An interactive MMA webinar on Oct. 22 will offer an extended opportunity for questions and answers about so-called First Amendment audits, and protocols for dealing with them. Attorneys Lauren Goldberg and Janelle Austin of KP Law will discuss practical tips for calmly communicating with “auditors,” who record interactions with local government officials and post them…
MMA’s Virtual Municipal Leadership Academy is expanding its offerings to include highly interactive workshops, starting October 9. Supervisors have traditionally been taught to expect staff to accommodate their leadership style, but this approach is no longer seen as effective, supportive, or inclusive. In this interactive VMLA workshop, Lyn Freundlich of Change for Good Coaching and…
A free MMA webinar on Sept. 26 will review issues and strategies related to the use of opioid settlement funds. Julia Newhall from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Cheryl Sbarra from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards will give an overview of the state statute that established the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund…
A free MMA webinar on Sept. 24 will highlight best practices for maintaining and building a community’s capital assets. Kasey Bik from the Division of Local Services will offer guidance on developing a capital plan and managing debt, while sharing resources to assist communities in developing their own processes. Arlington Finance Committee Member Charlie Foskett…
The sixth session in the MMA’s “Inspiring Climate Action” webinar series, on Aug. 7, will explore state incentives and federal funding options for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and low-emission vehicles. Anna Vanderspek, electric vehicle program director at the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, will discuss the types of EVs available today and the charging infrastructure needed.…
On July 23, the fifth session of the MMA’s “Inspiring Climate Action” webinar series will review funding and financial incentives available for geothermal projects through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Massachusetts Deputy Climate Chief Jonathan Schrag will discuss incentives and tax credits available to municipalities, including how Elective Pay and cash refunds from clean energy…
On June 25, the fourth session of the MMA’s “Inspiring Climate Action” webinar series will explore funding opportunities available to municipalities — particularly grants and tax credits — to support decarbonization efforts. Green Communities Division Director Joanne Bissetta will discuss a new state grant program, Climate Leader Communities, run by the Department of Energy Resources.…
The MMA will host two webinars this spring with the Mass Cultural Council discussing how arts and culture can drive growth and enrich municipalities. The first webinar, on May 28, will discuss the mission, vision and impact of the Mass Cultural Council. Panelists will discuss how communities can support and promote the arts by appointing…
A free MMA webinar on June 12 will review a municipal branding project from concept to design to implementation. Panelists will discuss pros, cons, insights and challenges related to developing and using a new municipal brand. Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove will share why she initiated a branding project, and how it benefits her city. She’ll…