Common Ground E-Newsletter

November 2025

A Newsletter for Community Planning in the Berkshires

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• BRPC Executive Committee Meeting - November 6 at 4 pm
• Commission Meeting - November 20 at 7 pm
• BRPC Executive Committee Meeting - December 4 at 4 pm

New BRPC Staff

BRPC is pleased to announce the addition of three new staff members.

Caitlin Davis, Office Administrator

Caitlin will support the administrative team, handling front office reception, website updates, writing and coordinating monthly e-newsletter, minutes and agendas for BRPC committees, and Program support as needed.

James Massey, Public Health Inspector

James will support municipal boards of health by conducting inspections, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing technical assistance across Berkshire County. James will also support the Berkshire-Hampden Training Hub.

Anna Youngmann, North County Community Coordinator

Anna will lead efforts to address the dual crises of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and behavioral health in northern Berkshire County, MA. Anna will facilitate the North Berkshire HEAL Coalition, expanding access to treatment and recovery services, and driving education and communication initiatives to reduce stigma.

Welcome Caitlin, James and Anna!

Citizen Planner Training Collaborative (CPTC) Fall/Winter Workshops

Registration is open for the initial Fall/Winter CPTC training session, Roles and Responsibilities of Planning and Zoning Boards.

Date: November 12, 2025 6:00PM

This session introduces the functions of Planning and Zoning Boards and the main tools of planning and zoning and also includes an introductory discussion of the Public Records, Open Meeting, and the Conflict-of-Interest Laws.

Register here for the upcoming session.

Coming soon: Registration will open for additional webinars for other topics such as Drafting Zoning Amendments, Use of Design Review, Working with MGL Chapter 40B, Planning with Community Support, etc.

Learn more about upcoming workshops.

Western Massachusetts Historical Commission Coalition Virtual Meeting

Date: November 19, 2025 10:00AM via Zoom

Hosted by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, this meeting will cover inventory, technical standards, documentation resources and resources at your public library.

Register for the meeting here or contact: Stacia Caplanson, Preservation Massachusetts, scaplanson@preservationmass.org.

MMA's Connect 351 Conference - Registration Open!

The Connect 351 Conference will be held from January 22 to 24, 2026, at the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center and the Omni Hotel in Boston’s Seaport District. Features of the event include:

• A range of informative and timely workshops
• Compelling and inspiring speakers
• A general business meeting and important policy discussions
• A robust Trade Show featuring services and solutions for cities and towns

Online registration for Connect 351 is now open. MMA staff are happy to answer any questions about the registration process; please email connect351@mma.org.

Mass DOT Grants for Municipalities

Massachusetts Municipal Association

MMA members can learn about Mass Department of Transportation grant programs for municipalities, including two new ones for Community Culverts and Unpaved Roads. The Community Culvert Grant Program will provide funding via reimbursements to municipalities for culvert and small bridge modernization, reconstruction, removal, repair, replacement and resilience improvements.

The MMA will host a webinar on November 6th at noon, about grant programs for municipalities through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Register here for the MMA webinar.

MassDOT's Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grants

Transit authorities, nonprofits, and municipalities can apply for grants for existing or new microtransit or last-mile transit services. Priorities include:

• expanding mobility options for rural communities
• extending service to veterans, working families, older adults, people with disabilities and low-income individuals
• providing mobility choices to people with mobility needs
• extending equitable and affordable transportation mobility improvements in the commonwealth
• serving cities and towns that are taking meaningful steps to produce new housing and have adopted best practices to promote sustainable housing development.

Applications are due November 7th, 2025. Learn more on Mass.gov.

Division of Conservation and Recreation- MassTrails Grant

DCR has announced the availability of grant funds for support to municipalities, non-profit organizations, federally-or state-recognized Native nations, and state and federal agencies through the MassTrails Grant Program. MassTrails grants are funded through two funding sources. Commonwealth Trails funds are authorized through the 2018 Environmental Bond Bill and supported by the state's annual Capital Investment Plan.

Learn more on COMMBUYS.

Division of Agricultural Resources- Farm Transfer Plan Assistance

The 'farm pass' provides one-on-one assistance to farmland owner(s), successor(s) and others involved in the farm transfer process to facilitate discussion, identify goals and actions and develop a Farm Transfer Plan.

Learn more on CommBuys.

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.

Division of Energy Resources - Model Zoning Bylaws for Solar and Battery Systems

The Division of Energy Resources seeks input on draft model bylaws for solar photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage systems. The purpose of these bylaws is to promote the development and installation of new Solar Photovoltaic Installations and new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) by providing standards for the placement, design, construction, operation, monitoring, modification and removal of such installations that address public safety, minimize impacts on scenic, natural and historic resources and to provide adequate financial assurance for the eventual decommissioning of such installations.

The team is hosting online office hours to discuss the draft model bylaws and provide opportunities for questions, clarifications and feedback.

Participants may join at any time during the times listed below (registration is not required):

• Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Join the online office hours

• Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Join the online office hours

The DOER also welcomes written comments on these draft model bylaws. Comments can be emailed to green.communities@mass.gov with “Model Bylaw Comments” in the subject line. Responses are due by November 14, 2025.

