Town Introduces New Agenda and Minutes Center for Public Meetings

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst has implemented a new Agenda and Minutes Center, designed to streamline access to all public meeting information. Residents can now visit the new webpage to find agendas, minutes, and links to video recordings for all meetings in one convenient location. 

This upgrade aims to make it easier for residents to stay informed and engaged with local government activities. The webpages for all boards and committees are also being updated to ensure information is clear, accurate, and accessible.

The Agenda and Minutes Center is now live on the website: amherstma.gov/AgendaCenter

The webpage officially launched on August 1, with all meeting materials being posted here moving forward. Agendas and minutes prior to August 1, 2026 will not be carried over to this webpage, but will still be accessible on each individual board/committee’s webpage and in the Archive Center. 

Key Features:

• Centralized Access: All agendas, minutes, and available video recordings are stored on one webpage for all public body meetings. 
• Customized Notifications: Residents can sign up to receive email or text notifications for specific boards and committees, making it easier to stay informed about the committees that matter most to them.
• Detailed Agendas: Each agenda now includes all the information regarding that meeting, including instructions on how to join the meeting and links to relevant materials.  
• Improved ADA Accessibility: Committees are beginning to use new templates for agendas and minutes documents, which are screen-reader friendly and meet guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Dual Postings: Meetings will also continue to be posted online on the Town Boards and Committees calendar, now with a link to view the agenda for all meeting topics and materials.  

How to Access the Agenda and Minutes Center:

• Direct Link: amherstma.gov/AgendaCenter
• From the town website homepage under “Your Government” > “Agendas & Minutes”  
• From individual board/committee webpages
• From the calendar posting for each meeting by clicking “Download Agenda”

Stay Informed with Notifications

Residents can sign up to receive email or text notifications for specific boards and committees. Notifications will be sent when agendas are posted, signaling an upcoming meeting, and when minutes are published. This makes it easier for residents to stay informed about the committees that matter most to them.

1. Subscribe at amherstma.gov/NotifyMe
2. Click “Agenda Center” to expand the menu 
3. Click the mail or phone icons to subscribe to receive email and/or text notifications

Website Improvements Underway
This new Agenda and Minutes Center is part of a broader effort to upgrade the town’s website. Currently, the town is undergoing a comprehensive redesign with vendor CivicPlus, focusing on improved searchability, removing outdated content, and increasing accessibility – all while giving the website a “refreshed” look. The upgraded website is scheduled to launch by January 2027.