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Massachusetts cities, towns at crossroads, confronted with ‘historic fiscal pressures’

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 9h

MMA Report: Massachusetts cities, towns at crossroads, confronted with ‘historic fiscal pressures’. via @bostonherald.com

Local officials across Massachusetts are sounding the alarm over the combination of increasing costs and diminishing state aid that has prompted them to face what they describe as “historic fiscal …

www.bostonherald.com

Municipal association raises questions about ‘Prop. 2.5′ levy barrier - The Boston Globe

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 9h

Mass. Municipal Association raises questions about ‘Prop. 2.5′ levy barrier. via @bostonglobe.com

The levy limit prevents municipal leaders from raising property tax revenue by more than 2.5 percent in one year without a voter-approved override.

www.bostonglobe.com

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 13h

The MMA has released a major report that documents a convergence of forces that are putting dramatic pressure on city and town budgets and on the vital, quality-of-life services provided by municipalities.

New report from MMA documents a fiscal crisis in cities, towns - Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

The MMA released a major report this morning that documents a convergence of forces that are putting dramatic pressure on city and town budgets and on the vital, quality-of-life services provided by m...

House overrides budget vetoes, moves to restore charter school payments - Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 4d

The House has voted to override several of Gov. Healey’s FY26 state budget vetoes, including nearly $20M for Charter School Mitigation Payments.

The House yesterday voted to override several of Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal 2026 state budget vetoes, aiming to restore $70 million of the governor’s $130 million in reductions. The House unanimously ...

State to host public hearings to review K-12 school finance formula - Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 4d

The administration will hold a series of 5 public listening sessions to solicit feedback on the state’s Chapter 70 school finance formula as part of a Ch. 70 Local Contribution Study. See our story for session details: www.mma.org/state-to-hos...

The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced a series of public listening sessions to solicit feedback on the state’s Chapter 70 school finance formula. Chapter 70 is the primary funding program...

A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face Historic Fiscal Pressures - Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 4d

In real dollars, state aid is lower than 2002, with few options for municipalities to make up the gap.

Where do we go from here? Explore MMA’s new report and weigh in: www.mma.org/aperfectstorm

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 4d

…and overrides aren’t the answer for most.

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 4d

Cities and towns rely on property taxes. But Prop 2 ½ creates constraints.

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 4d

Cities and towns are being frugal, but they can’t overcome larger trends – including inflation.

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Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 4d

Many Mass cities and towns are nearing a fiscal breaking point. Let’s explore why.

House overrides budget vetoes, moves to restore charter school payments - Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 5d

The House yesterday voted to override several of Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal 2026 state budget vetoes, aiming to restore $70 million of the governor’s $130 million in reductions.

The House yesterday voted to override several of Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal 2026 state budget vetoes, aiming to restore $70 million of the governor’s $130 million in reductions. The House unanimously ...

Report: Mass. cities and towns getting socked by fiscal 'perfect storm'

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 5d

MMA Report: Mass. cities and towns getting socked by fiscal 'perfect storm' via @statehousenews.com

Rising costs and sluggish growth in state aid are leaving municipal budgets in Massachusetts in a tightening bind and increasingly unable to adequately respond to demands for better local services,

www.statehousenews.com

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Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 5d

Municipalities crank up the heat with report warning of financial ‘perfect storm,’ says report released by MMA. via @cwbeacon.bsky.social

Municipalities crank up the heat with report warning of financial ‘perfect storm’ - CommonWealth Beacon

A new report from the Massachusetts Municipal Association could put more pressure on Beacon Hill to reconsider stalled reforms amid bigger-picture economic uncertainty and a persistent “affordability”...

commonwealthbeacon.org

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 5d

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller & MMA Exec Dir @adamchapdelaine.bsky.social speak to members of press outside Newton City Hall abt MMA report released today that documents convergence of forces that are putting dramatic pressure on municipal budgets & on the vital, quality-of-life services they provide

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Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 5d

At Fiscal Summit hosted by MMA in Boylston, Reading Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman discusses experiences with override requests & how to make them more appealing to residents. She says communities have to meet people where they are, "override projects have to have something for everyone."

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 5d

At Fiscal Summit held by MMA in Boylston, Foxborough Communications Specialist Maura Buckley walks thru key components of successful communications on financial issues, inclu providing ample & clear information, & messaging thru multiple formats & channels to reach widest audience & build trust.

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 5d

At Fiscal Summit held by MMA in Boylston, Josh Vadala, Peabody Superintendent of Schools, & Sean Mangano, Holyoke Public Schools Exec Dir of Finance & Operations, discuss some factors driving educational costs upward, inclu mental health services, heath insurance costs, special ed & transportation.

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 5d

At Fiscal Summit for municipal officials, MMA Exec Dir @adamchapdelaine.bsky.social discusses new MMA report that documents convergence of forces that are putting dramatic pressure on city & town budgets & on the vital, quality-of-life services provided by municipalities
www.mma.org/new-report-f...

King tides are coming back and may bring some flooding to New England’s shores - The Boston Globe

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 6d

King tides are coming back and may bring some flooding to New England’s shores. via @bostonglobe.com

Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island will see some of this year’s highest tides, 2 to 4 feet above normal, under a waning supermoon.

www.bostonglobe.com

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 6d

Fairhaven ‘water Roomba’ helps clean up the harbor. via @newbedfordlight.bsky.social

Fairhaven ‘water Roomba’ helps clean up the harbor - The New Bedford Light

The Jellyfishbot, nicknamed Bumblebee, is designed to curb litter, control oil spills, and monitor vessels for leakage.

newbedfordlight.org

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 7d

Here's what new housing data says about Berkshire County's affordable housing crisis. via @berkshireeagle.com

Here's what new housing data says about Berkshire County's affordable housing crisis

Newly released data on the housing crisis in Western Massachusetts reveals that Berkshire County faces significant hurdles to alleviating it.

www.berkshireeagle.com

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 7d

Despite housing shortage, Berkshires slow to embrace ADUs — here’s why. via @berkshireeagle.com

Despite housing shortage, Berkshires slow to embrace ADUs — here’s why

Lofty predictions made many people see ADUs as a crucial part to solving the housing crisis, but five months after a state-wide ADU law came into effect, Berkshire County doesn't

www.berkshireeagle.com

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 7d

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

New FEMA flood maps prompt questions, concerns across Massachusetts - CommonWealth Beacon

Massachusetts property owners are navigating the need for flood insurance as disasters become more widespread and the state looks to reverse an urgent housing shortage.

commonwealthbeacon.org

MMA publishes October issue of The Beacon - Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

Mass. Municipal Assn @mma.org · 11d

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.

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 opportuniti...