Westford Town Manager Kris Las has resigned effective September 30, 2026, to become Deputy Town Manager in Shrewsbury. After just over three years of dedicated service, Las handled contentious issues with patience and an even temperament. She departs amid growing fiscal pressures from a structural deficit and limited revenue options.

Massachusetts Senate’s economic development bill would force towns to allow duplexes “as-of-right” on all residential lots, ending single-family zoning protections. Two years after ADU mandates, this next step aims to boost density and affordability—but critics see it as another erosion of suburban neighborhoods and local control to meet the state’s 222,000-unit goal by 2035.

Governor Maura Healey has proposed an additional $100 million for Massachusetts public schools to help districts avoid teacher layoffs and program cuts. Funded through anticipated Fair Share surtax revenue, the one-time aid would provide roughly $112 per student as schools confront declining enrollment, rising costs, and persistent budget pressures statewide.