[ MMLA ] MassMuniLaw News

MMLA 2026 Annual Conference Location & Dates Announcement

Christopher Brown — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:53:09 GMT

Save the date for MMLA's 2026 Annual Conference. This year we are returning to the South Coast to the "Whaling City" of New Bedford on Thursday and Friday, October 1 and 2, 2026. The conference will be at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in historic downtown New Bedford on the waterfront, with our programming events taking place at the adjoining Waypoint Event Center. Arrive early and stay late as there is lots of stuff to do and sights to see in the area, including the Whaling Museum and the Whaling National Historic Park.

Registration, room reservation details and program information to be announced.

MMLA Comments to Cannabis Control Commission Regarding Draft Social Consumption Regulations

Brandon Moss — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:09:25 GMT

On September 8, 2025, the MMLA submitted comments to the Cannabis Control Commission regarding its draft Social Consumption Regulations (935 CMR 500.00), governing on-site Social Consumption Establishments. A copy of the comment letter is available here.

MMLA Submitted Comments to Joint Commission on Municipalities & Regional Government

Brandon Moss — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:03:13 GMT

On June 24, 2025, the MMLA submitted comments to the Joint Committee on Municipalities on Regional Government on:

HB2243 (An Act relative to legal advertisements and public notices)
HB2300 (An Act relative to local option for associate members of planning boards)
SB1471 (An Act empowering municipalities and improving efficiency)
HB2299 (An Act regarding land use board training)
SB1432 (An Act providing for pre-service training for members of local boards and commissions)
SB1426 (An Act relative to damages from defective public ways)

A copy of the comment letter is available here.

Remote Meeting Procedures Extended

Brandon Moss — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:13:54 GMT

On March 28, the Governor signed H.62 (An Act extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency), which extends certain procedures for conducting remote meetings. A copy of H.62 is available here.

MMLA Submits Comments on Emergency/Draft Regulations for Multi-family Zoning Requirements for MBTA Communities

Brandon Moss — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

On February 21, 2025, the MMLA submitted comments to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities related to the Emergency/Draft Regulations (760 CMR 72.00) for Multi-family Zoning Requirements for MBTA Communities. A copy of the MMLA's comment letter is available here.

MMLA Presents Municipal Law Update at Connect 351 MMA Annual Conference

Christopher Brown — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:27:37 GMT

MMLA members Kristen Gagalis and Steven "Tip" Torres presented a municipal law update to various municipal officials attending Connect 351, the MMA Annual Conference and Trade Show on Friday, January 24, 2025, with introduction and commentary by MMLA President Ivria Fried. You can access the materials here or in the member's area. Kristen is an associate at Anderson Kreiger and Tip is a partner at West Group Law, PLLC.

Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Kristen and Tip for all your hard work in support of MMLA!

MMLA Submits Comments on Draft On-Site Social Consumption Establishment Regulations

Brandon Moss — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:56:09 GMT

On January 23, 2025, the MMLA submitted comments to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission related to draft regulations governing on-site Social Consumption Establishments (935 CMR 500.00). A copy of the MMLA's comment letter is available here.

MMLA Submits Comments on Draft Regulations Regarding the Disposition or Change in Use of Article 97 Interests

Brandon Moss — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:52:33 GMT

On January 22, 2025, the MMLA submitted comments to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs regarding draft regulations involving the Disposition or Change in Use of Article 97 Interests. A copy of the MMLA's comment letter is available here.

MMLA Submits Comments to HLC on Draft ADU Regulations

Christopher Brown — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:45:50 GMT

Today the MMLA submitted a letter to the Executive Office of Housing and Liveable Communities providing comments on the recently published draft ADU regulations in conjunction with today's public hearing and close of the public comment period. Thank you to our Legislative Committee and other interested MMLA members for contributing to this effort!

SJC Issues Decision In Milton MBTA Zoning Case

Christopher Brown — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:13:12 GMT

The Supreme Judicial Court today released its decision regarding the Attorney General’s enforcement action against the Town of Milton for its failure to comply with the MBTA Communities Act and the guidelines adopted by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC), finding that while the Act is constitutional and the Attorney General has authority to enforce it, HLC's guidelines were not properly adopted and therefore are unenforceable.

