Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
From the Beacon, November 2026
As the autumn leaves give way to winter, our sights are set squarely on the start of the new year. Each January, local leaders from every corner of the Commonwealth — from the Berkshires to the Cape and everywhere in between — make their annual pilgrimage to Boston for Connect 351.
Taking place from Jan. 21 through 23, 2027, this flagship gathering represents our shared commitment to public service, continuous improvement, and the vitality of our communities. It is the premier platform where the collective wisdom of Massachusetts municipal government comes together under one roof, and this upcoming conference promises to be one of our most impactful yet.
At the center of Connect 351 is a lineup of speakers chosen not only to inspire, but to provide actionable insights for the complex work of governing.
In an era when cities and towns must continuously balance economic growth, housing demands, infrastructure resilience, and vibrant public realms, hearing from forward-thinking leaders is essential. Our general sessions and keynote addresses will challenge us to reimagine how our communities look, move and thrive. From renowned urban planners and public communicators to innovators in civic engagement, the voices taking the stage will offer the kind of fresh perspectives that reinvigorate our passion for public service.
Complementing our main stage is an expansive slate of professional development opportunities designed specifically for the day-to-day realities of municipal leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned department director, a newly elected select board member, or a municipal manager navigating a contentious local issue, Connect 351 provides practical tools to help you succeed.
Across 18 timely workshops and focused learning labs, participants will explore the latest developments in municipal finance, human resources, labor relations, climate adaptation, and civic technology. These sessions are curated with one goal in mind: delivering strategies, best practices, and policy blueprints that you can immediately take back to town hall or city hall to make a tangible difference for your residents.
Connect 351 also serves as an indispensable bridge between local governance and our partners on Beacon Hill. Local officials understand that the relationship between state government and our 351 municipalities is vital to solving our greatest shared challenges. Connect 351 provides a front-row seat to hear directly from state leadership, offering firsthand insight into legislative priorities, upcoming state budget forecasts, and administration goals. This open dialogue ensures that the municipal voice is not merely heard, but remains central to shaping the Commonwealth’s policy agenda.
Beyond the workshops, policy discussions, and distinguished guests, the true heartbeat of Connect 351 is its unparalleled networking. Municipal service can often feel isolating; local leaders routinely tackle complex crises within the borders of their own communities, sometimes forgetting that colleagues a few towns over are navigating the exact same hurdles. Connect 351 bridges that gap.
Walking through the Trade Show floor, gathering at evening receptions, or exchanging ideas during affiliate association meetings, you are surrounded by peers who walk in your shoes. Conversations over coffee or hallway check-ins often yield the very breakthrough you need — an innovative solution to an ongoing project, a creative funding mechanism, or simply the reassurance of a trusted friend in local government.
When all 351 cities and towns stand together, our Commonwealth becomes stronger, more resilient, and more equitable. I look forward to welcoming you to Boston this January as we reconnect, learn, and lead the future of Massachusetts together.
Visit mma.org/connect for the latest information and to register.