August 2025

• BRPC Executive Committee Meeting - August 7 at 4 pm
• BRPC Executive Committee Meeting - September 4 at 4 pm
• Commission Meeting - September 18 at 7 pm
• BRPC Executive Committee Meeting - October 2 at 4 pm

SAVE THE DATE! BRPC Annual Meeting October 16th

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 16th at Proprietor's Lodge in Pittsfield.

The event will begin with networking, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar at 5 pm. Presentations, including a special guest speaker, will follow.

All municipal officials (elected and appointed), as well as representatives from partner organizations are welcome. Ticket information will be shared soon.

MARPA and DLS Conference 2025

Please join the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) and the Division of Local Services (DLS) at the 2025 MARPA and DLS Conference to hear from local, state, and regional thought leaders on topics like housing, transportation, climate, funding, and more. Save the date and time to your calendar and register now. Additional information about the conference will be coming soon.

Date: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

Venue: Hogan Campus Center, College of the Holy Cross - Ballroom; 1 College St., Worcester, MA

Doors will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Conference will begin at 9:00 a.m.

ADU Office Hours

EOHLC has announced the start of ADU office hours, beginning this June, to support municipal planners in understanding Massachusetts’ new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law and regulations, which became fully effective as of February 2nd, 2025. These sessions will provide an opportunity for planners to engage with EOHLC and ask questions about the new law and regulations. Please note – ADU office hours are open to all municipal planning and building official staff – they are not intended for the general public. 

Upcoming Dates: 8/13, 9/10, 10/8, 11/12. Registration is REQUIRED.

Berkshire County Municipal Officials Networking

The Berkshire Muncipal Managers Association, Berkshire Selectmen's Association, and BRPC continue to collaborate on quarterly networking opportunities for elected and appointed officials. The next networking event will occur on Thursday, October 30th at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center from 5 to 7 pm. Please register in advance on EventBrite. Thank you!

Business Front Door (BFD) launched by the Healey-Driscoll Administration

On July 22, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched the Business Front Door, a first-of-its-kind platform that centralizes the incentives offered by the state to help businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, grow in Massachusetts. This new platform provides a clear pathway for businesses to work with the Team MA and enables a better coordinated response from state partners.

They also launched a new Why Massachusetts webpage, designed to attract business to locate and expand within the state. Click here to read the press release announcing both initiatives.

Highlights

• The Business Front Door (BFD) is a modern, user-friendly online platform that connects businesses to Massachusetts’ resources in a single destination. By visiting mass.gov/BFD, entrepreneurs and established companies alike can: 

• Access a concierge service that assigns them a dedicated “Navigator” from the Team MA staff, helping them find and apply for the right programs and funding. 
• Explore a dashboard with updated information about available grants, incentives, and programs. 
• Get help with permits, regulations, and other business-related questions. 

The BFD was developed in response to feedback from the Executive Office of Economic Development’s planning sessions, where businesses shared that state resources felt complicated to navigate. 

Massachusetts Federal Funding Issue Reporting Form

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is closely monitoring changes in the federal landscape to assess their impact on Massachusetts. 

This form collects information about how recent federal actions affect cities, towns, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Recent federal actions include, but are not limited to, funding cuts, grant or program terminations, and freezes of awarded funding. Please report any issues as accurately as possible, coordinating with colleagues in your community to avoid duplication.

Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s principles of equality, liberty, and government by consent, the Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition program supports activities to preserve and improve access to primary source materials—including archival records; documents and rare publications; art and material culture; and photographs and sound recordings.

Applications are due by September 4th, 2025. Learn more on the NEH website.

Public Humanities Project Grants

This program funds exhibits and interpretive programming focused on American Military History and Valor, the American Dream and Economic Freedom, American Exceptionalism in World Affairs, or the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Applications are due by September 10th, 2025. Learn more on the NEH website.

