SHELBURNE, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The town of Shelburne is one of 67 recipients of the Massachusetts Community Compact grant program, where for the first time in the program’s history, funding has been prioritized for accessibility projects. Shelburne will be working to make their digital content, such as the stone website, more accessible to people with disabilities.
From the Executive Office for Administration and Finance:
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced $4 million in grants to support 67 Massachusetts cities and towns through the Community Compact annual grant program.
For the first time in the program’s history, Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding prioritizes accessibility projects, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Digital Accessibility Rule. This rule mandates that state and local governments make their websites, mobile apps and other digital content accessible to people with disabilities.
Awarded projects will also enhance cybersecurity and implement new digital tools that make municipal operations more efficient. The full list of FY26 recipients can be found at this link.
“Every Massachusetts resident should have access to effective government services that make their lives easier,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We prioritized accessibility improvements with this year’s IT grant awards to make sure that our cities and towns can provide everyone in their communities with the important information they need.”
“We are proud to have a strong partnership with Massachusetts cities and towns, and a shared commitment to government that works for everyone in the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will support our municipal colleagues in modernizing their digital practices, keeping records safe and secure, and making website content more useable for residents.”
Since Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16), the IT Grant Program has provided 602 grants to support 315 municipalities/school district projects totaling $38.1 million in funding. The program drives innovation and transformation at the local level by funding one-time capital needs such as technology infrastructure or software. Eligible costs include incidental or one-time expenses related to capital planning, design, installation, implementation, and initial training.
Attleboro, Barnstable, Canton, Foxborough, Revere, Shelburne, Sudbury, Westfield, and Worcester are among the municipalities receiving FY26 funds to support making digital content more accessible.
“These grants are strategic investments in the digital infrastructure that Massachusetts cities and towns need to effectively serve residents,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “By investing in IT projects, particularly those that increase accessibility, we are making local governments across the state more effective and more responsive to communities’ needs. Congratulations to the award winners and I look forward to seeing these projects completed.”
“Our municipal partners across Massachusetts are working every day to deliver high-quality services and information to our residents,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder. “These grants allow cities and towns to modernize their websites, strengthen cybersecurity, and streamline operations. By prioritizing accessibility this year, we’re helping municipalities build digital platforms that better serve all residents while improving efficiency and protecting critical local systems.”
The IT Grant is one of two grants (along with Municipal Fiber) that the Healey-Driscoll administration is offering through the Community Compact program in Fiscal Year 2026 to support communities across Massachusetts. More information is available at this link.
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