“Meet DLS” webinar, geared toward new local officials, is Oct. 24

The Division of Local Services is inviting local officials, particularly those who are new to local government to an introductory webinar on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m.: “Meet DLS: Who We Are and How We Can Help.”

In the first half of the presentation, DLS staff will explain the agency’s mission and the resources, guidance and information it offers to cities and towns.

The second half will offer breakout rooms hosted by the Bureau of Local Assessment, Bureau of Accounts and Financial Management Resource Bureau, who will provide an overview of key concepts and functions that are important to municipal officials.

In advance of the webinar, the DLS asks local officials to review the following items to better acquaint them with the subject matter that will be discussed:
• Introduction to DLS: A presentation providing a brief overview of DLS and the mission of each of its bureaus
• City & Town New Officials edition: Published in June of 2022, an e-newsletter that provides an introduction to a variety of municipal finance trainings and resources
• Overview of Municipal Government: A video that walks through the responsibilities of local officials and how they interact in managing municipal operations
• Proposition 2½: A series of nine short videos explaining the basic provisions of a fundamental feature of the Massachusetts municipal fiscal landscape
• Teamwork in town government: A white paper covering the key players involved in managing a town’s finances and the core financial best practices common among fiscally stable communities

Webinar registration is available online. For more information, contact dlsregistration@dor.state.ma.us.