Please join the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) and the Division of Local Services (DLS) at the 2026 MARPA and DLS Conference. Hear from local, state, and regional thought leaders on a range of topics including housing, transportation, climate, municipal finance, and more.
We encourage you to save the date and time to your calendar, and register now. Additional information about the conference will be coming soon!
OCTOBER 5, 2026
9:00AM – 12:30PM
Hogan Campus Center, College of the Holy Cross
1 College St., Worcester, MA 01610
Questions? Please contact: Norman Abbott, nabbott@mapc.org.
Draft Agenda Items
Municipal Financing Options
Many municipalities are looking for new ways to fund projects and continue services. Over the last few years, several new funds have been developed or proposed. We will look to include the FFIO at the Administration’s request and can look to bring in other state agencies to speak about new and emerging funding options. If RPAs know of municipalities that have used or experienced any of these funds, please connect them with GA.
Housing and Zoning Updated
Several new zoning changes and policies are likely to go into place by the end of the Legislative session. We will likely want EOHLC to speak about what these changes may mean for municipalities. Additionally, we may wish to highlight developments with MILUS or any innovative things that RPAs or municipalities may be doing around zoning.
Municipal AI Use and Cybersecurity
AI and cybersecurity are big topics for our communities. We are looking for municipalities or RPAs that have responded to these emerging issues in unique and innovative ways. We will also see if we can get Admin to present on their new AI chat bot.
Siting New Technology
New technologies are coming and many municipalities are not prepared. This panel will help demonstrate some best practices from RPAs and municipalities that have already faced these challenges.
Regional Public Health Successes
There has been great success in regionalizing public health responses. We are looking for a few examples that show how municipalities can use these processes to save money and improve outcomes.
Pictures taken by David McDonald, Visual Designer, MAPC