Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
A Massachusetts Municipal Management Association “Form of Government FAQ’s” webinar addressed common questions that arise when a community is considering a change in governance. Speakers included (top l-r) Paul Bockelman, Town Manager, Amherst; Zack Blake, Financial Management Resource Bureau Chief, Division of Local Services; Andy Sheehan, Town Manager, Sudbury; (bottom l-r) Michael Dutton, Town Manager, Bridgewater; Kenneth Woodland, Municipal Finance Law Bureau Chief, Division of Local Services and Julie Jacobson, former Auburn Town Manager (now retired).
A Massachusetts Municipal Management Association “Form of Government FAQ’s” webinar today addressed common questions that arise when a community is considering a change in governance.
The questions include the difference between town manager and town administrator, and moving certain boards and key positions from elected to appointed.
Speakers were retired Town Manager Julie Jacobson, Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman, Bridgewater Town Manager Michael Dutton, Sudbury Town Manager Andy Sheehan, Division of Local Services Financial Management Bureau Chief Zack Blake, and DLS Law Bureau Chief Ken Woodland.
Woodland and Blake focused on the legal and technical aspects of a charter change, including applicable state laws, and highlighted the various ways the Division of Local Services can be helpful to communities as they review their charter or bylaws.
Members of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association’s Form of Government Committee are available to help communities considering a change. For information, contact Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise Baker at dbaker@mma.org.
• Division of Local Services Forms of Government sheet (210K PDF)