Key takeaways
- Massachusetts state government spent $83.7 billion in fiscal 2024, the 12th most of any state.
- Statewide purchasing runs through the Operational Services Division, and vendors register and find bids in COMMBUYS.
- The fiscal year starts July 1; the governor's FY2028 budget proposal usually comes in January (4th Wednesday).
- The 2027 legislative session convenes Jan. 6 and is scheduled to adjourn Nov. 17.
Massachusetts government at a glance
| Fact | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| State spending, FY 2024 | $83.7 billion (12th of 50) |
| Fiscal year starts | July 1 |
| Next budget | FY2028 · proposal usually in January (4th Wednesday) |
| 2027 legislative session | Jan. 6 to Nov. 17 (316 days) |
| Central procurement office | Operational Services Division |
| Bid and vendor portal | COMMBUYS |
| State CIO | Jason Snyder, Secretary and CIO |
| Local governments | 856 total, including 415 special districts and 85 school districts |
| Public power and co-op utilities | 40 public power utilities and 0 electric co-ops |
| State prison population | 6,002 (end of 2023) |
How Massachusetts buys
- Central purchasing. The Operational Services Division handles statewide contracts and purchasing rules for state agencies.
- Where bids are posted. COMMBUYS is where vendors register and find state solicitations.
- Registering as a vendor. Our Massachusetts vendor registration guide walks through the steps, fees and documents.
- Agencies and local buyers. Many agencies, universities, cities, counties and school districts buy on their own or through cooperative contracts; see our cooperative purchasing guide.
Budget and legislative calendar
- Fiscal year. Massachusetts' fiscal year starts July 1. The next budget covers FY2028.
- Governor's proposal. Usually released in January (4th Wednesday). Status as of Nov. 8, 2026: not yet released. Track it in our governor budget proposals tracker.
- 2027 session. Convenes Jan. 6 and is scheduled to adjourn Nov. 17. Formal sessions run most of the year. See the 2027 legislative session calendar.
Technology and AI
- State CIO. Jason Snyder, Secretary and CIO, leads the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. See the full state CIO directory.
- AI policy. Our tracker counts 1 executive order, no laws and 1 agency policy on government AI use, plus an AI office or council. See the state AI policy tracker.
- How IT buying works. See how state agencies buy technology.
Largest public buyers in Massachusetts
The biggest Massachusetts entities on our national rankings. Each one runs its own budget and, in most cases, its own purchasing.
| Buyer | Type | Size | National rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | City | 672,973 residents (2025) | 25 of 100 largest cities |
| Middlesex County | County | 1,669,979 residents (2025) | 20 of 100 largest counties |
| Worcester County | County | 888,502 residents (2025) | 67 of 100 largest counties |
| Essex County | County | 826,653 residents (2025) | 78 of 100 largest counties |
| Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority | Transit agency | 234,975,600 trips (2023) | 4 of 50 largest |
| General Edward Lawrence Logan International | Airport | 21,021,153 passengers boarded (2025) | 16 of 100 busiest |
| Boston Water and Sewer Commission (MWRA supply) | Water utility | 675,647 people served | 43 of 208 largest |
| Worcester Water Supply Division | Water utility | 206,518 people served | 197 of 208 largest |
| Boston (MA) Police | Police department | 2,099 sworn officers (2016) | 17 of 50 largest |
| MassHealth | State agency | About $22.7B FY2027, gross budget | 12 of 16 largest |
Sources: KSG rankings of the largest cities, counties, school districts, public universities, transit agencies, airports, water utilities, public power utilities, police departments and other lists. Figures are from each list's source year.
Local government and utilities
- 856 local governments. That includes 415 special districts and 85 school districts. See special districts by state.
- Utilities. 40 public power utilities and 0 electric cooperatives serve 427,140 customers, 29% of the state. See Massachusetts utilities.
- Budget cycles. Cities, counties and school districts set their own fiscal years; see city and county budget calendars.
Massachusetts state holidays in 2027
Besides the 11 federal holidays, Massachusetts state offices close on these days in 2027:
- Patriots' Day: Monday, April 19 (Maine, Massachusetts)
See the full 2027 federal and state holiday calendar.
How KSG helps
Kensington Sales Group's SDRs book meetings with public agencies across Federal, SLED, K-12 & Higher Ed, Healthcare, Tribal, Special Districts and Utilities. We research Massachusetts buyers, time outreach to state and local budget cycles and get you in front of the people who own the problem you solve. See how our state and local sales development works.
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