A comprehensive analysis released by the MMA in October — “A Perfect Storm” — found that Massachusetts cities and towns face a convergence of forces that are threatening the essential services that every resident of the Commonwealth relies on every single day.

In response, the MMA is releasing a package of policy recommendations that would stabilize municipal finances and public services, restore and strengthen the state-local partnership, and provide additional flexibility for local leaders to manage their budgets.

Explore the MMA’s new report, Navigating the Storm: Charting a Course Toward Fiscal Stability, for more details.

• Navigating the Storm: Charting a Course Toward Fiscal Stability (PDF)
• See our news story about Navigating the Storm
• “Navigating the Storm” talking points for MMA members (PDF)

The MMA’s initial analysis, A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face Historic Fiscal Pressures, found that a convergence of forces are forcing Massachusetts cities and towns to make increasingly devastating cuts to essential services for residents.

As a result of all these factors and more, municipalities have been keeping budgets balanced by cutting or reducing essential services, which impacts schools, libraries, roads, public safety, and an overall shrinking of community vibrancy.

• A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face Historic Fiscal Pressures (3M PDF)
• See our news story about A Perfect Storm

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