State Rep. James Arciero honored for advocacy on key municipal issues at Massachusetts Municipal Association conference

Published on April 1, 2026 by The Lowell Sun

BOSTON — State Rep. James Arciero was honored with a Legislator of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Municipal Association at the organization’s annual Connect 351 conference in January, recognizing his leadership and advocacy on key municipal issues across the commonwealth.

Arciero received the award alongside state Sen. Brendan Crighton, who serves as his Senate co-chair on the Joint Committee on Transportation. The recognition highlights their efforts to secure a historic increase in funding for the state’s Chapter 90 Program, which provides critical support to municipalities for local road and bridge improvements.

During the past legislative session, Arciero and Crighton led the effort to increase base local road and bridge funding for Chapter 90 by 50%, bringing total statewide funding to $300 million. The investment provides vital resources for cities and towns working to maintain and improve local transportation infrastructure.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, alongside my Senate Co-Chair, Brendan Crighton,” said Arciero. “Transportation is foundational to daily life in the Commonwealth, and investing in it is about more than infrastructure. Reliable transportation connects people to opportunity, and our investments in programs like Chapter 90 ensure that communities and our state transportation providers have the resources they need to get the job done and get residents where they need to go.”

According to MMA Executive Director and CEO Adam Chapdelaine, Arciero and Crighton played a key role in securing the funding increase during a time when municipalities face mounting infrastructure challenges.

“The success of the MMA’s work would not be possible without outstanding partners in the Legislature,” Chapdelaine said. “Senator Crighton and Representative Arciero were instrumental in securing a historic increase in Chapter 90 funding, which will benefit every city and town across the Commonwealth at a time when infrastructure investments are urgently needed.”

The MMA’s Legislator of the Year Award recognizes lawmakers who demonstrate exceptional leadership and partnership with municipal officials to strengthen local government and improve services for residents across Massachusetts.