MSA holds Rural and Western Massachusetts Conference

The Massachusetts Select Board Association held its ninth annual Rural and Western Massachusetts Conference on May 3 in Holyoke, discussing “idea-friendly” communities, legislative issues, federal funding, emergency medical services, and local arts programming.

Rural development expert and facilitator Becky McCray opened with a keynote on strategies for increasing participation in local governance, overcoming obstacles, and putting ideas into action in small and rural towns.

She recommended prioritizing on-site activities over formal town hall meetings when launching a new idea or project, which helps create community buy-in.

In her hometown of Alva, Oklahoma, community members who organized to replace outdated and hazardous playground equipment at a local park started their project on-site, hosting a kickoff event on the playground to clean up and beautify the equipment, raise funds, and spread awareness.

“Holding an activity at the site of the new idea,” she said, “the conversation it generates is so much different than anything we could have inside town hall.”

McCray also recommended taking an inclusive approach to volunteer recruitment.

“Having people from across different groups,” she said, “expands your knowledge in a new way and helps to bypass bitter divisions.”

Legislative panel
Sen. Paul Mark, Rep. Aaron Saunders and MMA Legislative Analyst Adrienne Núñez gave updates on several key bills in the Legislature, including the fiscal 2026 state budget and a transportation bond bill.

Núñez also discussed the governor’s proposed Municipal Empowerment Act and encouraged municipal leaders to share their perspectives on it.

“Now is the time to talk to us on the MMA legislative team, and your legislators,” she said.

Mark discussed how federal funding cuts will affect state and local governments.

“I know there are people in every state in this country who are dealing with funding cuts, just like you,” he said. “We may have differences in immigration policy, but we’re all dealing with cuts to farms, roads and education. … You have to use your networks and be vocal. Your voice matters, even at the federal level.”

Saunders discussed state-level actions being taken to stabilize funding for essential programs and services in light of recent federal cuts, such as the proposed funding increases for education.

“The House is really committed to making that a mainstay in the budget,” he said.

EMS
A rural emergency medical services panel featured Northfield EMS Chief Matt Wolkenbreit and Becca Meekins, public services manager at the UMass Collins Center for Public Management.

While taking questions from the audience and moderator and Deerfield Select Board Chair Trevor McDaniel, the panelists discussed strategies for building more sustainable EMS service models in rural communities and securing funding sources.

Wolkenbreit recommended that communities start by gathering information from stakeholders and developing a shared vision.

“What do you want in terms of staff, logistics, and resources?” he asked. “What is your community’s expectation for service delivery?”

Berkshire Busk!
Eugene Carr and Carli Scolforo from Berkshire Busk!, a community arts and culture festival in Great Barrington, presented their Community Busk program, which aims to bring the Berkshire Busk! model to other small, rural towns in Massachusetts.

Berkshire Busk! provides an accessible, multi-generational community space for both residents and visitors to enjoy the arts, they said.

Opening remarks
As representatives of the host community, Holyoke Mayor Josha Garcia and Sen. John Velis welcomed attendees.

Reflecting on his prior role as town administrator in Blandford, Garcia said, “Small towns don’t mean small issues … In fact, they follow the same laws and shoulder the same expectations as larger cities.”

Garcia urged attendees to lean into the unique sense of community in their small towns to forge connections and solve problems.

“What I experienced working for smaller municipalities like Blandford was neighbors stepping up and looking after their fellow neighbors.”