The 351

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

Municipal leaders are expected to solve problems, navigate public scrutiny, lead through uncertainty, and somehow avoid burning out along the way. But what if the key to becoming a better leader isn't working harder — it's learning when to step back? Leadership coach, podcast host, and author Chad Wright explains what he’s learned about the human side of public leadership — why burnout has become so common in local government, how constant connectivity erodes creativity and sound decision-making, and why leaders who neglect their own well-being often unintentionally undermine their teams. Chad shares practical strategies for building sustainable leadership habits and leading with what he calls "healthy vulnerability" during times of uncertainty. For Further Reading: Learn more about Chad and Forward Partners: https://www.forwardpartners.net/about To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Municipal finance, which touches nearly every service residents rely on, is a specialized field. In this episode, Sean Cronin, Senior Deputy Commissioner of the Massachusetts Division of Local Services, discusses how his agency supports cities and towns across the Commonwealth as they manage public resources. Cronin explains the dual role of DLS as a regulatory agency and a technical assistance partner — helping communities navigate everything from property tax administration and free cash certification to long-range financial planning and workforce development. He also shares how DLS is working to make municipal finance more accessible through training programs, online resources, and partnerships with community colleges. The conversation explores topics including financial resilience, the importance of long-term planning, and the impact of new growth under Proposition 2½. For Further Reading: Learn more about DLS: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dls-senior-deputy-commissioner-and-bureaus Learn more about Mass financial policies: https://www.mma.org/mma-webinar-with-dls-covers-financial-policies/ Proposition 2 ½: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/proposition-2-12-and-tax-rate-process To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

As misinformation spreads online, and residents expect instant updates, municipalities are under growing pressure to communicate clearly, effectively, and in a way that bolsters public trust. Some cities and towns have dedicated communications resources while others don’t, but they all face similar challenges – in an era increasingly dominated by social media and now AI. In this episode, we hear from Jeremy Warnick, Director of Media Relations and Content Strategy at the City of Cambridge, and Sean Dugan, Deputy Town Administrator in Easton, about communications strategies that really work, and why cities and towns increasingly need to act as their own media organizations. For Further Reading: Learn more about the Massachusetts Municipal Communicators: https://www.mma.org/mma-launches-mass-municipal-communicators-group/ To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Leadership is tough at any level, but working in local government presents a unique set of challenges – and requires specific skills. Executive coaches and leadership consultants Betsy and Anthony Neptune of Neptune Coaching have spent years helping municipal leaders fortify their skill set. They share why technical expertise doesn’t always translate into effective management, how municipal leaders can build trust and navigate conflict, and why workplace culture is really about “patterns of behavior,” not slogans written on a wall. For Further Reading: More about Neptune Coaching: https://www.neptunecoaching.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com Creating a Culture of Collaboration: https://www.mma.org/resource/creating-a-culture-of-collaboration-helping-staff-with-problem-solving/ To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

MMA Membership Director Jackie Lavender Bird has been a city councillor, mayoral chief of staff, and a former MMA legislative leader, which means she can share a 360-degree view of local government. In this episode, she shares what she’s hearing from municipal officials who are navigating today’s fiscal pressures and rapid technological change. Bird discusses the professional development, peer learning, webinars, and events that the MMA offers to help members navigate difficult conversations, strengthen public trust, and communicate effectively — and the resilience of local leaders working to keep communities moving forward despite mounting challenges. For Further Reading: Bird Becomes MMA’s Membership Director: https://www.mma.org/as-pierce-retires-bird-becomes-mmas-membership-director/ MMA Events calendar: https://www.mma.org/event/ MMA Webinars program: https://www.mma.org/webinars/ MMA Members page: https://www.mma.org/members/ To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Massachusetts is home to some of the best health care in the world, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to get it. Sarah Iselin, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, unpacks what’s driving the surge in health care costs, and shares how insurers, providers, and policymakers are responding — and why none of the solutions come without trade-offs. The conversation digs into the real-world impact on municipal budgets, the limits of shifting costs to consumers, and the difficult choices leaders are facing between funding health care and investing in their communities. Iselin outlines where innovation is creating hope — from new care models and digital tools to prevention, primary care investment, and stronger collaboration across the system. For Further Reading: Health care costs: Defining the challenge and finding solutions: https://www.mma.org/advocacy/health-care-costs-defining-the-challenge-and-finding-solutions/ Multiple factors contribute to rising health care costs: https://www.mma.org/multiple-factors-contribute-to-rising-health-care-costs/ MMA forum explores health cost drivers, possible remedies: https://www.mma.org/mma-forum-explores-health-cost-drivers-possible-remedies/ Blue Cross CEO says she's taking cost controls seriously in negotiations with hospitals: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/24/business/blue-cross-health-care-costs/ The urgency of tackling health care affordability: https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/the-urgency-of-tackling-health-care-affordability/ To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

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

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

What does a lack of funding from the federal level mean for leaders of cities and towns? In this episode, we look beyond the national politics that are dominating the headlines and dive deeper into the real work of nonpartisan local government with Clarence Anthony, Executive Director of the National League of Cities. A former mayor himself, Clarence talks about the opportunities for strong leadership in cities and towns in this moment, the importance of humanity in public service, the toll of polarization, and what he sees are the most urgent priorities to address. For Further Reading: Check out Clarence’s podcast with the National League of Cities, CitiesSpeak: https://www.nlc.org/news-insights/citiesspeak-podcast Learn more about Connect 351, where Clarence will be a keynote speaker: https://www.mma.org/nlcs-clarence-anthony-is-saturday-keynote-for-connect-351 To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org