Common Ground E-Newsletter

June 2026

A Newsletter for Community Planning in the Berkshires

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This year, BRPC (originally BCRPC) marks its 60^th year of service to the municipalities of our region.

On May 9th, 1966, Commissioner Theodore W. Schulenberg of the MA Department of Commerce and Development formally approved the Berkshire County Regional Planning Commission and its area of jurisdiction. In its first year, the Commission had an annual budget of approximately $20,000. At that time, the Berkshire County state delegation included seven representatives and two state senators (George Hammal from Hampden County represented a portion). Remo Del Gallo was the mayor of Pittsfield, and Francis Floriani was the mayor of North Adams. Since 1966, the population of our smallest community, Mt. Washington, has grown by 240 percent, from 47 people to about 160. 

Initially, 10 municipalities joined, and by the time this brochure was printed a year later, it was up to 17, encompassing over 93% of the population. 

• BRPC Executive Committee Meeting - June 4th at 4pm
• BRPC Executive Committee Meeting- July 2nd at 4pm
• BRPC Commission Meeting- July 16th at 7pm

2026 Summer Interns

BRPC is fortunate to have two Community Planning interns working on various projects this summer.

Lillian Boudreau holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Political Science. She is interested in planning efforts that reflect community needs, support sustainable development, and strengthen the long-term resilience of rural regions. She also holds a strong interdisciplinary foundation for work in planning, housing, land use, and community engagement.

Joel Jorgensen, a current dual MA student in Public Policy & Administration and Regional Planning, brings a strong interest in planning and development as well as economics and local/regional economic development, including a commitment to finding ways to address the ongoing housing and labor crisis in Berkshire County.

Citizen Planner Training Collaborative (CPTC) Spring Workshop

Drafting Zoning Amendments

While regular review and amendment of a municipality’s zoning ordinance or bylaw in response to changing needs and circumstances is essential to ensuring that it remain up-to date, the process can be tricky. This course will provide a step-by-step roadmap on how to adopt and amend zoning codes in accordance with the strict requirements of G.L. 40A Section 5. Local officials and staff will gain an understanding of what type and scope of amendments are permissible; the relationship between zoning and other municipal planning documents; and the essential role of the Planning Board in the process. Tips for drafting zoning amendments, and strategies for successfully getting them passed will also be addressed.

Date: June 8, 2026, 6pm via Zoom

Register for the Spring workshop.

Environmental Justice Summit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Environmental Justice and Equity, and Attorney General's Office

Bringing together Environmental Justice leaders, Tribal and Indigenous representatives, community advocates, government, and philanthropy to strengthen collective action for EJ in Massachusetts — grounded in community leadership and lived experience. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something meaningful!

Date: June 17, 2026, 8:30am-6pm

Where: Mechanics Hall, Worcester MA

Register for the event.

Forests Close to Home | Berkshire Natural Resources Council

Join BNRC for a half-day conference on Wednesday, June 24, to explore how your forests can support wildlife, strengthen climate resilience, and remain healthy for generations to come. Featuring keynote speaker Ethan Tapper, an internationally recognized forester, ecologist, bestselling author, and digital storyteller from Vermont. Generously sponsored by the Woodlands Partnership Program of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.

Date: June 24, 2026, 11am — 4pm

(schedule to follow) 

Location: Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, 165 Gould Road, Adams, MA 01220

Learn more and register for the conference.

Free AI Training for Every MA Resident

The Massachusetts AI Hub and Google have joined forces to unlock new opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth, so you can gain the skills you need to thrive in today’s digital economy. 

Massachusetts residents will receive no-cost access to the following Google programs until December 31, 2027:

• Google AI Professional Certificate
• Google AI Essentials
• Google Agile Essentials
• Google Career Certificates (e.g., Data Analytics, IT Support, Project Management)

Learn more about the Google AI Professional training and how to earn a certificate.