MassDOT's Local Early and Actionable Planning (LEAP) Program

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Local Early and Actionable Planning (LEAP) Program provides, on a first-come, first-served basis, planning and early-stage design funding to cities and towns with a focus on rural and economically disadvantaged communities. A total of $1 Million will be distributed through this NEW program. Learn more on their website.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) Workplace and Fleet Program will now fund level 1 and 2 (up to 36kW) charging station projects for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets, in addition to light-duty fleets. You must have at least one light-, medium- or heavy-duty electric vehicle in your fleet, or on order (proof required before payment issued), to participate in the program. You can apply here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-massevip-workplace-fleet-charging-incentives. If you have any questions, contact massevip.massdep@mass.gov

The Massachusetts Statewide Electric Bike Incentive Program, launched by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), offers income-based vouchers—up to $1,200—to help residents purchase electric bicycles. The program will award about 3,000 vouchers total, selected monthly from April through September.

The program features two types of vouchers:

• Enhanced Voucher: Up to $1,200 for applicants with incomes below 225% of the Federal Poverty Line or participants in qualifying programs. 
• Standard Voucher: Up to $800 for applicants with incomes at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line or participants in qualifying programs.

Participants will also receive up to $150 for safety gear and a bike pump.

Overwhelmed? Reach out to your BFF (Berkshire Funding Focus) for help navigating grant applications! Take a look at additional grant opportunities and resources on our website: www.berkshirefundingfocus.org.

Guidance from the Municipal Law Unit of the Attorney General’s Office

The Attorney General’s Office recently released a comprehensive guidance document to assist communities in understanding exemptions provided to religious and educational uses through MGL Chapter 40A, Section 3, also known as the “Dover Amendment.” This document is a helpful tool that municipalities can utilize in understanding the limitations of local control in regulating religious and educational uses.

Additionally, communities should be aware of a change made to Section 3 in July of 2024 as part of the approval of the FY2025 state budget. Section 3 was amended to include explicit language providing zoning protections to family child care homes and large family child care homes. The language officially reads: “Family child care home and large family child care home as defined in section 1A of chapter 15D shall be an allowable use and no city or town shall prohibit or regulate such use in its zoning ordinances or by-laws.”

Download AGO Dover Religious and Educational Use Guidance

Download EEC Notice of Change in Zoning Laws re FCCs

Preservation Massachusetts Most Endangered Resources Program

The call for nominations for the 2025 Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resource Program is now open. Do you know a property or place that is at risk of being lost? Consider submitting a nomination.

Since 1993, Preservation Massachusetts (PM) has identified and aided in the preservation of endangered historic resources across the Commonwealth. The Most Endangered Historic Resources Program spotlights places, buildings, or structures under threat, increases awareness about them, and PM works collaboratively with key stakeholders towards positive outcomes. 

Properties that make it on the list receive an honorary designation and the listing can serve as a catalyst for action and opportunities. 

The 2025 nomination process is now open. We encourage the nomination of resources that are both historically significant and emphasize continued importance and possibility in their communities. Nominations close September 3rd. Learn more on the PM website.

FY25 Success for HMLP in Berkshire County

Nine loans closed in FY25 for the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP)

BRPC is pleased to announce that a total of nine Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) projects were closed in Berkshire County throughout Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. These loans ranged in size from $4,555 all the way to the program limit of $50,000. The project components included items such as stair lifts, bathroom modifications, driveway improvements, fencing, ramps, and one accessory dwelling unit (ADU). All these projects were completed to allow aging individuals and individuals living with disabilities to remain in their home and communities of choice. 

BRPC continues to accept HMLP application in FY26. You can find more information about HMLP on our website: berkshireplanning.org/initiatives/cedac-home-modification-loan-program/

Municipal Indicators Update

Did you know that the average single-family tax bill in Berkshire County went up by 5% last year, as compared to 11% for the Commonwealth, and the county is only 65% of the average state tax bill?

Wondering how your municipality compares to others in Berkshire County, or the county as a whole? Berkshire Benchmarks recently updated the government indicators with the latest data. Indicators include average single-family property tax bill, budget, revenue, debt, levy, tax burden, and others. Take a look at https://berkshirebenchmarks.org/indicators/government/

Priority Redevelopment Sites Strategy for Berkshire County

During FY26, BRPC staff will ensure that up-to-date, thorough, and actionable information is

available to support major investments in underutilized properties throughout Berkshire

County. The project will begin with the development of a GIS model to develop a list of potential priority sites. The information will then be analyzed for factors including proximity to water/sewer, major roadways and/or rail access, current zoning, and quality of utilities, including broadband.

