Dynamic and Representative Government
About
We imagine a future where all governments are forward-looking, collaborative, able to adapt to changing circumstances, and inclusive.
MetroCommon 2050 Policy Recommendations
- Make government more participatory and inclusive.
- Improve regional coordination and partnerships for infrastructure and services.
- Expand and improve the way we finance local and regional government.
- Improve local government capacity and service delivery.
Dynamic and Representative Government
2025 Highlighted Legislative Priorities
An Act to Modernize Municipal Meetings, Town Meetings, and Local Elections
Bill Number (Sponsors):
H.3342 (Representative Gregoire)
S.2197 (Senator Oliveira)
Brief Summary of Bill:
The ability for towns to meet in a hybrid setting expires on March 31, 2025. These temporary provisions were first implemented in March 2020 and subsequently extended several times by the Legislature. Without action all selectboard, planning board, cemetery commission meetings, and more will need to be held in person. This will reduce participation and potentially increase costs for municipalities.
An Act Relative to Legal Advertisements in Online-only Newspapers
Bill Number (Sponsors):
H.2243 (Representative DeRosa)
S.1279 (Senator Velis)
Brief Summary of Bill:
This bill would update the current statute to allow legal advertisements to be posted exclusively online if local publications are not published in print. Currently legal notices must be posted in 3 different public locations: a newspaper's print publication, on the newspaper's website, and on a statewide website.
An Act Relative to Language Access and Inclusion
Bill Number (Sponsors):
H.3384 (Representatives Madaro and González)
S.2125 (Senator DiDomenico)
Brief Summary of Bill:
This bill would require state agencies to provide equal access to services, programs, and activities serving limited English proficient (LEP) people in a reasonable timeframe. Massachusetts is a diverse state with over 40 languages spoken and is home to over 850,000 limited-English-proficiency residents over the age of 5.
An Act Facilitating Site Plan Review
Bill Number (Sponsors):
H.2298 (Representative Kassner)
Brief Summary of Bill:
Currently, site plan review is not defined in statute. This bill would allow communities to outline requirements of a plan for development and required criteria.