Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
On July 29, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance issued draft emergency regulations related to the Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund.
The regulations detail processes for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s Initial Damage Assessment, qualification criteria for disaster relief, and eligible uses of funds.
The Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund was established by the fiscal 2025 state budget to ensure the Commonwealth has resources available to respond to natural disasters such as floods, severe storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other qualifying events.
Initially proposed following multiple weather events affecting Massachusetts communities, farms, residents and businesses, the fund is designed to bridge financial gaps left by insufficient or inaccessible federal programs, private insurance, and limited local capacity. The establishment of the fund has been an MMA priority in recent years.
As part of the formal process for adopting permanent regulations, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance is holding a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 2 p.m.
To attend the hearing, individuals must register by emailing [email protected] before noon on Tuesday, Aug. 25. To sign up to provide oral comments, individuals must email a “Notice of Intent to Comment” to [email protected] before 5 p.m. on Aug. 25.
Written copies of oral testimony are requested during the hearing. All notices or requests must include the person’s name, phone number, and email address.