The 351

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 to build relationships across the state and become a more collaborative, forward-looking partner for state agencies and cities and towns. He explains his “listening tour” approach — he has visited 100-plus communities so far to understand their challenges firsthand. From procurement hurdles in small towns to the realities of managing limited staff and resources, Shapiro emphasizes that most public employees are deeply committed to doing the right thing — and that education, training, and prevention are vital tools to get there.

For Further Reading: 

More about the Inspector General: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/jeffrey-s-shapiro-inspector-general-of-massachusetts

Inspector General releases first in series of advisories for municipal officials: https://www.mma.org/inspector-general-releases-first-in-series-of-advisories-for-municipal-officials/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

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 episode, we hear from this year’s winners: Amherst’s Movement and Mentoring program, the Andover at Work photography exhibit, and the North Attleborough/YMCA food pantry.

For Further Reading: 

More about the 2026 winners: 

https://www.mma.org/amhersts-movement-and-mentoring-program-gives-students-an-early-morning-boost/

https://www.mma.org/andover-at-work-exhibit-celebrates-municipal-work/

https://www.mma.org/north-attleborough-local-ymca-partner-to-address-food-insecurity/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

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 Chief Equity Officer, she shares the work she’s been doing across cities and towns in the state to help them realize how equity shows up in everyday decisions — from snow removal and trash collection to accessibility and community engagement. She shares how progress should be measured, what success looks like, and why she remains hopeful about the future of communities working to ensure that everyone has what they need to thrive.

For Further Reading: 

More about Jill and her DEI work: https://www.mma.org/jillian-harvey-to-become-the-mmas-1st-equity-officer

https://www.mma.org/resource/demystifying-dei-legal-dei-practices-and-how-to-apply-them-to-your-community

 (webinar)

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

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. Ryan McLane of Carlisle and Denise Dembkoski of Stow, leaders of Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts (STAM), talk about what it really takes to run a small town. From staffing challenges and tight budgets to navigating volunteer boards and complex governance structures, they unpack the unique challenges — and surprising advantages — of municipal leadership in smaller communities. They’ll also share how STAM helps town administrators learn from one another, and builds a pipeline of future municipal leaders to drive meaningful progress.

For Further Reading: 

Learn more about STAM: https://www.mma.org/members/managers/small-town-administrators-of-massachusetts/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

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 Legislative Director Dave Koffman helps unpack the key municipal priorities currently pending on Beacon Hill — from public education funding and local aid in the Fiscal 2027 state budget to long-term investments in roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure. He speaks about how local leaders can help shape meaningful policy solutions, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the MMA advocates for all 351 cities and towns.

For Further Reading: 

Navigating the Storm: Charting a Course Toward Fiscal Stability: https://www.mma.org/resources/a-perfect-storm-cities-and-towns-face-historic-fiscal-pressures/

MMA offers policy recommendations to address fiscal ‘Perfect Storm’ facing municipalities: https://www.mma.org/mma-offers-policy-recommendations-to-address-fiscal-perfect-storm-facing-municipalities/

MMA Legislative Package: https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-legislative-package/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org