A statewide association of municipal attorneys has named state Rep. Kristin Kassner its Legislator of the Year, an honor the group hasn’t given out in seven years, according to a news release from Kassner’s office.

The Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association (MMLA) presented the award to Kassner, D-Ipswich, at its annual conference in New Bedford on Oct. 1, the release said.

The group gives the award only occasionally, it was last handed out in 2019.

MMLA President Christopher L. Brown said in the release, Kassner has worked “tirelessly and collaboratively” with local officials and helped give cities and towns a stronger voice on Beacon Hill, particularly on land use issues, the release said.

Small towns in the 2nd Essex district like Georgetown have real needs. Kristin Kassner has done her homework, knows those needs, and has spent much of her adult life addressing them.

They range from keeping housing for younger and older residents to protecting our land and water supply. She consistently does something you don’t often see in a politician: she listens - to you, your neighbors, and town officials in the 2nd Essex District.

She's also done a lot of the invisible work that makes a real difference in Georgetown, work you don’t see in the long hours she devotes to her job.

On Oct. 1, Kristin Kassner was given the Massachusetts Legislator of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers’ Association.

Kristin is one of 200 Massachusetts legislators, a junior one, and from a small town. The MMLA hadn’t felt compelled to select anyone to honor for seven years. How is it that a legislator such as Kristin, not a talented self-promoter, came to the fore for such recognition?

In a statement, MMLA explained, “Representative Kassner has worked tirelessly and collaboratively with local government to improve communication among all stakeholders.”

Hamilton resident and state Rep. Kristin Kassner has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association (MMLA).

“Representative Kassner has worked tirelessly and collaboratively with local government to improve communication among all stakeholders and to help make municipal voices, including the MMLA’s position and commentary on a variety of pending legislation, especially land use, heard on Beacon Hill,” Brown said.

“I am deeply grateful for their collaboration, and profoundly humbled by this recognition as Legislator of the Year,” she said.

Effective legislative leadership requires, above all, the ability and willingness to listen to constituents and build relationships with town leaders and other legislators. It also requires the wisdom to collaborate with others to craft effective, lasting solutions. State

Rep. Kristin Kassner (2nd Essex) has demonstrated the power of relationshipbuilding with town leaders, constituents, subject matter experts, and other legislators. She carefully studies all legislation before agreeing to sponsor or vote for it. She has brought her considerable skill and experience as a planner to her role as a representative and has made it her business to understand how to work effectively in the legislature to support the people of our district.

The people of Ipswich, Hamilton, Topsfield, Rowley, Newbury and Georgetown are well-represented by state Representative Kristin Kassner. I hope the Second Essex voters return her to office to continue her work on behalf of her communities.

In Kristin Kassner, our communities have a leader who uses her intelligence, talents and determination to advance legislation and set budget priorities for her six towns, all while adhering to a vision of our state that is forward thinking and humane.

I encourage Second Essex neighbors to return Kristin to office so we can continue our work together for Topsfield and all of our communities.

Representative Kristin Kassner’s background as a professional planner is an asset to her constituents — not something to mock or distort as Dan Kelly does. Kelly says he believes “service, civility, and accountability” belong to the Second Essex District, so why isn’t his campaign practicing them?

While Kelly spends his time trying to tear Kristin down, Kristin has taken a completely different approach. She focuses on doing the work — and she actually gets things done. In Rowley, she has focused on resolving real issues, worked with town officials and community organizations, collaborated with fellow legislators and advocated for state resources for our community. Her engaging style has helped bring significant grants, earmarks, and state aid to Rowley.

Our state representative, Kristen Kassner, really “walks the walk” in addressing the housing crisis and deserves your vote on November 3.

It takes real leadership to get municipal officials, developers, planners, attorneys and housing advocates to all agree on the same thing to advance a larger public interest. Kristen has shown how it’s done and she richly deserves your vote.

“As a lifelong Massachusetts native and your state representative for the 2nd Essex District, I’ve always believed in showing up and fighting for what’s right, just, and fair. That’s the work I do every day on Beacon Hill.

I’m focused on driving progress, building our communities, and delivering for everyday North Shore families like my own.”

“Over the past four years, through collaboration and advocacy, I’ve helped deliver millions of dollars for our communities — supporting local economies, protecting the Great Marsh and our drinking water, and helping families and seniors manage the rising costs of everyday life.