Strong Turnout for August Half Day Program

Christopher Brown — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 19:26:35 GMT

MMLA hosted a large group of our membership and a variety of local and state officials on August 1st for the annual Half Day Program covering a variety of housing-related issues. See some photos from the event here. Thanks again to our panelists and to everyone for joining us!

MMLA Submits Comments to Legislature on Affordable Homes Act

Christopher Brown — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:12:37 GMT

Today the MMLA submitted written comments to the Legislature regarding H. 4726 and S. 2850. These are the House and Senate version of bills which are currently in Conference Committee for An Act known as the Affordable Home Act.

MMLA Submits Comments to Legislature on Proposed Civil Service Reform Bill

Christopher Brown — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:55:36 GMT

MMLA President Ivria Fried recently sent a letter to the House Committee on Ways and Means providing the organization's comments on House Bill H. 4520, an Act to Modernize Civil Service Laws.

MMLA Elects Officers and Executive Board for 2024-25

Christopher Brown — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:30:47 GMT

Congratulations to Ivria Fried and Shawn Williams who were elected as incoming President and Vice President of the MMLA at our Annual Meeting in Worcester on June 6, 2024. Congratulations also to all of the officers and executive board elected to the slate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Thank you for your dedication to our Association!

Officers:

President - Ivria Glass Fried

Vice-President - Shawn A. Williams

Executive Director/Secretary - James B. Lampke

Treasurer - Kathleen Colleary

Immediate Past President - Karis L. North

Executive Board:

Christopher L. Brown

Nicole Costanzo

Christine M. Griffin

Jason D. Grossfield

Jillian Jagling

Donna MacNichol

Susan C. Murphy

David Shapiro

MMLA Executive Board Adopts Listserv Code of Conduct Policy

Christopher Brown — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 19:24:31 GMT

The MMLA Executive Board recently adopted a code of conduct for users of our organization's listserv system. Members are also encouraged to review the recent formal opinion of the ABA's Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Formal Opinion 511, regarding the Confidentiality Obligations of Lawyers Posting to Listservs.

SJC Issues New Opinion Regarding Public Records Law

Christopher Brown — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:21:29 GMT

The SJC has issued an opinion in Mack v. District Attorney for the Bristol District, opining on the scope of exemption (c) of the Public Records Law as it was amended in 2020 as part of the policing reform legislation, Chapter 253 of the Acts of 2020.

MMLA Submits Comments on Outdoor Dining Legislation

Brandon Moss — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:31:40 GMT

On April 26, 2024, the MMLA submitted a letter to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll that contained comments on and a request that they return to the Legislature for amendment Section 4 of HB 4582, related to outdoor dining. This legislation was laid before them on April 25, 2024. A copy of the comment letter is available here.

MMLA and MMA Submit Comments on Model Equity Bylaw to Cannabis Control Commission

Christopher Brown — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:13:43 GMT

The MMLA together with the Massachusetts Municipal Association submitted comments on April 25, 2024 to the Cannabis Control Commission regarding the Commission's "Model Municipal Equity Bylaw or Ordinance," which the Commission issued on April 11, 2024.

Interested in a Municipal Law Career or Know Someone Who Might Be? Check Out our Upcoming Program on April 2nd!

Christopher Brown — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:38:11 GMT

Program Materials for 3/13/24 MMA/MMLA MBTA Zoning Program

Christopher Brown — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:57:49 GMT

Below are links to the materials from our joint March 13th webinar with MMA "Lessons Learned From EOHLC and AGO Preliminary Review of Proposed MBTA Communities Zoning":

3A lessons learned_3-13-24.pdf (Presentation Slides)

