On Sept. 5, the MMA will be opening its biennial Chapter 90 funding survey with an email to chief municipal officials and public works and highway department officials in all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns. The survey asks communities for their assessment of what it would cost to maintain their local roads in a state…
The formal legislative session ended this summer without enactment of a number of pieces of legislation that have been closely followed by the MMA and municipalities — particularly an economic development package, clean energy siting changes, the Municipal Empowerment Act, and a new program to help communities win federal grants. Included in these bills were…
The five statewide ballot initiatives certified for the November election include one that would legalize natural psychedelic substances, with language that would preempt local control. Question 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances (initiative 23-13) would legalize the possession and sale of natural psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, psilocin and mescaline, to people…
The fiscal 2025 state budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey on July 29 included changes to the tax title foreclosure process that were intended to bring the state into compliance with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the issue. In Tyler vs. Hennepin County, the Supreme Court ruled that municipalities, in resolving a tax…
The town of Westwood’s Council on Aging is an engaging, active and welcoming environment that serves the diverse needs of approximately 4,500 citizens 60 and older, as well as disabled adults. The COA is seeking a compassionate, respectful and resourceful Social Worker to provide outreach, advocacy and support to the town’s senior residents. Qualifications: master’s…
Gov. Maura Healey on July 31 signed legislation aimed at closing gender and racial wage gaps in the Commonwealth. Known as the Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act, the law was supported by the MMA and many other groups. The law requires Massachusetts employers with 25 or more employees to disclose reasonable wage or salary ranges…
