Last fall, the MMA launched its Virtual Municipal Leadership Academy webinar series to help promote professional development among municipal officials. The program’s three-part pilot, exploring effective communication and feedback, was led by Cally Ritter, principal of Positive Ripple Training and Consulting, and is still available for purchase. The program’s next series, to be held in…
The MMA will host a free webinar on Feb. 6 to review the basic building blocks of municipal finance. The webinar will be led by Sean Cronin and Zack Blake from the Division of Local Services, who will highlight topics including Proposition 2½, budgeting revenues and expenditures, and the importance of financial policies, forecasting and…
A free MMA webinar on Jan. 11 will explore the art of communication in challenging times, including how to have productive dialogue with a clear head and how to overcome feelings related to volatility. In today’s world, where tensions run high and conflicts seem inevitable, finding common ground through dialogue can feel like a daunting…
A free MMA webinar on Jan. 9 will review the objectives of a performance appraisal system and offer practical tips for setting “SMART” goals to start the year off right. Joellen Cademartori, CEO of GovHR, will share strategies for reviewing and completing appraisal forms and setting measurable goals that can be used to quantify progress.…
A free MMA webinar on Jan. 3 with attorney Mark Reich of KP Law will review best practices for municipal flag flying policies and handling requests from third parties to fly flags. The webinar will also address First Amendment concerns in the wake of increasing interest in this form of expression. Reich, a shareholder at…
A free MMA webinar on Dec. 11 with attorney Nicole Costanzo of KP Law will discuss the Cannabis Control Commission’s newly promulgated regulations and their impact on host communities. Beginning on March 1, 2024, the CCC will be reviewing host community agreements — including pre-existing ones — to determine compliance. In addition, host communities are…
The Massachusetts Municipal Management Association will host a “Form of Government FAQ” webinar for all MMA members on Nov. 29 from noon to 1 p.m. Speakers will include: • Bridgewater Town Manager Michael Dutton, chair of the MMMA’s Form of Government Committee • Sudbury Town Manager Andy Sheehan • Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman •…
MMA members are invited to a virtual legislative briefing on Nov. 20 to hear about the latest activity in the current legislative session that has implications for cities and towns. The one-hour meeting will be held via Zoom beginning at noon. Topics will include the recently passed fiscal 2024 state budget, cannabis regulations, zoning compliance…
A free MMA webinar on Nov. 15 will share valuable tips for running an effective meeting from start to finish. Panelists will cover best practices for agenda preparation, holding meetings in person as well as virtually, and drafting meeting minutes. They will also discuss how to establish expectations and manage public hearings. Speakers will include:…