Easton Pre-adoption feedback 2-12-24_signed.pdf

Sherborn Pre-adoption feedback 2-9-24_signed.pdf

Wilmington Pre-adoption feedback 2-7-24.pdf

Topsfield Pre-adoption feedback 2-6-24.pdf

Danvers 3A Pre-adoption feedback 1-4-2024.pdf

Tewksbury Pre-adoption feedback 2-28-24 - signed.pdf

Sterling Pre-adoption feedback 11-27-23_Final.pdf

North Reading Pre-adoption feedback 2-23-24 signed.pdf

Canton Pre-adoption feedback 2-1-2024.pdf

Lincoln Pre-adoption feedback 1-12-2024.pdf

Salem - District Approval Letter 9-8-2023_signed.pdf

Lexington - District Approval Letter- 11-29-2023 SIGNED.pdf

Arlington - FINAL District Approval Letter 02122024.pdf

Scott v. Knox decision

Link to MBTA communities website sample bylaw: https://www.mass.gov/doc/mbta-communities-sample-zoning/download

Missed the program or want to watch it again? You can find it on the MMA website here. Thank you to MMA and all our panelists for joining us to host this program!

MMLA Provides Comments to Legislature on Affordable Homes Act

Christopher Brown — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:42:38 GMT

MMLA President Karis North recently wrote to several joint committees in the state Legislature regarding H. 4138, the Affordable Homes Act, a bill proposed by Governor Healey to address affordable housing opportunities and other housing concerns. MMLA applauded the bill's goals but raised concern with the impact of the some of the current language in the bill in eroding local zoning control. A copy of MMLA's letter can be found here.

The City/Town Listing is Back!

Christopher Brown — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 20:10:07 GMT

In continuing the process over the past year of ramping up our new website, we are pleased to announce that the City/Town Listing page, providing the identity and contact information for town counsels and city solicitors in Massachusetts, is back and has been updated. Check out the new listing here. Special thanks to Kathleen Colleary for all of her hard work to help update MMLA's information. We hope the public and our membership enjoy the restored access to this useful resource!

MMLA Provides Comments to Legislature Regarding Municipal Empowerment Act

Christopher Brown — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:49:51 GMT

MMLA President Karis North recently sent a letter to the state Legislature's Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government regarding SB 2571, an Act Empowering Municipalities and Local Governments, outlining MMLA's position on this legislation, which provides for important changes to the Open Meeting Law, the Uniform Procurement Act, and for local zoning control of outdoor dining.

MMLA/MMA Program on MBTA Communities Law

Brandon Moss — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 19:00:00 GMT

On February 26, 2024, MMLA President Karis North (moderator) and MMLA members Susan Murphy and Donna Brewer, both go-to lawyers on the MBTA Communities Law, presented at a free webinar hosted by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. This webinar included a review of the MBTA Communities Law and discussion of key points related to the process and schedule for municipal compliance and enforcement for non-compliance. The webinar also addressed the distinctions between the MBTA Communities law, Chapter 40B, and Chapter 40R.

The presentation materials are available here.

MMLA Submits Comments on HB1723 (SB1137), An Act relative to legal advertisements in online-only newspapers

Brandon Moss — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:23:13 GMT

On February 1, 2024, the MMLA submitted comments to the Joint Committee on Judiciary regarding HB1723 (S1137), An Act relative to legal advertisements in online-only newspapers. These bills would authorize the use of a new outlet for the publication of legal notices: online-only newspapers.

A copy of the MMLA's comment letter is available here.

MMLA Submits Comments on SB 2069, An Act providing for alternative delivery of infrastructure projects

Brandon Moss — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:10:41 GMT

On February 1, 2024, the MMLA wrote to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to communicate support of Bill SB 2069, An Act providing for alternative delivery of infrastructure projects.

A copy of the MMLA's comment letter is available here.

MMLA Submits Comments on HB 2043, An Act relative to the effective enforcement of municipal ordinances and by-laws

Brandon Moss — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:06:19 GMT

On February 6, 2023, the MMLA submitted comments to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government regarding HB 2043. This bill seeks to amend Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 21D, relative to non-criminal enforcement of local ordinances, by-laws and regulations, by increasing the maximum fine amount and adding a new section, allowing the Court to assess a civil penalty and reasonable attorney fees against a defendant found in violation.

A copy of the MMLA's comment letter is available here.

