MMA honors four legislators with special recognition at Connect 351

CONTACT: Dave Koffman, Senior Executive & Legislative Director, [email protected]

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Municipal Association recognized four state legislators for their outstanding advocacy on key municipal issues at the MMA’s Connect 351 conference.

During a reception and gathering of hundreds of municipal officials, the MMA presented Legislator of the Year Awards to Sen. Brendan Crighton and Rep. James Arciero, and Municipal Advocate Awards to Sen. Jake Oliveira and Rep. Danielle Gregoire.

“The success of the MMA’s work would not be possible without the outstanding partners in the Legislature, and their commitment to municipalities,” said MMA Executive Director and CEO Adam Chapdelaine. “Sen. Crighton and Rep. Arciero were instrumental in securing a historic increase in Chapter 90 funding, which will benefit every city and town across the Commonwealth at a time when infrastructure investments are urgently needed.”

As chairs of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, Crighton and Arciero were leading voices in the House and Senate calling for this past year’s increase in Chapter 90 funding, a top MMA priority. Their leadership helped secure a 50% increase in base local road and bridge funding, raising total statewide Chapter 90 funding to $300 million.

This critical investment will provide much-needed resources for local infrastructure, offering relief to municipalities struggling to maintain their roads and bridges amid ongoing fiscal challenges.

Crighton, of Lynn, represents the Third Essex District in the Massachusetts Senate. Arciero, of Westford, represents the Second Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

“Thank you to the Massachusetts Municipal Association for this wonderful recognition, and for the work they do as a leader and voice for our communities,” Crighton said. “Along with my co-chair, Rep. Arciero, we look forward to continuing our partnership with municipal officials and advancing regional equity in our transportation infrastructure to support the needs of our cities and towns.”

“I am honored to receive this award from the MMA, alongside my Senate Co-Chair, Brendan Crighton,” Arciero said. “Transportation is foundational to daily life in the Commonwealth, and investing in it is about more than infrastructure. Reliable transportation connects people to opportunity, and our investments in programs like Chapter 90 ensure that communities and our state transportation providers have the resources and funding they need to get the job done and to get residents where they need to go.”

The MMA recognized Oliveira and Gregoire with Municipal Advocate Awards for their commitment to modernizing successful local government operations. The two awardees introduced MMA priority legislation to permanently codify current remote and hybrid public meeting options.

“Sen. Oliveira and Rep. Gregoire have been relentless advocates for codifying existing remote and hybrid public meeting options,” Chapdelaine said. “We are deeply grateful for their dedicated work and the strong partnership from all of this year’s awardees.”

Oliveira and Gregoire played a pivotal role on this issue, including the two-plus year extension to current authorizations, to mid-2027. If not for this extension, the provisions were set to expire in March of 2025.

Oliveira, of Ludlow, represents the Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester District in the Senate. Gregoire, of Marlborough, represents the 4th Middlesex District in the House.

“Receiving the Municipal Advocate Award was incredibly meaningful,” Oliveira said. “Having spent 16 years in municipal government before joining the Legislature, I have seen firsthand how cities and towns deliver the services residents rely on every day. Now that I have the privilege of representing 12 diverse communities, my focus has remained on supporting our municipalities as they support strong schools, public safety, infrastructure, libraries, and the full range of local services that keep our communities thriving.”

“Being recognized as an MMA Municipal Advocate awardee is a true honor,” Gregoire said. “As a third generation graduate of the Marlborough public schools and fourth generation resident of the city, my goal when I first ran for office was to give every resident of our city the opportunities I have been afforded. Municipal leaders are integral partners in the work we do to help people live better, healthier and more fulfilling lives, and this recognition is a reflection of our partnership and the proven results that have arisen because of that collaboration.”