Massachusetts Regionalization Month

Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray Promotes Massachusetts Regionalization Month

On September 3rd, 2009 Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray kicked off a month where he will highlight regionalizing local services when he attended a regionalization conference held at The College of the Holy Cross.  Lt. Governor Murray provided opening remarks to start the conference, which included government and municipal planning leaders in attendance from more than 135 cities and towns.

There are countless examples of regionalization across the Commonwealth.  With the help of 13 Regional Planning Agencies in the state and the collaborative effort of neighboring municipalities, there are many opportunities for cities and towns to combine resources.  Shared services can have a positive impact on the participating communities, providing more efficient processes and cost-saving solutions.  Whether it is by creating regional 911 communication centers, intercity recycling programs, or sharing local accounting programs, there are a number of successful examples that communities can learn from as they consider regionalizing certain local services that make sense for their community.

September 3rd Statewide Regionalization Conference

Watch Lt. Governor Tim Murray's Keynote Address at the September 3rd Statewide Regionalization Conference




Read the Press Release
Read the Proclamation Governor Deval Patrick issued naming September 2009 Regionalization Month
Read a Transcript of the Speech from the Regionalization Conference
Visit the Franklin Regional Council of Government's Website and Review the Conference Materials

Lt. Governor Murray's Role as Chair of the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet

Learn about the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet and find out when the Cabinet will Meet Near You

As the Chairman of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet, Lt. Governor Murray has led 17 cabinet meetings across the State.  These visits have brought together regional communities, and the Cabinet members have heard directly from municipal and state officials as well as the public about local concerns across the region.  Successful partnerships have been developed through these meetings.  Additionally, proposals addressing regionalization and municipal partnerships have been discussed and have led to policy found in the Municipal Partnership Act II.

Patrick-Murray Administration Continues to Support Regionalization Efforts


Lt. Governor Murray Promotes Resources for Local Officials at a Cabinet Meeting in Lynn
Patrick-Murray Administration Announces Planning Assistance for 103 Massachusetts Cities and Towns
Patrick Administration Awards Regional Planning Grants to 12 Communities
State 911 Department PSAP and RECC Support and Incentive Grants
Learn About the Regionalization Initiative within the State Department of Public Health

Patrick-Murray Administration Continues to Build Partnerships with Municipalities

Watch Lt. Governor Murray's Video Testimony on the Municipal Partnership Act II
Municipal Partnership Act I
Municipal Partnership Act II

Additional Resources

Visit the Website of the Division of Local Services
MA Regional Planning Agencies
View a Map of the Regional Planning Agencies
Read Lt. Governor Murray's Op-Ed on Regionalization