New FEMA flood maps prompt questions, concerns across Massachusetts. via @cwbeacon.bsky.social

The MMA today published the October 2025 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.

You can now register for Connect 351! We are excited to be back on Jan. 22 thru 24 at the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston’s Seaport District to discuss #localgov issues & innovations. #connect351

Healey slams Trump administration for cutting $7M in public safety funding. via @masslive.bsky.social

Healey convenes solar leaders in search of energy answers. via @cwbeacon.bsky.social

New federal law will drop state’s tax take by $650 million, DOR chief says. via @berkshireeagle.com

Storm clouds darken Massachusetts’ fiscal outlook. via @bostonglobe.com

Government shuts down after Congress fails to reach a funding agreement. via @wbur.org

Our first registrant for Connect 351 is Paul McLatchy, Town Administrator in Ashfield. Congrats on being No. 1! Way to lead! #connect351

Registration opened this morning for Connect 351! Municipal leaders can join their colleagues from across Massachusetts Jan. 22-24 for inspiring speakers, timely & educational workshops, & endless opportunities to connect. connect351.org #connect351

Mass. extends nutrition education program another year as federal funding runs out. via @wbur.org

Pittsfield officials detail new city website. via @iberkshires.com

Plans, police, priorities: Concord begins budgeting for fiscal year 2027. via Concord Bridge

At a health care forum hosted by MMA & MIIA in Wrentham, attorney Timothy Zessin, KP Law, provides an overview of the current legal landscape relative to municipal health insurance.

At health care forum hosted by MMA & MIIA in Wrentham, Paul Sweeney, BCBS of Mass., Matt Veno, Group Insurance Commission, Chris Bailey, MIIA, & Eileen McAnneny, Employer Coalition on Health, discuss health insurance cost challenges facing cities & towns & potential solutions for bending cost curve

At a health care forum hosted by the MMA and MIIA in Wrentham, Center for Health Information and Analysis Executive Director Lauren Peters kicks off an important discussion on the health care landscape and the cost implications for cities and towns.

Royalston secures $190K Green Communities grant for Raymond School upgrades. via @atholdailynews.bsky.social

U.S. Senators from Mass. demand action on PFAS at military sites. via Eagle Tribune

Milford gets $600,000 grant to restore deteriorating brook. Why it's important. via Milford Daily News

State readying what-if plans ahead of possible federal government shutdown. via @wgbh.org

Hilltowns to legislators: We need financial help. via @dailyhampgazette.bsky.social

At a Mass. Municipal Councillors' Association regional meeting in Marlborough, Kristina Johnson, Planning and Economic Development Director in Hudson, discusses recent successes and challenges in economic development, zoning & housing.

Lenox and Stockbridge consider 6.7-mile trail around Tanglewood. via @berkshireeagle.com

State grants fuel climate projects in Valley towns. via @dailyhampgazette.bsky.social

Swampscott initiates pilot program to use rodent contraceptives over rodenticides. via Salem News

AGs urge EPA not to scrap climate change findings. via Eagle Tribune

Trump has thrown a wrench in some Mass transportation plans. Here’s a list of the impacted projects. via @bostonglobe.com

Adams culvert project in limbo over federal funds. via @iberkshires.com

Andover receives $1M from PFAS lawsuit. via Eagle Tribune

In forum with business leaders, Boston Mayor Wu discusses limitations under Proposition 2 1⁄2. via Massterlist

In latest anti-wind action, Trump administration moves to revoke SouthCoast Wind permit. via @wbur.org

Trash pickup strike will end in dozens of Greater Boston communities. via @wgbh.org

Stockbridge Select Board returns public comment segment back to meetings. via The Berkshire Edge

A locked door and myriad treasures beyond, in vast rooms deemed unusable at Boston Public Library. via @bostonglobe.com

Still no cell signal in much of Lenox. Here’s what town leaders are considering to partially plug the gap. via @berkshireeagle.com

Representatives of the American Red Cross of Mass. participated in an MMA webinar on Sept. 16 to discuss how the agency supports cities and towns. View summary & recording:

Federal government pulls $22 million in grants for projects in Roxbury and Mattapan. via @bostonglobe.com

Northeast states officially launch regional public health collaborative. via @bostonglobe.com

At Mass. Municipal Human Resources' fall conference in Springfield, Jerry Posner, a training specialist and personal strategic coach, discussed hostility, the ways in which it can manifest, and how to communicate with compassion & empathy.

At Mass. Municipal Human Resources' fall conference in Springfield, Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes, CEO of Pluralism Solutions, shared hiring best practices, w/ emphasis on an inclusive process from start to finish, & process mechanisms that ensure candidates are treated fairly & equally throughout.

[email protected] signed the Chapter 90 bond bill during a meeting of the Mass. Mayors' Association in Gardner.

At Mass. Mayors' Association meeting in Gardner, @massgovernor.bsky.social spoke about her administration’s work on local aid (e.g. Ch. 70., Ch. 90) & fiscal issues, COVID & vaccines, housing, energy costs, her environmental bond bill & her Municipal Empowerment Act.

Lynn Calm Team gets unexpected results. via Item Live

Great Barrington urges town to minimize water use amid significant drought. via @berkshireeagle.com

Lenox and Stockbridge exploring expanded pedestrian and bicycle network. via @iberkshires.com

Drought conditions return to Massachusetts as people are asked to conserve water. via Patriot Ledger

Pittsfield City Council approves regulations for short-term rentals. via @berkshireeagle.com

MMA & Suffolk University kicked off the 2025-26 Certificate in Local Government Leadership & Management program this morning in Winchester.

West Nile virus cases running higher than normal, prompting health warnings. via @nbcboston.com

How can Hopedale attract a buyer for Town Hall? What's being discussed. via MetroWest Daily