A ‘Perfect Storm’ for Massachusetts Municipalities – and ‘Navigating the Storm’

A combination of inflation-driven costs, diminishing state support for municipal services, and tight restrictions on local revenue-raising have created a “perfect storm” for local governments in Massachusetts. In this episode, hosts Adam and John talk about the MMA’s ground-breaking “Perfect Storm” report, which examines the fiscal challenges faced by the state’s 351 cities and towns, and the association’s “Navigating the Storm” response. They discuss key findings around the insufficient recovery of local aid post-Great Recession, the unreasonableness of Proposition 2½ in current economic conditions — and potential solutions, particularly the critical need for state reinvestment to support essential local services. For Further Reading: • Navigating the Storm: Charting a Course Toward Fiscal Stability • MMA offers policy recommendations to address fiscal ‘Perfect Storm’ facing municipalities 00:57 The Perfect Storm Report: Background and Process 04:54 Key Findings of the Report 10:25 Impact of Fiscal Challenges on Local Services 13:13 Proposition 2½: Analysis and Recommendations 20:20 State Aid and Financial Recommendations 24:30 The Importance of Local Government Services 28:12 Advocacy and the Road Ahead To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org