MassDOT Highway Division Awards $85.51 million for 195 projects across the state of Massachusetts

Mass DOT’s Highway Division recently announced grant awards for infrastructure applications submitted in January 2026. Twenty-two out of the 32 Berkshire Communities (68%) received at least one MassDOT award to support an infrastructure project. Several municipalities received awards for two different programs and two received awards for three different programs. Within a fiscal year, a municipality is eligible to receive one award for each program. Berkshire County municipalities received 34 out of the total 195 projects awarded. This will provide funding support for culvert and small bridge replacements, gravel road improvements and enhancement of public spaces, improving mobility and economic activities. DOT anticipates another grant round opening soon. A municipality can receive one award for each grant program. If your community needs support with submitting an application, please reach out to BRPC for assistance. Contact information for each program is provided below.

MassDOT Geographic Distribution of Awards

Berkshire municipalities received an award for one or more of the following DOT grant programs.

DOT’s Community Culvert Grant program supports the modernization, repair, replacement, and resiliency of culverts, with a focus on building a strong design pipeline and enabling early project delivery. Across the state, awards include 71 grants totaling $44.93 million. Berkshire County will receive funding for 12 design grants ($1.8 million), and 5 construction projects. Please contact Alison Dixon at adixon@berkshireplanning.org, if you would like support with submitting a grant application.

DOT’s Municipal Small Bridge Program supports replacement and rehabilitation of small bridges through phased funding. Across the state, 32 grants totaling $14.14 million were awarded. Berkshire County municipalities will receive funding for 5 design phase and 3 construction projects. Please contact Alison Dixon at adixon@berkshireplanning.org, if you would like support with submitting a grant application.

DOT’s Unpaved Roads Program, newly launched in FY26, supports maintenance and improvement of gravel roads. Across the state awards include 30 grants totaling $7.63 million. Berkshire County will receive about $1.2 million in funding for 4 equipment, 1 construction and 1 design awards. Please contact Alison Dixon at adixon@berkshireplanning.org, if you would like support with submitting a grant application.

DOT’s Shared Streets and Spaces Program funds quick-build projects that enhance public spaces, mobility, and economic activity. Across the state, 34 grants totaling $9.18 million will be funded. Berkshire County will receive over a half million dollars in funding for 1 construction and 2 equipment awards. Please contact Nicholas Russo at nrusso@berkshireplanning.org, if you would like support with submitting a grant application.

MassDOT Awards in Berkshire County

Regional Food System Partnership (RFSP) | USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service offers grants to support partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local and regional food systems. There are 2 types of projects. Potential project activities include, planning and design projects as well as implementation and expansion projects.

Application Deadline: June 5, 2026

Learn more about submitting an application.

Questions? Contact support@grants.gov.

Greening the Gateway Cities Implementation Grant

Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs

The GGC Partnership grant program assists all units of local government, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations and state and federally recognized tribes, in conducting outreach, education, and community engagement in support of the Greening the Gateway Cities Program.

Application Deadline: June 6, 2026

Learn more about this grant program and how to apply.

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) is a Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant program that makes federal funds available to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and local governments for hazard mitigation activities. Sub-applications are currently being accepted.

Sub-Application Deadline: June 8, 2026

Learn more on COMMBUYS and how to apply.

Municipal ADA Improvement Grant | Massachusetts Office on Disability

The Municipal ADA Improvement Grant provides reimbursement funding to Massachusetts cities and towns to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Funding supports updating a municipality’s ADA Self Evaluation and Transition plans and making capital improvements that improve access or remove barriers in municipal programs, services, and facilities.

Application Deadline: June 12, 2026.

Learn more about the ADA grant and how to apply.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

The BRIC grant program makes federal funds available to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized tribal governments, and local governments for hazard mitigation activities. It does so by recognizing the need to upgrade and modernize the nation’s infrastructure against the growing risks to communities and the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities that promote resilience with respect to natural hazards.

Application Deadline: July 23, 2026

Applicants can submit applications through FEMA Grants Outcome (GO).

National Safety Month

June 2026 marks the 30^th anniversary of National Safety Month. A public health awareness campaign, National Safety Month was started by the National Safety Council to draw attention to the myriad ways we can be safer at home, work and in our communities. Special attention is given this month to safety on the road.

Summer is quickly approaching and with it comes an increase in traffic and cars on the road. Are you doing everything you can to keep you and your family a s safe as possible? Always buckle up, no matter how short your drive is and make sure especially kids in the back seat are in the correct size car seat if needed and that they are buckled up correctly. Texting and distracted driving are a leading cause of accidents on the road. Pull over if you need to respond to a text or make a call. Driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana is another common cause for injury and death while driving.