MMLA Joins With MMA, MASC, and MASS to Oppose Request for Mandatory Binding Arbitration in Newton Teacher Strike

Christopher Brown — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:15:38 GMT

The MMLA recently joined with the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents to send a letter to Superior Court Judge Christopher Barry-Smith opposing a request by the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board to order the Newton School Committee and the Newton Teachers Association to participate in mandatory binding arbitration. A copy of the letter can be found here. The issue ultimately became moot with the settlement of the strike on February 2, 2024.

MMLA and MMA provide comments to the Cannabis Control Commission on Model Host Community Agreement

Joe Callanan — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:31:18 GMT

The Massachusetts Municipal Association (“MMA”) recently joined with the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association (“MMLA”) in providing comments to the Cannabis Control Commission’s (“CCC”) Model Host Community Agreement Template, that the Commission released on January 17, 2024.

The January 31, 2024 letter may be found here.

MMLA Presents Municipal Law Update at MMA Annual Conference and Trade Show

Christopher Brown — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:06:02 GMT

MMLA past president Brandon Moss and Legislative Committee Chair Jillian Jagling presented a municipal law update to various municipal officials attending the MMA Annual Conference and Trade Show on Friday, January 19, 2024, with introduction and commentary by MMLA President Karis North. You can access the materials here or in the member's area. Jillian is Senior Counsel at West Group Law, PLLC, and Brandon is Senior Editor, Litigation, for Thomson Reuters in its Practical Law Service.

Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Brandon and Jillian for all your hard work in support of MMLA!

MMLA Submits Comments to Legislature regarding Site Plan Review bill

Christopher Brown — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:00:51 GMT

MMLA recently submitted comments in a letter to the Legislature's Joint Committee on Housing regarding HB 3551, codifying site plan review, offering its general support of the proposed legislation while recommending various revisions prior to final passage.

MMA Hosts Webinar on New Cannabis Control Commission Regulations

Christopher Brown — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:11:50 GMT

Our colleagues at the Massachusetts Municipal Association recently hosted a webinar discussing the newly promulgated regulations by the Cannabis Control Commission and their impacts on host communities. The presentation materials and a recording of the webinar are available on the MMA's website here. Thank you to MMA and to Nicole Constanzo of KP Law for making this informative presentation available to MMLA!

MMLA Provides Input to Lt. Governor Driscoll on Legislative Priorities for Local Government

Christopher Brown — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:58:24 GMT

MMLA President Karis North recently sent a letter to Lt. Governor Driscoll in response to a September request to the MMLA seeking input on legislative priorities for municipalities in Massachusetts. The letter summarizes MMLA's legislative advocacy in the current Legislative session.

MMLA Supports House Bill Giving Communities Local Option Relative to Restrictions on Planning Board Members

Christopher Brown — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:48:42 GMT

The MMLA today submitted a letter to the Legislature in support of HB.3555, which if it becomes law will create a local option for municipalities to remove restrictions that currently prevent associate members of planning boards from participating in matters other than special permit issues before a planning board.

MMLA President Karis North Named to 2023 Top Women of Law List

Christopher Brown — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 21:15:52 GMT

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recently named current MMLA President Karis North to its Top Women of Law list for 2023. Karis will be honored at an event on November 1st, with Lawyers Weekly celebrating the achievements of exceptional women lawyers who are pioneers, educators, trailblazers and role models. More information is available here and on the Lawyers Weekly website. Congratulations Karis!

Past MMLA President Henry Luthin Honored at IMLA Annual Conference

Christopher Brown — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:46:17 GMT

Our past president Henry Luthin was recently honored at the 2023 IMLA Annual Conference with the Charles S. Rhyne Lifetime Achievement in Municipal Law Award. The award is the highest award given by IMLA, meant to honor the recipient's lifetime achievements in the field of municipal law and be a lasting commemorative to Charles S. Rhyne's founding of the International Municipal Lawyers Association and to his life's work.

Our Executive Director, Jim Lampke, and Past President Chris Petrini, were on hand to congratulate Henry in person, along with his wife Marianne. Congratulations Henry on this well-deserved recognition of your distinguished career in municipal law!

