Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Six hundred councillors serve in 59 communities in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association (est. 1981) provides opportunities for these officials to network and share ideas, pursue educational opportunities, meet with state leaders and subject-matter experts, and participate in the advocacy work of the MMA.
City councils and town councils act as the legislative branch in a city form of government, as well as its policymaking body. The council is the appropriating authority (passes the annual budget and other financial matters) and passes local legislation, known as ordinances. The council also considers the city’s goals, major projects, infrastructure improvements, community growth, land use, finances, and strategic planning. (Note: Several Massachusetts communities with a city form of government still refer to themselves as a town, and thus have a town council.)
Until recently, some cities used the term “board of aldermen” to identify their legislative body, though the responsibilities and duties were essentially the same as for city councils. The name gradually fell out of favor, and the last board of alderman in Massachusetts changed its name to a city council in 2019.
The Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association is dedicated to promoting the role of city and town councillors as the local legislative and policy-making body through the development of practices that support efficient municipal government.
MMCA discusses civility and rules of engagement for councils – Sept. 14
MMCA discusses uses of ARPA funds – June 24
MMCA holds webinar on school finance issues – April 9
MMCA holds business meeting, elects officers – Jan. 13
MMCA looks at positive impacts of living in diverse community – Nov. 19
MMA holds COVID-19 briefing for MSA and MMCA – June 12
MMCA webinar looks at municipal budgeting in COVID era – May 13
MMA holds COVID-19 briefing for MSA and MMCA – May 8
MMA holds COVID-19 briefing for MSA and MMCA – April 10
If you are a city or town councillor in Massachusetts, you are already a member. Please join us at upcoming MMCA events.
For Selectmen
for Selectmen
MMCA Districts
District 1: Agawam, Amherst, Chicopee, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Greenfield, Holyoke, North Adams, Northampton, Palmer, Pittsfield, Springfield, West Springfield, Westfield
District 2: Fitchburg, Framingham, Gardner, Leominster, Marlborough, Southbridge, Worcester
District 3: Amesbury, Beverly, Gloucester, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Methuen, Newburyport, Peabody, Salem, Woburn
District 4: Attleboro, Barnstable, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Fall River, Franklin, New Bedford, North Attleborough, Quincy, Randolph, Taunton, Weymouth
District 5: Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown, Winthrop
Have a question about the Councillors’ Association, the role of councillors, or city government? Contact Senior Member Program Coordinator Denise Baker using this form.