Speaking of summer, have you seen all the runners and bikers taking advantage of the nice weather out there? Give extra room to bikers and runners using the bike lane and make sure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. If you’re a pedestrian, staying on a sidewalk whenever possible and using crosswalks is a much safer alternative than crossing mid-block. Remember, if you can’t see the driver in an oncoming car, they can’t see you either. Using good common sense and being aware this summer can help keep drivers and pedestrians alike safe on the road.

Learn more about National Safety Month.

Swimming into Summer: Preparing for Pool Inspections

As we turn the corner into June and rapidly approach the official start of summer, many local recreational waters are beginning to welcome back swimmers. In particular, this season brings with it the re-opening of many seasonal swimming and wading pools. To ensure that our communities can thoroughly enjoy all that our local public and semi-public pools have to offer, local public health and environmental health professionals are resuming routine pool inspections. It is important to know that your local health department staff are working to ensure that these waters are safe for summer fun! 

While pool inspections can sometimes feel tedious, they are essential to ensuring that pools are safe for recreation: clean, clear, and effectively chlorinated (or brominated!) to reduce the transmission of communicable disease. After all, we want swimmers and bathers to get all the joy - and none of the harm - from these resources! 

Local public health agents can prepare for pool inspections by first reviewing existing files, including approved plans. Pool owners and operators should have provided specifications about their pools, which will be critical for identifying, or if necessary, calculating, aspects such as turnover rate and bathing load. If prior records are not available, it will be essential to document the pool dimensions and to obtain information from the operator about the treatment system and methods. 

Inspectors/ agents should also verify that their pool testing kits are not expired. Keep in mind that many compounds expire annually, and so last year’s pool kit is likely not the best option. During an inspection, it is also necessary to verify the expiration date of the Pool Operator’s testing kit. 

Prior to an inspection, familiarity with the 105 CMR 435.000, Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools (Massachusetts State Sanitary Code Chapter V) is a must. Although this Code is substantially shorter than some, it is packed full of essential information that will aid in the completion of the inspection. A Department of Public Health model inspection form is also available. 

Public health professionals seeking support with calculations related to pool inspections or wishing for accompaniment during an inspection can always reach out to the Berkshire Hampden Public Health Training Hub for support. Please email us at traininghub@berkshireplanning.org with any questions. 

Wishing everyone safe and sanitary enjoyment of local pools this summer!

Southern Berkshire Bike Path Community Outreach Events



As part of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s mission to improve active transportation infrastructure, transportation planning staff have partnered with the engineering firm Weston & Sampson to consult on a proposed shared-use path which will connect Southern County with the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Pittsfield. Tentatively titled the Southern Berkshire Bike Path (SBBP), public outreach began in earnest on Thursday, May 28^th, when BRPC staff and consultants met with residents in Stockbridge and Lenox Dale to discuss the potential facility types and major points of interest along the route, as well as give their input on their preferred route alignment.

The SBBP represents a unique planning and engineering challenge to create one continuous, logical route that links town centers across southern Berkshire County with high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure. BRPC will be hosting two additional in-person opportunities this month which will focus on reviewing the draft maps for the locale where the meetings take place. Resident input and feedback on the proposed route(s) are a crucial step in this process. Great Barrington and Sheffield residents are strongly encouraged to attend. Meetings are scheduled as follows: 

Tuesday, June 9th: 

• Great Barrington – Mason Library, 4-5pm 
• Sheffield – Christ Trinity Church, 5:30-6:30pm 

Additional information, including currently proposed route maps, can be found here.

Berkshire Flyer returns for the 2026 season with better Connections!

The Berkshire Flyer (BF), a weekend seasonal train service between New York City, NY, and Pittsfield, MA, returns for the 2026 season with a revised schedule and better connections on Friday, June 12. Recognizing the demand for a full round-trip train connection between Pittsfield and New York City and for earlier arrival of the Berkshire Flyer train on Fridays to the Berkshires, MassDOT worked with Amtrak, CXS, and New York DOT to develop a revised 2026 schedule with a full round-trip service. The 2026 BF service will run for fourteen weekends, starting on Friday, June 12, and ending on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The Friday train will arrive in Pittsfield at 3pm, giving BF riders time to reach their destinations and enjoy Friday evenings in the Berkshires. Now, a round-trip from Pittsfield to New York City allows Berkshire residents to depart Pittsfield on Friday at 3:15pm, arrive in NYC at 7:46pm, enjoy the Big Apple, and return on Sunday, departing New York City at 11:06am.