Just in Time for Fall Town Meetings: Town Meeting Time in Electronic Format!

Christopher Brown — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:47:10 GMT

Please see below some wonderful news from our friends at the Massachusetts Moderators Association:

Town Meeting Time, 3^rd Edition

In Searchable e-Book Format

The Massachusetts Moderators Association is delighted to announce that Town Meeting Time, in a fully searchable, e-book form, is now available for online purchase and download at the following link: bit.ly/tmt3.
Town Meeting Time is the definitive guide to the art and practice of Massachusetts Town Meeting and the handbook of choice for Moderators, town counsel, town officials, and interested citizens in most Massachusetts towns.
This first electronic edition is a faithful reproduction of the 3rd print edition, circa 2001. The index has been omitted, in favor of offering full, arbitrary text search.

Now Available for Purchase

We recommend that Mac and iOS users buy the Apple Books version. We recommend that Windows and Android users buy the Kobo version. These are both priced at $34.99. A Kindle version is also available from Amazon, currently priced at $69.99.

MMLA and MMA Submit Joint Comments to Cannabis Control Commission on Draft Regulations

Christopher Brown — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:37:06 GMT

The MMLA recently joined with the Massachusetts Municipal Association to submit comments to the Cannabis Control Commission on the Commission's filed 935 CMR 500.000 Adult Use of Marijuana Draft Regulations. Thank you to all who participated in this joint effort, especially the members of MMLA's Legislative Committee. A copy of the letter and MMLA/MMA's proposed edits to the Draft Regulations can be accessed at the links below.

Letter

Proposed Edits

Update from DHCD regarding MBTA Community Zoning - Including a Sample Zoning Bylaw/Ordinance

Christopher Brown — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:39:00 GMT

Below is an email sent by DHCD to municipalities and the MMLA regarding an update on the implementation of Section 3A of the Zoning Act relative to MBTA Community Zoning requirements:

Dear MBTA Community stakeholders:
The Section 3A/MBTA Communities team is pleased to announce the following updates in Section 3A implementation:

New Funding for MBTA Communities Compliance Activities
On Tuesday 5/9/2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the availability of additional funding for municipalities across the Commonwealth to support community planning and engagement efforts geared towards increasing the production of housing. Section 3A compliance activities are eligible for the funding. Applications are available through the Community One Stop for Growth program, which is open through June 2, 2023, at www.mass.gov/onestop. These "early action" grants will be announced in mid -June and municipalities must be able to execute a contract by June 30, 2023. This funding opportunity is a chance to secure funding for completing an economic feasibility analysis with a start date of July 1, 2023. Get more information about this opportunity at: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/community-planning-grant-program

Sample Zoning
A sample zoning bylaw/ordinance is now available on the Section 3A website under “Resources for MBTA Communities”. This sample zoning sets forth a framework for developing a local zoning overlay district to comply with Section 3A. It is complete with commentary to help practitioners work through the requirements of Section 3A and the suggestions contained in the sample.

Inclusionary Zoning Guidance/Economic Feasibility Analysis Details
MBTA communities with inclusionary zoning requirements that require an economic feasibility analysis may now find details, instructions, and forms for conducting and submitting the analysis. The materials are available on the Section 3A website under “Resources for MBTA Communities”. The release of this information means that all MBTA communities can submit a district compliance application.

Pre-adoption Review Application
MBTA Communities seeking assurance that proposed zoning will meet Section 3A requirements before bringing that zoning to a local legislative session may now submit a “Pre-adoption Review Application”. This application is an option, not a requirement, and it is available on the Section 3A website under “District Compliance”. Please be advised that pre-adoption review applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to a local legislative session to allow for a timely DHCD review.

Updated Compliance Model
An updated version of the Section 3A Compliance Model is now available Section 3A website under “Compliance Model”. Those working in or with communities on compliance model activities should download and use the latest version. Detailed release notes on the revisions to the model are also available on the website.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about Section 3A. There is also a dedicated email address for technical questions: DHCD3A@mass.gov. Thank you for your continued hard work and partnership in implementing this important zoning reform.

