The 351

Employee wellness programs can improve morale and productivity, and lower absenteeism. They also make people feel better, and more connected, so they’re becoming an increasingly important part of how municipalities recruit, retain, and support their workforces. But what does effective workplace wellness actually look like, and how can communities make programs accessible and relevant to employees with very different jobs, schedules, and needs?
We’re joined by Chris Bailey, Director of the MIIA Health Benefits Trust, and Courtney Hernandez, Wellness Manager at MIIA, to discuss what municipalities can do to build a sustainable culture of employee wellness.
They discuss why wellness has to go beyond one-off programs; how to drive participation by making programs fun and rewarding; and why it makes more sense to focus on small, achievable goals than ambitious lifestyle overhauls. They also discuss tailoring programs — from bringing movement programs directly to DPW garages to helping snowplow drivers make healthier choices during long shifts.
For Further Reading:
Learn more about the MIAA Health Benefits Trust: https://www.emiia.org/health-dental-and-vision-insurance



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

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 MMA and Suffolk University.

In this episode, we hear from three members of the MMA-Suffolk Fellowship class about their experiences in local government and why they’re investing in their leadership skills: Robert Craig, special projects and grants manager in Rockport; Chad Hunter, harbormaster in Plymouth; and Thomas Dalton, communications and events manager in Melrose.

Plus, MMA Deputy Executive Director Katie McCue explains why the MMA and Suffolk partnered back in 2011, in response to concerns about a coming wave of municipal retirements across the Commonwealth. She discusses how the range of MMA-Suffolk programs are helping build a pipeline of local government professionals — and identifies three key benefits participants gain: practical skills, leadership and confidence, and a lasting network of peers.

For Further Reading:

More about the MMA-Suffolk programs: https://www.mma.org/about-mma/services/mma-suffolk-certificate-in-local-government-leadership-management/



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

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 numbers actually tell us?

In this episode, the MMA’s Adam Chapdelaine and John Ouellette dig into the data behind this year's override results, including why the number of questions has spiked recently, what communities are facing when costs outpace revenue growth, and how the results relate to the MMA's “Perfect Storm” report. They explore the difficult choices local leaders face; the role of transparency and communication in override campaigns; what happens when voters say no; and why school and public safety measures tend to perform better with voters. The bottom line: the “Perfect Storm” challenges remain as urgent as ever.

For Further Reading:

The Perfect Storm: https://www.mma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MMA-APerfectStorm-HistoricFiscalPressures-report-10.9.25.pdf

MMA webinar: Cultivating Transparency After a “Yes” Vote

https://www.mma.org/resource/cultivating-transparency-after-a-yes-vote/

MMA webinar: Managing Your Budget Without an Override

https://www.mma.org/mma-offers-two-part-webinar-series-on-overrides-budget-challenges/

More on UGGA funding: https://www.mma.org/gov-healey-signs-fy27-state-budget-with-40m-ugga-increase/

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

Local journalism has long been one of the pillars of healthy communities — informing residents, holding public officials accountable, and helping people understand the decisions that shape their daily lives. But as local newspapers continue to shrink or disappear, what does that mean for municipalities, and for democracy itself?

In this episode, Dan Kennedy, journalism professor at Northeastern University and media commentator, and Karen Bordeleau, executive editor of The New Bedford Light, explore the decline of local news in Massachusetts, the rise of nonprofit journalism, and how changing media habits, social media, and AI are reshaping the information landscape. The conversation also examines why strong relationships between municipal leaders and local reporters matter more than ever.

For Further Reading:

More about Dan: https://dankennedy.net/

More about Karen: https://newbedfordlight.org/meet-our-team/

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

Across Massachusetts, cities and towns are facing one of their biggest workforce challenges in decades. Recruiting qualified employees is harder than ever, experienced staff are retiring, and employees' expectations around flexibility, career growth, and workplace culture continue to evolve.

Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources association Chair Jen Breaker and Vice Chair Michael Taylor join the show to explore how municipal HR has become a strategic partner in helping communities navigate these challenges.

They discuss why HR should have a seat at the leadership table, innovative approaches to recruiting and retaining talent, building career pathways, supporting employee well-being, and managing a workforce that now spans multiple generations. They also share practical ideas that don't require more spending — from rethinking job descriptions and hiring practices to improving policies, succession planning, and workplace culture.

For Further Reading:

Learn more about MMHR: https://www.mma.org/members/mmhr/

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