The 351

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The Leadership Skills Municipal Managers Need Now May 26, 2026

Show notes

Leadership is tough at any level, but working in local government presents a unique set of challenges – and requires specific skills. Executive coaches and leadership consultants Betsy and Anthony Neptune of Neptune Coaching have spent years helping municipal leaders fortify their skill set. They share why technical expertise doesn’t always translate into effective management, how municipal leaders can build trust and navigate conflict, and why workplace culture is really about “patterns of behavior,” not slogans written on a wall.

For Further Reading:

More about Neptune Coaching: https://www.neptunecoaching.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Creating a Culture of Collaboration: https://www.mma.org/resource/creating-a-culture-of-collaboration-helping-staff-with-problem-solving/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Guiding Principles of MMA Membership Work: Connection and Empowerment May 12, 2026

Show notes

MMA Membership Director Jackie Lavender Bird has been a city councillor, mayoral chief of staff, and a former MMA legislative leader, which means she can share a 360-degree view of local government. In this episode, she shares what she’s hearing from municipal officials who are navigating today’s fiscal pressures and rapid technological change. Bird discusses the professional development, peer learning, webinars, and events that the MMA offers to help members navigate difficult conversations, strengthen public trust, and communicate effectively — and the resilience of local leaders working to keep communities moving forward despite mounting challenges.

For Further Reading:

Bird Becomes MMA’s Membership Director: https://www.mma.org/as-pierce-retires-bird-becomes-mmas-membership-director/

MMA Events calendar: https://www.mma.org/event/

MMA Webinars program: https://www.mma.org/webinars/

MMA Members page: https://www.mma.org/members/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

The Quest for More Affordable Health Care in Massachusetts Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Massachusetts is home to some of the best health care in the world, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to get it. Sarah Iselin, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, unpacks what’s driving the surge in health care costs, and shares how insurers, providers, and policymakers are responding — and why none of the solutions come without trade-offs. The conversation digs into the real-world impact on municipal budgets, the limits of shifting costs to consumers, and the difficult choices leaders are facing between funding health care and investing in their communities. Iselin outlines where innovation is creating hope — from new care models and digital tools to prevention, primary care investment, and stronger collaboration across the system.

For Further Reading:

Health care costs: Defining the challenge and finding solutions: https://www.mma.org/advocacy/health-care-costs-defining-the-challenge-and-finding-solutions/

Multiple factors contribute to rising health care costs: https://www.mma.org/multiple-factors-contribute-to-rising-health-care-costs/

MMA forum explores health cost drivers, possible remedies: https://www.mma.org/mma-forum-explores-health-cost-drivers-possible-remedies/

Blue Cross CEO says she's taking cost controls seriously in negotiations with hospitals: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/24/business/blue-cross-health-care-costs/

The urgency of tackling health care affordability: https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/the-urgency-of-tackling-health-care-affordability/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Inside the Work the Inspector General Does for Massachusetts Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

While safeguarding the public trust and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse is an essential role in the Commonwealth, Inspector General Jeff Shapiro is also on a mission to build relationships across the state and become a more collaborative, forward-looking partner for state agencies and cities and towns. He explains his “listening tour” approach — he has visited 100-plus communities so far to understand their challenges firsthand. From procurement hurdles in small towns to the realities of managing limited staff and resources, Shapiro emphasizes that most public employees are deeply committed to doing the right thing — and that education, training, and prevention are vital tools to get there.

For Further Reading:

More about the Inspector General: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/jeffrey-s-shapiro-inspector-general-of-massachusetts

Inspector General releases first in series of advisories for municipal officials: https://www.mma.org/inspector-general-releases-first-in-series-of-advisories-for-municipal-officials/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Local Leaders Innovate to Provide Services Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Each year, the MMA recognizes cities and towns that have developed unique and creative projects and programs to increase the effectiveness of local government. In this episode, we hear from this year’s winners: Amherst’s Movement and Mentoring program, the Andover at Work photography exhibit, and the North Attleborough/YMCA food pantry.