In the summer of 2022, the Berkshire Flyer pilot had its first historic run between New York City and Pittsfield. The four years of the BF service have proven it to be an economically viable and beneficial service, creating another transportation connection, bringing visitors to the region, increasing tourism, especially among non-driving tourists, and serving as an alternative to driving. So, this summer, board the Berkshire Flyer train, relax, and enjoy a weekend getaway in the Berkshires, which offers a variety of activities for all, from natural beauty to art & culture! Or a weekend in the Big Apple.

Questions? Contact: Anuja Koirala, Principal Transportation Planner.

FY26 Success for HMLP in Berkshire County

BRPC is pleased to announce that a total of 16 Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) projects were closed in Berkshire County throughout Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This is a record high number of loan closings since BRPC has been the Provider Agency in Berkshire County. These loans ranged in size from $4,105 all the way to the program limit of $50,000. The project components included items such as stair lifts, bathroom modifications, and ramps. 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 applications in FY27.

Learn more about HMLP and submitting an application.

Trails for All

The Massachusetts Trail Access Working Group and the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation have released the Massachusetts Trails for All Report. The report highlights how 26% of adults live with a disability, 49% of residents would benefit from accessible trails, yet only 0.5% of trails are accessible. If you are a municipal official or a property owner who has public trails, this report can provide valuable guidance on designing, constructing, and maintaining accessible trails. The report also provides a vision, policy information, actions, and recommendations on how the state can make trails more accessible.

In addition to the report, the state summarizes many of its findings. Learn more about how you can make your trails more accessible.

Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE) | Massachusetts Municipal Association

The MMA will host a webinar for municipal leaders covering the Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE) Massachusetts program, which helps commercial and industrial property owners finance energy efficiency improvements for existing buildings or for qualifying new construction projects.

Properties eligible for financing include commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and multi-family buildings with five or more units. To date, 84 communities have authorized PACE, which is administered by MassDevelopment. Municipalities must opt in to PACE by a majority vote of the city or town council or select board.

Date: June 17, 2026 12:00pm

Online registration is available for MMA members.

Project Spotlight: Town of Washington Tackles Flooding

Why did the brook cross the road? In Washington, residents have been asking that question more often in recent years. During major rainstorms, water from Depot Brook spills across portions of Route 8 near Town Park, flooding areas that historically overflowed only once every decade. Since the summer of 2021, flooding has occurred repeatedly there, including two events in 2025 alone.

For the last two years, BRPC has worked with the Town of Washington through a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant to better understand flooding conditions and how to reduce future impacts. What emerged from the project was not a single failure point, but a watershed under stress. Streambanks along Depot Brook are actively eroding during storms. Undersized culverts slow and constrict water flow. The gradual loss of hemlock trees has weakened natural bank stability in several areas, while smaller tributaries flowing through Town Park add additional pressure before draining into the brook downstream.

Washington Town Park became central to the conversation because the flooding affects far more than infrastructure. The park hosts summer concerts, Family Fun Days, recreation, and everyday social connections for the community. It is also part of the floodplain itself, where water and community life intersect. That overlap shaped much of the planning process and reinforced a broader reality facing many Berkshire County communities: the places people care about most are often the same places becoming increasingly vulnerable to stronger storms and changing rainfall patterns.

Sixteen volunteers helped plant over water absorbing trees at Washington Town Park.

Community participation became a major part of the project. Surveys helped identify resident concerns and better understand how people viewed potential solutions, while community dinners supported two-way conversations about flooding, tradeoffs, and the future of the brook and park area. Some sessions drew more than 40 attendees. Other events encouraged residents to experience the watershed in more hands-on ways. Guided river walks traced how Depot Brook has shifted and changed over time, while a community cleanup and tree planting event added 21 water-absorbing trees to the park, to address persistent wetness and poor drainage.s take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

Washington residents gather for a "game-night" style of flooding problem-solving with BRPC and Tighe and Bond Engineers.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

www.berkshireplanning.org