This past weekend, several elected and appointed leaders of Acton’s government attended the annual conference, newly named “Connect 351” and in a new venue, hosted by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). The number 351 is a reference to the 351 towns and cities in the Commonwealth. The MMA is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization with a mission that includes developing and advocating for policies that support and improve the effectiveness of local government.
The organization strives to fulfill its goals through public policy advocacy, membership education, intergovernmental relations, services to towns and cities, and more. Acton, like all the municipalities in Massachusetts, is a member. The annual conference features association business meetings, networking opportunities, keynote and guest speakers, workshops, and a trade show. Select Board members, the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and several department heads attended one or more days of the 3-day conference at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center alongside another 1400 municipal leaders.

Noteworthy announcements from Connect 351
During the General Session, it was announced that the Town of Acton was awarded a Kenneth E. Pickard Municipal Innovation Award in recognition of our Clean Energy Coaching Program previously reported in the Acton Exchange.


During the General Session, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the members, sharing news about the administration’s FY26 budget plan, a Chapter 90 bond bill, a transportation investment plan, and the Community One Stop for Growth program. Both acknowledged the fiscal challenges facing every community in the Commonwealth, and expressed gratitude for the strong partnership between local and state government.

During the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) Business Meeting, CFO Martin Jackson announced the FY26 pricing, including an overall rate increase for the Health Benefits program of 14.8%, with a range from 9.9% to 19.9%. Acton is a new subscriber of MIIA’s health benefits for both town and school district employees, and our rate will not be known until sometime in February. MIIA is a nonprofit organization that provides insurance services to the cities, towns and other governmental entities in Massachusetts that are members of the MMA.
During the MMA Business Meeting on Saturday, members voted onresolutions put forth by the various policy committees:
- A Resolution Supporting an Enduring Fiscal Partnership Between Cities and Towns and the Commonwealth in Fiscal 2026 and Beyond.
- A Resolution Supporting a Local-State-Federal Partnership Toward a Robust Multimodal Transportation System Across the Commonwealth that Supports Thriving Communities in the Age of Climate Change.
- A Resolution Supporting the Modernization and Efficiency of Local Government.
- A Resolution Supporting a Local-State-Federal Partnership to Address PFAS Contamination, Fund Remediation, and Protect Public Health.
All four resolutions passed.
On the final day of the conference, Town Manager John Mangiaratti, already serving as an MMA board member, began service as the elected president of theMassachusetts Municipal Management Association (MMA).


Alissa Nicol is a Select Board member and frequent contributor to the Acton Exchange on community events.