BRPC will be reaching out to communities to verify this information, and we look forward to engaging you in this process. If there are potential redevelopment sites you want to be sure we include in our research, please contact Laura Brennan.

Woof, Woof! August is National Dog Month

Dogs are the most commonly owned pet on the planet, and with good reason. Studies show our "pawsome" companions make us happier, less stressed, and more optimistic.

But there’s a not-so-cute side to dog ownership: the poop. Dog waste isn’t just unpleasant on sidewalks and trails; it’s also a major source of water pollution. When left on the ground, it can wash into streams and rivers, polluting the water with bacteria, viruses, parasites, and nutrients. In fact, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection considers dog waste one of the most significant sources of pollution for waterways.

Did you know?

• One dog produces about three-quarters of a pound of waste per day, which equals up to 7.8 billion fecal coliform bacteria!

• Pet waste has twice as many bacteria as human waste.

• Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus can trigger harmful algal blooms, which can shut down swimming and boating areas.

Encouraging pet owners to pick up after their dogs is a small step with a very big impact!

Spread the word -not the poop! To help keep our waterways clean for both our two-legged and four-legged friends, feel free to download BRPC’s Do Your Doody flyer. It's free to use on websites, bulletin boards, trail kiosks, or social media.

If your town is interested in expanding public outreach, BRPC also offers behavior-focused communication support for issues like pet waste and stormwater. We're happy to discuss what that could look like in your community. Contact Britney Danials, BRPC environmental planner, at bdanials@berkshireplanning.org.

Let's all do our doody.

This summer, BRPC's Public Health program has focused on developing its youth substance use prevention efforts by enlisting the help of the Youth Advisory Boards (YABs) from Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School. Together with the YABs, we at BRPC have released numerous digital and physical communications materials, launched a website focused on youth prevention with a comprehensive list of mental health and community resources, and tabled at several community events. Specifically, Pittsfield youth have played a key role in our "Cheer Without The Cheers" campaign that is centered around reducing adult alcohol consumption. One of the strongest messages we have heard from the youth is that the attitudes and behaviors around substance use of adults have a stronger influence on youths' own behavior than "peer pressure" does. For more information on our substance use prevention efforts this summer, you can find our website at www.sparkberkshires.org.

Pictured in the photo above (from left): BRPC youth prevention intern Connor Daley, Levi Hall, Gloria Williams, Dejanique Frazier, and Andy Ottoson, BRPC Senior Planner in the Public Health program.

As the youth prevention intern at BRPC, part of my work has been analyzing the 2025 results of the Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) data. This data gives us concrete numbers on Central Berkshire County youth substance use, risk and protective factors affecting substance use, and mental health. From the data, I've seen alarming rates of poor mental health and apathy towards prosocial community involvement. My goal of working with the PNA data is to use it to engage municipal leaders in incorporating youths' interests into community planning and other decision-making to make the Berkshires a place that youth want to stay in after they graduate high school. This work is very important to me because, as someone who grew up in the Berkshires, I've experienced the reality behind the numbers in the PNA data firsthand, and it's my belief that addressing the challenges that youth here face is directly beneficial to the well-being of Berkshire County as a whole. So far, I've found that our community partners have been very receptive to this message, and I feel very grateful to be able to play a part in working for the County in this way!

Micro-Transit Study Update

Work continues on the Micro-Transit Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan. BRPC staff and their consultant, Four Square ITP, have been conducting robust outreach to inform residents and gain their input on this contemporary transportation service. In mid-July, three public events were held across the county in North Adams, Pittsfield, and Lenox to acquire insight on how residents might use the system and how best to design this service to improve mobility needs. Additionally, an online virtual meeting was held to share information about this project. All these events were well attended and provided great input for the study.  

Throughout these events, BRPC has witnessed overwhelming enthusiasm from attendees, including residents, visitors, state legislators, and local leaders. Over the next few months, this study will focus on the development of recommendations, including where, when, and how micro-transit can operate in Berkshire County. Study efforts will conclude with the development of an implementation plan and budget for a pilot program. With the level of support that has been demonstrated, we are confident that micro-transit service, which provides on-demand shared rides, will become a reality in Berkshire County. For more information on the micro-transit study, please visit the Microtransit Website to learn more about this proposed service, including any updates.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

www.berkshireplanning.org