening their budgets. via @bostonglobe.com

The MMA is welcoming fall with Legislative Breakfast Meetings! #localgov officials & state legislators will connect on Oct. 16, 23 & 30 in Great Barrington, Leicester, Lowell, Needham, Northampton & Westport. Details & registration: www.mma.org/mma-to-hold-... .

Happening now: Massachusetts Ballot Question 7: Single Family Homes forum: Andrew Mikula, campaign chair for the Yes on 7 Campaign, & Dave Koffman, legislative director with the Mass. Municipal Association. This event will be recorded and shared broadly. salemstate.zoom.us/j/8352778281....

Healey Administration Visits Pittsfield to Talk Green Energy Siting. via @iberkshires.com

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

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

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.

For the 2nd straight year, our first registrant for Connect 351 is Paul McLatchy, Town Administrator in Ashfield. Congrats on being No. 1! Way to lead! connect351.org #connect351

A new model for affordable housing is taking shape in Egremont. via @berkshireeagle.com

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 #connect351

Can Question 7’s zoning reform ease the housing crisis in Mass.? The ballot initiative would allow single-family homes to be built on residential lots as small as 5,000 sq ft. Developers & some progressive groups say that will help first-time buyers. But others aren’t convinced. via The Shoe String

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. www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...

Officials cut the ribbon on more housing in Lowell. via Lowell Sun

Easthampton becomes second Hampshire County community to ban crypto kiosks amid rising fraud. gazettenet.com/2026/09/22/e...

Town's past and present take center stage in new exhibits. www.eagletribune.com/news/merrima...

Coastal Massachusetts towns urge storm preparations. www.wcvb.com/article/mass...

Wilmington moves to ban big AI data centers, caps small ones at 2 megawatts hoodline.com/2026/09/wilm...

State’s highest court renews its support for MBTA Communities Act, deeming it a ‘valid general law.’ via @bostonglobe.com

Local officials, planners, and government employees are invited to the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association’s Annual Conference on Oct. 1 and 2 in New Bedford.

The Healey-Driscoll administration announced $278 million in state and federal financing and tax credits for housing development in 20 communities across Massachusetts.

The MMA and its partner in the MunEnergy program, Constellation, will host a free webinar on Oct. 20 to provide an energy market update.