Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
During the virtual Local Government Advisory Commission meeting on Feb. 11, Franklin Town Administrator and MMA President Jamie Hellen thanks the Healey-Driscoll administration for re-filing Municipal Empowerment Act, a package of reforms that would boost local government efficiency and provide local options.
The MMA and local leaders are continuing their strong advocacy for the governor’s proposed Municipal Empowerment Act, a multifaceted package of reforms and local options aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of local government operations.
The bill, refiled by Gov. Maura Healey on Jan. 31, contains many of the same provisions as last year’s version, including the codification of existing local flexibilities for remote and hybrid public meetings — an allowance that is set to expire at the end of this month. (The MMA, along with several local and regional groups, issued a joint statement on this important issue on Feb. 19.)
Among its 30-plus provisions, the Municipal Empowerment Act would also:
• Update enforcement mechanisms for unsightly and unsafe doubled-up utility poles
• Provide new and expanded local revenue options
• Improve efficiency in borrowing rules for school projects and in emergency-related spending
• Provide tools to address critical workforce shortages
The bill would reform procurement rules, including a provision that would exempt snow hauling services from Chapter 30B procurement rules, to align it with rules for snow plowing services. Another provision would raise the 30B threshold for all municipal purchases to $100,000.
[For more details, see the MMA’s Jan. 31 news posting and the administration’s Municipal Empowerment Act portal.]
LGAC discussion
The Municipal Empowerment Act was a featured topic during the Feb. 11 meeting of the Local Government Advisory Commission with the administration, where Danielle Cerny, chief of staff for the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, gave an overview of the package, and local leaders expressed their appreciation.
Cerny reminded attendees that the ideas for the bill came from many conversations with local leaders, and said the administration is confident that “with the support of all of you,” the bill can become law this legislative session.
“You asked for relief from administrative burdens and for improved tools to deliver for our residents, and that is what this bill delivers,” she said.
Franklin Town Administrator and MMA President Jamie Hellen said the inclusion of local revenue options “gives cities and towns another way to help support the funding of essential services.”
“With significant cost drivers and needs in our municipal budgets, this revenue could be a game-changer for our communities,” he said.
Stow Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski called the Municipal Empowerment Act “a big deal for all municipalities.” She highlighted the remote and hybrid meetings provision, which “meets what local governments and their residents need, and is simply codifying what is already authorized.”
“This has been enormously successful over the past five years, and its success is rooted in its flexibility,” she said.
Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti expressed appreciation for provisions to simplify procurement rules and thresholds.
“It’s especially important for smaller communities, where often a single procurement officer is doing procurements for both the town and the schools,” he said. “These small changes … add up to make a big difference for cities and towns, and we really appreciate your efforts.”
The MMA is urging all municipal officials to reach out to their legislators to discuss the importance of the Municipal Empowerment Act and its benefits for municipal operations.