For Further Reading:

More about the 2026 winners:

https://www.mma.org/amhersts-movement-and-mentoring-program-gives-students-an-early-morning-boost/

https://www.mma.org/andover-at-work-exhibit-celebrates-municipal-work/

https://www.mma.org/north-attleborough-local-ymca-partner-to-address-food-insecurity/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

How Equity Affects Everyone in Massachusetts Communities Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Jill Harvey is on a mission to help local leaders move beyond buzzwords and translate diversity, equity, and inclusion into real policies and actions. As the MMA’s first Chief Equity Officer, she shares the work she’s been doing across cities and towns in the state to help them realize how equity shows up in everyday decisions — from snow removal and trash collection to accessibility and community engagement. She shares how progress should be measured, what success looks like, and why she remains hopeful about the future of communities working to ensure that everyone has what they need to thrive.

For Further Reading:

More about Jill and her DEI work: https://www.mma.org/jillian-harvey-to-become-the-mmas-1st-equity-officer

https://www.mma.org/resource/demystifying-dei-legal-dei-practices-and-how-to-apply-them-to-your-community

(webinar)

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Inside the Network Supporting Massachusetts’ Small Town Leaders Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

The majority of Massachusetts cities and towns have fewer than 12,000 residents — but they’re still responsible for delivering the same services as larger communities. Ryan McLane of Carlisle and Denise Dembkoski of Stow, leaders of Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts (STAM), talk about what it really takes to run a small town. From staffing challenges and tight budgets to navigating volunteer boards and complex governance structures, they unpack the unique challenges — and surprising advantages — of municipal leadership in smaller communities. They’ll also share how STAM helps town administrators learn from one another, and builds a pipeline of future municipal leaders to drive meaningful progress.

For Further Reading:

Learn more about STAM: https://www.mma.org/members/managers/small-town-administrators-of-massachusetts/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Legislative Advocacy for All Massachusetts Communities Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

As Massachusetts heads into the final stretch of its two-year legislative session, the stakes for cities and towns across the Commonwealth couldn’t be higher.

MMA Legislative Director Dave Koffman helps unpack the key municipal priorities currently pending on Beacon Hill — from public education funding and local aid in the Fiscal 2027 state budget to long-term investments in roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure. He speaks about how local leaders can help shape meaningful policy solutions, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the MMA advocates for all 351 cities and towns.

For Further Reading:

Navigating the Storm: Charting a Course Toward Fiscal Stability: https://www.mma.org/resources/a-perfect-storm-cities-and-towns-face-historic-fiscal-pressures/

MMA offers policy recommendations to address fiscal ‘Perfect Storm’ facing municipalities: https://www.mma.org/mma-offers-policy-recommendations-to-address-fiscal-perfect-storm-facing-municipalities/

MMA Legislative Package: https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-legislative-package/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Takeaways from Connect 351 Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

From 1,400 attendees and 377 first-time participants to viral videos, fiery “Burning Questions,” and remarks from state and national leaders, this year’s Connect 351 event showcased both the scale and the spirit of local government in Massachusetts.

In this episode, MMA Deputy Executive Director Katie McCue joins Adam and John to reflect on the moments, messages, and momentum from this year’s annual Massachusetts Municipal Association conference.

You’ll hear why national leaders say the collaboration between local and state government in Massachusetts stands out across the country, how members are rallying around the MMA’s “Perfect Storm” report, and what it means to advocate collectively in challenging times.
Plus, reflections on the event from Danvers Assistant Town Manager and Communications Director Jen Breaker, Sharon Select Board Chair Kiana Baskin, and Ashfield Town Administrator Paul McLatchy III.

For Further Reading:

Learn more about the event: https://www.mma.org/connect-351/

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

In an Age of Division, Leading With Dignity Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

What if the solution for healing divisions in our nation started at the local level? UNITE CEO Tim Shriver and Dignity Index co-creator Tami Pyfer explain their hopeful, practical path to improving public discourse and strengthening our relationships and our country. In this episode, they join Adam and John at Connect 351 to talk through the importance of dignity, how they see the role of local leaders in fighting against the “contempt industrial complex,” and where they see change happening every day – at school board meetings, city council chambers, and other community gatherings.

For Further Reading:

The Dignity Index: https://www.dignity.us

To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

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