The 351

Building the Next Generation of Local Government Leaders

One challenge that is shared across the Commonwealth is preparing the next generation of municipal leaders. And one part of the solution is the partnership between the MM

A Review of a Busy Override Season, and the Story Behind the Numbers

This spring, 54 Massachusetts communities put Proposition 2 1⁄2 override questions before voters, making FY27 one of the most active years in history. But what do the num

The Shifting Local Media Landscape: What It Means for Public Trust and Local Government

Local journalism has long been one of the pillars of healthy communities — informing residents, holding public officials accountable, and helping people understand the de

Why Municipal HR Is More Strategic Than Ever

Across Massachusetts, cities and towns are facing one of their biggest workforce challenges in decades. Recruiting qualified employees is harder than ever, experienced st

How Local Leaders Can Avoid Burnout and Build Stronger Teams

Municipal leaders are expected to solve problems, navigate public scrutiny, lead through uncertainty, and somehow avoid burning out along the way. But what if the key to

The Financial Foundations of Local Government

Municipal finance, which touches nearly every service residents rely on, is a specialized field. In this episode, Sean Cronin, Senior Deputy Commissioner of the Massachus

Cutting Through the Noise: The Vital Role of Communications in Local Government

As misinformation spreads online, and residents expect instant updates, municipalities are under growing pressure to communicate clearly, effectively, and in a way that b

The Leadership Skills Municipal Managers Need Now

Leadership is tough at any level, but working in local government presents a unique set of challenges – and requires specific skills. Executive coaches and leadership con

Guiding Principles of MMA Membership Work: Connection and Empowerment

MMA Membership Director Jackie Lavender Bird has been a city councillor, mayoral chief of staff, and a former MMA legislative leader, which means she can share a 360-degr

The Quest for More Affordable Health Care in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to some of the best health care in the world, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to get it. Sarah Iselin, President and CEO of Blue Cros

Inside the Work the Inspector General Does for Massachusetts

While safeguarding the public trust and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse is an essential role in the Commonwealth, Inspector General Jeff Shapiro is also on a mission t

Local Leaders Innovate to Provide Services

Each year, the MMA recognizes cities and towns that have developed unique and creative projects and programs to increase the effectiveness of local government. In this ep

How Equity Affects Everyone in Massachusetts Communities

Jill Harvey is on a mission to help local leaders move beyond buzzwords and translate diversity, equity, and inclusion into real policies and actions. As the MMA’s first

Inside the Network Supporting Massachusetts’ Small Town Leaders

The majority of Massachusetts cities and towns have fewer than 12,000 residents — but they’re still responsible for delivering the same services as larger communities. Ry

Legislative Advocacy for All Massachusetts Communities

As Massachusetts heads into the final stretch of its two-year legislative session, the stakes for cities and towns across the Commonwealth couldn’t be higher. MMA Legisl

Takeaways from Connect 351

From 1,400 attendees and 377 first-time participants to viral videos, fiery “Burning Questions,” and remarks from state and national leaders, this year’s Connect 351 even

In an Age of Division, Leading With Dignity

What if the solution for healing divisions in our nation started at the local level? UNITE CEO Tim Shriver and Dignity Index co-creator Tami Pyfer explain their hopeful,

Building Trust and Resilience in Local Leadership

What are the real pressures facing local leaders in Massachusetts in 2026? In this episode, we speak with the outgoing president and incoming president of the MMA — Frank

Mentorship, Civic Health, and Taking the Long View in Local Government

What can Massachusetts leaders learn from someone with three and a half decades of public service experience? Kate Fitzpatrick spent 35 years with the Town of Needham, an

Why Local Leadership Matters More Than Ever

What does a lack of funding from the federal level mean for leaders of cities and towns? In this episode, we look beyond the national politics that are dominating the hea