Sincerely,
Nathan Carlucci
MBTA Communities Compliance Coordinator (he - him)
Department of Housing & Community Development
Department of Housing & Community Development
nathan.carlucci@mass.gov

MMLA Submits Input to Cannabis Control Commission

Christopher Brown — Mon, 01 May 2023 13:46:08 GMT

On Friday, April 28, 2023, MMLA submitted comment to the Cannabis Control Commission regarding potential new regulation under Chapter 180 of the Acts of 2022, an Act Relative to Equity in the Cannabis Industry. MMLA submitted comment to three different Commission Working Groups: (1) the Host Community Agreement Working Group; (2) the Municipal Equity Working Group; and (3) the Social Consumption Working Group.

A copy of MMLA's letter can be viewed here.

Labor Law Program Materials

Christopher Brown — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:28:24 GMT

Didn't get a chance to attend our program on April 4th? Access a copy of the materials below.

Presentation

Scenarios

Governor Healey Signs OML Remote Participation Extension

Christopher Brown — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 21:14:26 GMT

Good afternoon MMLA Members –

Moments ago, Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a FY23 supplemental budget package (becoming Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023) that includes an extension of certain COVID-19 relief measures including authority for public bodies, agencies and commissions, as well as Town Meetings, to hold meetings remotely until March 31, 2025, which is currently set to expire at the end of this month. As previously reported, an emergency preamble was added the bill prior to its enactment in each branch which gives immediate effect to its provisions.

A copy of the signed parchment is available here for your reference.

MMLA has been actively involved throughout the legislative process advocating for these changes including most recently outreach to the Governor’s office. Thanks to our Legislative Chair and all of you who contacted your legislators and the Governor’s office urging support of these critically important measures.

Onward and upward!

Matthew G. Feher, Esq.President
Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.

Update on Status of Remote Public Meetings Under the Open Meeting Law

Christopher Brown — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 17:35:33 GMT

MMLA Members,

We are pleased to report that competing House and Senate FY23 Supplement Budget packages were negotiated pre-conference, and the agreed-upon bill was enacted and sent to the Governor for signature on Thursday, March 23rd. The bill before the Governor includes the language contained in each branch’s competing packages that would extend certain COVID-19 relief measures including extension of authority for public bodies, agencies and commissions, as well as Town Meetings, to hold meetings remotely until March 31, 2025, which is currently set to expire at the end of this month. An emergency preamble was also added the bill prior to its enactment which gives immediate effect to its provisions once approved by the Governor. The Governor has 10 days to sign the bill, veto the bill or allow the bill to become law without her signature.

The MMLA was actively involved in promoting these provisions of the bill and I refer you to our prior letters to legislative leadership attached to prior updates and on our website. We encourage all to reach out to the Governor’s office to express support of these important provisions.

We will continue to keep you updated in real time.

Thanks again and be well,

Matthew G. Feher, Esq.
President
Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.

Advisory Concerning Enforcement of the MBTA Communities Zoning Law

Robert Ritchie — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:14:06 GMT

Advisory Concerning Enforcement of the MBTA Communities Zoning Law The Office of the Attorney General is issuing this Advisory to assist cities, towns, and residents in understanding the requirements imposed by the MBTA Communities Zoning Law (G.L. c. 40A, § 3A) (the “Law”). The Law was enacted to address the Commonwealth’s acute need for housing by facilitating the development of transit-oriented, multifamily housing. By any measure, Massachusetts is in a housing crisis that is inflicting unacceptable economic, social, and environmental harms across our state – particularly on working families and people of color. The Law directly responds to this crisis by implementing zoning reforms that require MBTA Communities to permit reasonable levels of multifamily housing development near transit stations.

For the full text of the Advisory, click on the following link:

https://www.massmunilaw.org/resources/Documents/MBTA%20Communities%20Advisory%20FINAL.pdf

3/2/22 Attorney General Neighborhood Renewal Division Program

Christopher Brown — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 18:53:42 GMT

Access the recording and PowerPoint from the presentation on March 2, 2022 here.