We are a community of ingenuity, talent and possibility. I’m honored to represent you, to listen to your concerns, and to fight for the future we deserve. Let’s continue that work — together. “

Local shellfishers could now have up to 72 more harvesting days a year thanks to improved water quality in Plum Island Sound.

“Our region’s clammers and oyster farmers work hard to produce shellfish of the highest quality despite operating in an increasingly challenging regulatory landscape. This enables the Commonwealth to expand shellfish harvesting opportunities to preserve an industry that has been integral to the economic and cultural identity of our communities for generations.”

The Town of Ipswich has been awarded a $350,000 state grant to help fund the purchase of a conservation restriction on the former Candlewood Golf Course, a 26-acre property critical to safeguarding the town’s public drinking water supply.

“This grant is more than an investment in infrastructure — it is an investment in the long-term resilience of our region. It will expand our opportunities to safeguard drinking water, strengthen our ability to manage drought, and protect the natural resources that define and sustain our communities.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Wednesday was a big day on Beacon Hill as the House of Representatives passed H.5562 – An Act Relative to Economic Development in the Commonwealth by a vote of 148-2. This bill is the House’s version of the Mass WINS Act filed by Governor Healey in April, and authorizes over $500 million in spending along with a slew of policies designed to stimulate new housing production and economic growth across the Commonwealth. While there are several important provisions in this bill, we are particularly excited to see that Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) and the codification of site plan review are included in the final bill.

State Representative Kristin Kassner (D-Hamilton) nominated Stehfest for the title as a part of the MCSW Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2026.

“In her work with the Health Connector, she cared for our residents, and she continues that same commitment as an engaged and active member of the Hamilton community. Nancy brings people together. Through her service on the Human Rights Commission, she works to ensure that every voice is heard.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Rev. Dr. Rebecca Pugh, senior minister of the First Church of Ipswich, was honored at the State House on Wednesday, June 17, as a recipient of the inaugural Commonwealth Pride Award.

“I was thrilled to nominate the Reverend Dr. Rebecca Pugh. Reverend Rebecca is a convener in the community, bringing so many together to celebrate each other, our earth, and the town.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Hamilton resident and Vietnam War veteran Leland McDonough was honored for serving both his country and community at the Massachusetts State House earlier this month.

“He became a helicopter pilot and flew 900 missions in Vietnam, at least half being medical evacuations. His heroism saved the lives of countless soldiers, allowing them to come home to their families. His bravery and dedication to duty earned Leland the Distinguished Flying Cross.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

State Rep. Kristin Kassner, D-Hamilton, along with BioConnects New England (BCNE), recently co-hosted a North Shore community leadership summit at New England Biolabs in Ipswich.

“A key part of planning for our future is bringing people together to learn from one another, to see what’s possible, to understand where our work intersects, and to identify opportunities to enrich, protect, and strengthen our communities and our region. This is the work that sparks new ideas, new collaborations, and new opportunities.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

New England Biolabs, in collaboration with Rep. Kristin Kassner and BioConnects New England, hosted the North Shore Community Leadership Summit on its Ipswich campus earlier this month.

“A key part of planning for our future is bringing people together to learn from one another, to see what’s possible, to understand where our work intersects, and to identify opportunities to enrich, protect, and strengthen our communities and our region. This is the work that sparks new ideas, new collaborations, and new opportunities.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

BioConnects New England, in partnership with New England Biolabs and the Office of State Representative Kristin Kassner, hosted a “North Shore Community Leadership Summit,” focused around expanding biotechnology throughout the North Shore region of Massachusetts.

“We want to ensure that any biotech development on the North Shore continues to be thoughtful, transparent, and aligned with the town’s goals, and having more of these conversations, and pursuing more of these collaborations, will make that possible.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Ipswich is slated to receive $678,789 in state funding for local road and bridge maintenance, Sen. Bruce Tarr’s office announced on Thursday.

“Investing in our roads, bridges, and public transportation through Chapter 90 is one of the most important tools we have to keep our cities and towns moving. This legislation strengthens the local infrastructure that residents rely on every day, supports local economies, and prepares our cities and towns for the challenges ahead.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Leaders from across the state gathered in Ipswich this week to brainstorm how to bring the biotech industry north of Boston.

“A key part of preparing for our future is bringing people together to learn from one another to see what’s possible and to understand where our work intersects, because it's where we intersect that we create new ideas.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner