Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will kick off the annual Rural and Western Massachusetts Conference on Saturday, May 2, in Holyoke.
The event, open to all MMA members, is hosted annually by the Massachusetts Select Board Association and focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities facing municipalities in rural and western Massachusetts.
In addition to remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, the agenda will include an update from the state’s Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi and a legislative panel featuring Sen. Joanne Comerford and Rep. Aaron Saunders.
The conference will also feature a session on clean energy siting and permitting led by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). The session will cover the new statewide energy siting and permitting process. Municipalities must begin accepting applications using the new process by October 1, 2026. Attendees will leave with an understanding of what steps their municipality needs to take to be in compliance with the new regulations.
Registration and breakfast will open at 8 a.m. The program will begin at 8:30 and will conclude at noon with a networking lunch. The cost to attend is $25.
The event will be held at the Delaney House, located at 3 Country Club Road in Holyoke.
8-8:30 a.m.
Registration and networking breakfast
8:30-8:35 a.m.
Opening remarks
Christine Hoyt, Adams, Select Board Member
Adam Chapdelaine, MMA Executive Director
Mayor Joshua Garcia, Holyoke
8:35-9 a.m.
Keynote Presentation
Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll
9-10 a.m.
Legislative Panel
Sen. Joanne Comerford
Rep. Aaron Saunders
Moderator: Adrienne Núñez, MMA Senior Legislative Analyst
10-10:20 a.m.
Remarks
Anne Gobi, Director of Rural Affairs
10:20-10:30 a.m.
Break
10:30-11:45 a.m.
Clean Energy Siting and Permitting Presentation
Stephen Meno, Clean Energy Siting and Permitting Regional Coordinator – Central Region, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
11:45 a.m.- Noon
Closing announcements and networking
Noon
Lunch
Location
The Delaney House, Holyoke
Contact
MMA Member Program Coordinator Martin Davis, [email protected]