[ MMLA ] MassMuniLaw News

MMLA 2026 Annual Conference Location & Dates Announcement

MMLA Comments to Cannabis Control Commission Regarding Draft Social Consumption Regulations

MMLA Submitted Comments to Joint Commission on Municipalities & Regional Government

Remote Meeting Procedures Extended

MMLA Submits Comments on Emergency/Draft Regulations for Multi-family Zoning Requirements for MBTA Communities

MMLA Presents Municipal Law Update at Connect 351 MMA Annual Conference

MMLA Submits Comments on Draft On-Site Social Consumption Establishment Regulations

MMLA Submits Comments on Draft Regulations Regarding the Disposition or Change in Use of Article 97 Interests

MMLA Submits Comments to HLC on Draft ADU Regulations

SJC Issues Decision In Milton MBTA Zoning Case

Strong Turnout for August Half Day Program

MMLA Submits Comments to Legislature on Affordable Homes Act

MMLA Submits Comments to Legislature on Proposed Civil Service Reform Bill

MMLA Elects Officers and Executive Board for 2024-25

MMLA Executive Board Adopts Listserv Code of Conduct Policy

SJC Issues New Opinion Regarding Public Records Law

MMLA Submits Comments on Outdoor Dining Legislation

MMLA and MMA Submit Comments on Model Equity Bylaw to Cannabis Control Commission

Interested in a Municipal Law Career or Know Someone Who Might Be? Check Out our Upcoming Program on April 2nd!

Program Materials for 3/13/24 MMA/MMLA MBTA Zoning Program

MMLA Provides Comments to Legislature on Affordable Homes Act

The City/Town Listing is Back!

MMLA Provides Comments to Legislature Regarding Municipal Empowerment Act

MMLA/MMA Program on MBTA Communities Law

MMLA Submits Comments on HB1723 (SB1137), An Act relative to legal advertisements in online-only newspapers

MMLA Submits Comments on SB 2069, An Act providing for alternative delivery of infrastructure projects

MMLA Submits Comments on HB 2043, An Act relative to the effective enforcement of municipal ordinances and by-laws

MMLA Joins With MMA, MASC, and MASS to Oppose Request for Mandatory Binding Arbitration in Newton Teacher Strike

MMLA and MMA provide comments to the Cannabis Control Commission on Model Host Community Agreement

MMLA Presents Municipal Law Update at MMA Annual Conference and Trade Show

MMLA Submits Comments to Legislature regarding Site Plan Review bill

MMA Hosts Webinar on New Cannabis Control Commission Regulations

MMLA Provides Input to Lt. Governor Driscoll on Legislative Priorities for Local Government

MMLA Supports House Bill Giving Communities Local Option Relative to Restrictions on Planning Board Members

MMLA President Karis North Named to 2023 Top Women of Law List

Past MMLA President Henry Luthin Honored at IMLA Annual Conference

Just in Time for Fall Town Meetings: Town Meeting Time in Electronic Format!

MMLA and MMA Submit Joint Comments to Cannabis Control Commission on Draft Regulations

Update from DHCD regarding MBTA Community Zoning - Including a Sample Zoning Bylaw/Ordinance

Dear MBTA Community stakeholders: The Section 3A/MBTA Communities team is pleased to announce the following updates in Section 3A implementation:

Sincerely,Nathan CarlucciMBTA Communities Compliance Coordinator (he - him) Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentDepartment of Housing & Community Developmentnathan.carlucci@mass.gov

MMLA Submits Input to Cannabis Control Commission

Labor Law Program Materials

Governor Healey Signs OML Remote Participation Extension

Update on Status of Remote Public Meetings Under the Open Meeting Law

Advisory Concerning Enforcement of the MBTA Communities Zoning Law

3/2/22 Attorney General Neighborhood Renewal Division Program

Dear MBTA Community stakeholders:
The Section 3A/MBTA Communities team is pleased to announce the following updates in Section 3A implementation:

Sincerely,
Nathan Carlucci
MBTA Communities Compliance Coordinator (he - him)
Department of Housing & Community Development
Department of Housing & Community Development
nathan.carlucci@mass.gov