The 351

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

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 event showcased both the scale and the spirit of local government in Massachusetts.
In this episode, MMA Deputy Executive Director Katie McCue joins Adam and John to reflect on the moments, messages, and momentum from this year’s annual Massachusetts Municipal Association conference.
You’ll hear why national leaders say the collaboration between local and state government in Massachusetts stands out across the country, how members are rallying around the MMA’s “Perfect Storm” report, and what it means to advocate collectively in challenging times.

Plus, reflections on the event from Danvers Assistant Town Manager and Communications Director Jen Breaker, Sharon Select Board Chair Kiana Baskin, and Ashfield Town Administrator Paul McLatchy III.
For Further Reading:
Learn more about the event: https://www.mma.org/connect-351/

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

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, practical path to improving public discourse and strengthening our relationships and our country. In this episode, they join Adam and John at Connect 351 to talk through the importance of dignity, how they see the role of local leaders in fighting against the “contempt industrial complex,” and where they see change happening every day – at school board meetings, city council chambers, and other community gatherings.
For Further Reading:
The Dignity Index: https://www.dignity.us

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

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 — Franklin Town Administrator Jaime Hellen and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, respectively — as they go in-depth about how local leaders are often torn in multiple directions and work to achieve success for their communities under the constraints of time, staffing and budgets. They share how fortunate they feel to do the work they do, despite the challenges, and how the MMA is the “glue” that brings local leaders together to solve mutual problems. They also discuss tackling funding shortfalls, and what they’ve learned from their mutual love of hiking.
For Further Reading:
More on Jaime and Kassandra’s leadership: https://www.mma.org/jamie-hellen-is-new-mma-president-kassandra-gove-is-vp/

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

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, and is now the Northeast Regional Director for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Throughout her career, she’s recognized the importance of navigating divisions, building consensus, and engaging with the community. She shares her proven strategies and explains why she takes the long view, why process matters just as much as outcomes, and why mentorship is vital to the health of our cities and towns.
For Further Reading:
Check out Kate’s blog: https://verykatefitzpatrick.com/

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