MMA offers two-part webinar series on overrides, budget challenges

As chronicled in the MMA’s “Perfect Storm” report, municipalities across Massachusetts are facing difficult budget decisions this spring, including whether to pursue Proposition 2½ overrides.

In light of this reality, the MMA is offering a two-part webinar series with practical guidance for municipal leaders on what comes after a local vote — helping communities plan next steps and communicate decisions clearly.

• May 13: “Managing Your Budget Without an Override”
This webinar will offer practical advice for municipalities navigating fiscal constraints. Whether an override attempt was unsuccessful, or was never initiated, this webinar will discuss how to navigate tough budgeting and layoff decisions. (Online registration is available.)

• June 10: “Cultivating Transparency After a ‘Yes’ Vote”
This webinar will focus on how municipalities can keep stakeholders informed after a successful override effort. It will cover how to clearly explain budget decisions and identify the local programs that will be supported by the override. The importance of managing staff and resident expectations will also be explored. (Online registration is available.)

Both webinars will run from noon to 1:15 p.m., via Zoom. The webinars are free, but advance registration is required.

To increase accessibility, closed captioning is available for all MMA webinars. Zoom also has the ability to translate captions in multiple languages. Questions will be taken during the webinar using the Q&A function, which requires the use of the Zoom app for desktop or smartphone.

Only MMA members may register. MMA members include elected officials and municipal employees from MMA member communities across the state. Media members are not permitted to attend.