Over the course of the past five years, the MMA’s five policy committees have participated in projects to identify and describe a number of “best practices” aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of local government in Massachusetts. The result is four volumes of the MMA’s Best Practices series, available below.

Note: These files are all in PDF format.

Volume 6 – 2023

Download full Best Practices report (226K PDF)

MMA Policy Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Public Utilities
Prioritize Relationships, Communication, and Key Policies to Ensure Effective Infrastructure for Project Coordination

MMA Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration
Strategies for Choosing a Successful Meeting Format

MMA Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
Financing Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Stormwater Permit Work

Volume 5 – 2020

Download full Best Practices report (260K PDF)

MMA Policy Committee on Personnel and Labor Relations
Conduct and Civility of Public Officials
Pathways to Municipal Government

MMA Policy Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Public Utilities
Promote the Public Works Profession

MMA Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration
Local Process Changes to Ensure Sustainable Housing Production
Economic Development Factors Within Municipal Control
Strategies for Boosting Community Engagement

MMA Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
Municipal Exterior Lighting Conversions

Volume 4 – 2019

Download full Best Practices report (182K PDF)

MMA Fiscal Policy Committee
Capital Planning and Climate Change

MMA Policy Committee on Personnel and Labor Relations
Human Resources Professionals
Professional Development for Municipal Officials
Wellness Programs for Municipal Employees

MMA Policy Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Public Utilities
Develop a Sustainable Wood Debris Management Plan

MMA Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration
Considering Social Media Policies in the Context of the Open Meeting and Public Records Laws
Update Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaws
Create a Policy Surrounding the Review and Negotiation of Applicants and Host Community Agreements

MMA Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
Municipal Investment in Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations
Municipal Solid Waste Diversion Programs

Volume 3 – 2018

Download full Best Practices report (182K PDF)

MMA Fiscal Policy Committee
Tax Exemptions and Abatements for Economic Development Purposes

MMA Policy Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Public Utilities
Emergency Management and Preparedness for Public Works

MMA Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration
Recreational Marijuana Strategy
Age- and Dementia-Friendly Community Commitments

MMA Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
Municipal Climate Adaptation Plans

Volume 2 – 2017

Download full Best Practices report (207K PDF)

MMA Fiscal Policy Committee
Revenue and Expenditure Financial Forecasting
Long-Term Debt Management

MMA Policy Committee on Personnel and Labor Relations
Managing Health Insurance Plan Design to Reduce OPEB Liability
Replacing Civil Service with Modern Personnel Systems to Manage Public Safety Departments

MMA Policy Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Public Utilities
Transportation Infrastructure Asset Management
Coordination of Infrastructure Work With Utility Companies

MMA Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration
Establish Formal Policies and Procedures for Managing Requests for Public Records

MMA Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
Stormwater Public Awareness and Public Education
Municipal Energy Plans

Volume 1 – 2016

Download full Best Practices report (312K PDF)

MMA Fiscal Policy Committee
Municipal Reserves
Capital Planning
Budgeting for Snow and Ice Removal

MMA Policy Committee on Personnel and Labor Relations
Managing Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) Liabilities
Adequate Preparation for Collective Bargaining Cases Referred to the Joint Labor-Management Committee
Managing Unemployment Insurance Claims nd Costs

MMA Policy Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Public Utilities
Pavement Management System Planning
Protecting Municipal Vehicles from Storm Treatment Corrosives
Participation in the National Joint Utilities Notification System (NJUNS)

MMA Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration
Economic Development Strategies
Sharing Municipal Services

MMA Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
Integrated Water Resources Management Plans
Solid Waste Management Master Plan
Join a Stormwater Management Coalition

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