February 13th Information & Resource Update | | |
In this issue...
- Transportation Committee Meeting March 19th in Marlborough
- Energy and Sustainable Development Committee Meeting February 27th
- Community One Stop for Growth: Expressions of Interest Being Accepted
- Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program and Training Site Initiative
- MassCEO Webinar on Employee Ownership
- Job Posting: Executive Assistant, Southborough Select Board
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Transportation Committee Meeting March 19th:
495 Connector Presentation
The Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will host a special meeting featuring a presentation from the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) regarding their 495 Connector service. The 495 Connector is a new commuter shuttle connecting three MBTA Commuter Rail Stations and eight MetroWest communities. The shuttle serves the South Acton, Southborough, and Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail Stations via Hudson, Marlborough, Southborough, Hopkinton, Milford, and Hopedale primarily along Route 85. The meeting will also feature an overview of the 495/MetroWest Partnership's transportation advocacy work. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 19th at 9:30 AM at the Marlborough Public Library; click here to register.
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Energy & Sustainable Development Committee
Meeting February 27th
The 495/MetroWest Partnership’s Energy & Sustainable Development Committee will host a panel discussion regarding the Specialized Opt-In Energy Code, featuring representatives of several municipalities in the 495/MetroWest area that have adopted the Specialized code discussing their experiences. Panelists will review the processes by which their communities adopted the code, as well as lessons learned during implementation. This conversation is for informational purposes only; the 495/MetroWest Partnership does not direct its advocacy at municipalities or involve itself in internal municipal decision-making. This event will be held virtually via Zoom on Friday, February 27th at 8:30 AM; click here to register.
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Community One Stop for Growth:
Expressions of Interest Being Accepted
Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for Community One Stop for Growth awards for communities and organizations. This Community One Stop program serves as the Commonwealth’s single application portal and collaborative review process for 14 state grant programs offered by the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and MassDevelopment. The full application submission period for Fiscal Year 2027 runs from May 4th and June 3rd, 2026.
Expressions of Interest, or EOIs, are highly recommended to provide prospective applicants with necessary information as to whether their project aligns with the funding streams offered within the One Stop for Growth. As of right now, applicants may receive guidance on priority projects from EOED staff before submitting a full application. Click here to submit an Expression of Interest.
For those seeking assistance with the application and/or EOI, One Stop staff and program managers will host two separate virtual office hour series to answer applicant questions. Those seeking general assistance on the One Stop process and technology can join the One Stop General Guidance Office Hours, while those with questions about specific programs can attend Program Staff Office Hours. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for the office hour sessions they plan to attend ahead of time. Click here for the virtual office hours schedule and to submit a question in advance.
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Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA)
Grant Program and Training Site Initiative
The Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) has launched their Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program and Training Site Initiative and is accepting proposals from municipalities, local government agencies, and federal and state recognized Tribes seeking to replace or remove substandard culverts or bridges located in ecologically significant areas. The program is intended to encourage applicants to replace aging culverts with those that meet improved structural, environmental, flood resiliency criteria. Applications are due Friday, March 20th, 2026.
This year the CRMA program is part of the new Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO) Grant, designed to simplify the application process and combine applications for several climate/environmental grant programs. Prior to completing the application, applicants must create a MyMassGov account through the Grant Management System (GMS). Click here to access the application.
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MassCEO Webinar on Employee Ownership
The Mass. Center for Employee Ownership will host an "Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs): Trusting You and Trusting Me" webinar on Thursday, February 26th, at 11:00 AM. This is next in MassCEO's series of webinars to support employee ownership in the Commonwealth. The webinar will feature a presentation from Christina Newbrough, Head of Revenue and Partnerships at Common Trust, who will will explore the origins of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), explain how they work in practice, and highlight what differentiates them from other ownership models. The session will conclude with a real-world case study. Click here to register.
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Job Posting:
Executive Assistant, Southborough Select Board
The 495/MetroWest Partnership includes job postings at the request of a municipality; please contact Executive Director Jason Palitsch at Jason@495Partnership.org to request inclusion of a municipal job posting in a future Information and Resource Update.
The Town of Southborough is seeking a highly organized and professional Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator and Select Board. Responsibilities include: managing department communications and social media footprint; preparing Select Board agendas and meeting materials as well as all follow-up correspondence; ensuring compliance with the Open Meeting Law, Public Records Law and procurement regulations; processing all licenses under Select Board authority; editing the annual town report; coordinating volunteer appointments; assisting with budget development and town meeting warrant preparation; and maintaining the Select Board’s website content.
Applicants should have experience in a municipal setting or government affairs, as well as a High school degree and five years’ work experience or a bachelor’s degree and an equivalent amount of professional experience. An MCPPO certification is preferred but not required.
Those interested should submit a resume and cover letter to personnel@southboroughma.gov. Click here for more information.
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Welcome, New Investor!
The 495/MetroWest Partnership leads the advancement of the 495/MetroWest region as an exceptional location for people, businesses, and communities. Our vision is one in which our region enjoys sustainable economic growth, well-stewarded natural and built resources, and diverse transportation and housing choices. Together, these assets make our region the best place for your business to grow. The 495/MetroWest Partnership is supported by Investor businesses and organizations who recognize that the Partnership is the key voice coordinating our region's decision-makers and advocating for our needs.
The 495/MetroWest Partnership is excited to welcome Mevion Medical Systems of Littleton as our newest Investor! Mevion joins other new Investors:
Thank you to Mevion, Solect Energy, Global Partners, Rockland Trust, and Webster Five for your support! Learn more about becoming an Investor on the Partnership's website!
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As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the 495/MetroWest Partnership can be of any assistance to you:
Jason Palitsch, Executive Director
(774) 760-0495
Jason@495Partnership.org
Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.
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