This page contains resources on municipal resolutions and how to pass them in Massachusetts cities and towns.

What is a municipal resolution?

A municipal resolution is an official statement or decision made by a city council or governing body to express its position, establish a policy, or address a specific issue. Passing municipal resolutions can also be an effective way to influence state law as the municipality will have stated a strong position on an issue. After a municipal resolution is passed, a city or town can use the resolution to demonstrate their position to the state government. 

Why do we want to pass Make Polluters Pay resolutions across Massachusetts?

Municipal resolutions have been a key way to engage community members and local elected leaders in conversations about what resilience really looks like in their neighborhoods. The superfund can pay for various projects, but only community members know what will be most impactful to their lives. Local leaders, then, will be best able to make the needed changes.

Municipal resolutions show power. When a city council or town meeting shows their support for Make Polluters Pay, they send a clear signal (along with a literal letter) to the statehouse: We want climate resilience, and the worst polluters have to pay their fair share! As more resolutions are passed in different parts of the state, we show a unified force that our state reps and senators cannot deny. Each victory proves our dedication and the urgency of this legislation.

We have passed resolutions in 9 towns and cities so far, including Boston, Malden, Northampton, and Greenfield. More towns and cities are on the way! Check out a full list of resolution victories on our Endorsements page.

How do I pass a resolution in my community?

The first step is to identify if your municipality is a city or a town. 

The official Massachusetts Municipal Association website further details how to identify your municipality and leadership. After gathering this information, you can proceed according to your town or city's laws. This MMA website also contains resources that show the process of passing municipal resolutions in different cities and towns. 

Then what?

Below is a map of the current municipalities in Massachusetts that have passed climate superfund support resolutions. 

Resources

Below is a link to webinar discussing a Passing Municipal Resolutions toolkit. This webinar presents an opportunity to learn more about the process of passing a municipal resolution and was held on April 3rd 2025. Also included is the toolkit mentioned in the webinar.  Stay tuned on social media for further event updates, as there will be more webinars held in the future. 

If interested in passing a municipal resolution in your city or town please contact Rachael Boyce at [email protected] or Dan Zackin at [email protected]