LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
MARPA’s legislative advocacy work takes place at the local, regional, Commonwealth and federal levels of government. To accomplish this work, MARPA coordinates with a number of organizations, including:
Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA): the MMA is a non-profit, nonpartisan association that provides advocacy, training, publications, research and other services to Massachusetts cities and towns. The MMA is the only statewide organization that brings municipal officials together to establish unified policies, to advocate these policies, and to ensure the effective delivery of services to community residents.
MMA Groups and Affilliated Organizations
• Association of Town Finance Committees (ATFC) • Massachusetts Mayors’ Association (MMaA) • Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association (MMCA) • Massachusetts Municipal Management Association (MMMA) • Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association (MSA).
Also affiliated with the MMA: • Local Officials Human Services Council (LOHSC) • Massachusetts Municipal Personnel Association (MMPA) • Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts (STAM) • Women Elected Municipal Officials (WEMO)
National Association of Development Officials (NADO): “The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s regional development organizations. The association and its members promote regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions to strengthen the economic competitiveness and quality of life across America’s local communities.”
National Association of Regional Councils (NARC): “Legislation and policy activities are critical to advancing the role and voice of regions. NARC is responsible for representing regional planning organizations in Congress and with the federal executive agencies. NARC staff works through a committee-guided and local elected official board-driven structure in developing and executing national legislative policies. NARC’s Government Affairs section provides information about NARC’s policy positions, current activities, relevant resources and how members and their local governments can take action on issues of importance.”
Rural Policy Plan for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Rural Policy Plan for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Prepared by the Rural Policy Advisory Commission, is intended to illustrate the unique attributes and challenges faced by rural communities, inform policy makers of existing best practices and identify a series of recommendations to be explored and implemented under a proposed new Office of Rural Policy