Delivering for Communities: Securing $100K for LEADS in the Massachusetts State Budget
There is a difference between ideas that resonate and ideas that move.
Last week, we were proud to help secure $100,000 in the Massachusetts House budget for LEADS, Inc, an organization that plays a critical role in strengthening the connection between business, government, and community stakeholders at the local level.
LEADS operates at the intersection of sectors that too often work in silos. Its model is simple, but powerful: bring together leaders across municipal government, business, and nonprofit organizations to build relationships, share knowledge, and drive coordinated solutions to complex local challenges. The LEADS ethos is this: it should not just be Fortune 500 companies that have access to Harvard Business School level training, it should also be accessible to leaders who roll up their sleeves and work on the most pressing issues facing our communities.
That kind of work is not always easy to quantify. But it is essential.
Sometimes, we just need to put the right people in the right rooms at the same time (with the right training). Relationships matter. This is how we build trust. This is how we tackle big problems.This is how communities succeed.
This funding represents more than a line item. It is a recognition that:
Strong local economies require coordination, not fragmentation
Public-private collaboration is a necessity, not a luxury
Leadership development at the municipal level has a direct impact on outcomes
From a process standpoint, this result reflects a focused and disciplined approach:
Identifying the right champions
Framing the request in terms of statewide impact
Aligning the organization’s mission with broader legislative priorities
We are especially grateful for the leadership of Representative Pat Duffy, who sponsored and championed this effort, as well as Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and the entire House for recognizing the value of this investment.
At 27 South Strategies, we believe that the most effective advocacy connects strong policy ideas with clear, compelling narratives and the right relationships.
This was a clear example of that work in action.
If you’re thinking about how to position your organization for impact in Massachusetts, we’re always happy to have that conversation.