Statewide Housing Plan-Now Live!

The Executive office of Housing and Livable Communities is happy to announce the online version of the statewide housing plan is now LIVE at https://www.mass.gov/a-home-for-everyone. This interactive website includes the Needs Assessment and Strategies released in February, the Regional Snapshots reviewed over the summer, as well as more detail on the projections, data and maps, and resources for community leaders and advocates.

We hope it will be a valuable resource for communities and stakeholders across Massachusetts. This will also be a 'living plan' and work is already being done on additional content to the Resource Section.  

Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) MA Housing Leadership Academy

CHAPA is offering a free, six-month comprehensive leadership program designed for:

• Mayors
• City and Town Councilors
• Select and Planning Board Members
• Zoning Board of Appeals Members
• Finance Committee Members
• Members of local boards and commissions who can impact housing

The program will empower local officials to create thriving communities with the diverse types of homes needed for people of all ages, incomes, and abilities.

Learn more about the Housing Leadership Academy.



MCAS Results

While the MCAS is no longer required for graduation in Massachusetts, the tests are still administered and provide a way for districts to ensure students are progressing. Berkshire Benchmarks maintains two MCAS results as indicators: 3^rd grade reading and 8^th grade math. The reading indicator shows the county continues to be similar to the state average (40.5% for Berkshire County and 42.5% for Massachusetts). In contrast, the math indicator shows students are well behind the Massachusetts average (23.6% in Berkshire County vs 38.2% in Massachusetts). These trends are relatively consistent over the last decade. Visit BerkshireBenchmarks for more detailed indicator results, including district percentages for total, male, female, low-income, non-low-income, and high-need students. The results for all grade and subjects can be found on Berkshire Benchmarks under the data option.

For more information, please contact Mark Maloy.



Join our Team! BRPC is looking to host an AmeriCorps Lead for America Member

Our digital equity work continues, and we're currently looking to fill our third AmeriCorps Lead for America position. You can read more here and find a link to the AmeriCorps application. Keep in mind, applicants of all ages are welcome and encouraged. This is not just a post-college position!

Learn more on our website, and apply through American Connection Corps.

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. BRPC will soon contact communities to verify 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.

When Drought Meets Fire Risk: What It Means for the Berkshires

If the fall colors seem muted this year, there’s a reason. Much of the Berkshires is experiencing significant drought conditions, according to Mass.gov. Drought stresses trees, reducing the intensity of leaf pigments and shortening the foliage season. It’s also part of a larger pattern: Massachusetts has experienced some level of drought in seven of the past nine years.

Climate change is intensifying this cycle. Higher temperatures increase evaporation and dry out soils, even when total rainfall rises. Droughts are now less predictable and sometimes occur rapidly, outside of their usual season. The 2024 drought, which began in September and stretched into December, is a recent example.

Consequently, dry conditions also raise wildfire risks. In December 2024, Great Barrington experienced the largest wildfire on record in the Berkshires, burning more than 1,600 acres on East Mountain and degrading air quality across the county. While the cause was human, severe drought and high winds allowed the fire to spread rapidly through dry vegetation.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is offering grants for municipalities, community organizations, and nonprofits to receive up to five outdoor PurpleAir sensors. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts. Learn more about the full grant opportunity here: COMMBUYS - Bid Solicitation

BRPC is expanding regional air quality monitoring through its ongoing air sensor project, which measures fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the pollutant most associated with wildfire smoke and poor air quality. Data collection is expected to begin later this fall, with results helping communities better understand how industries, traffic, and wildfire events affect local air conditions. Stay tuned for updates as monitoring begins across the region.

Sharing is Caring!

Municipalities are encouraged to share public education materials on wildfire safety and clean air awareness with residents. See the following resources to share:



•        Healthy & Efficient Home Guide: 

A guide to identify and address common indoor air and water quality hazards

•        Be Air-ware! Know how to check your Air Quality

•        How to Choose an Air Cleaner

•       Wildfire Fact Sheet: Reduce Your Exposure

New Requirements for Local Public Health Staff in Massachusetts

On November 20, 2024, Governor Healey signed into law the Economic Development Bill, which included the State Action for Public Health Excellence, more commonly known as SAPHE 2. Amending G.L. c. 111, § 27D (SAPHE 1.0), SAPHE 2.0 creates new requirements for all participants in Massachusetts local public health.  This law sets minimum workforce and performance standards as part of a statewide effort to ensure that every resident, regardless of the size of their community or its location, has equitable access to professional public health services.

Up until now, food and lead inspectors were likely the only areas with any required workforce training or experience. This meant that anyone could do public health inspections and enforcement, resulting in uneven or missing public health services across the state. For the first time, SAPHE 2.0 codifies the education and training requirements for anyone working in public health within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Public health inspectors must be trained and certified in the areas they are permitting and inspecting and any board of health members conducting inspections must meet the same training and certification requirements as an inspector. There are also training standards for public health administrative staff as well as Boards of Health members who are not conducting inspections.   

Now in addition to a Food Manager’s, Lead Determinator, Title 5 System Inspector and Title 5 Soil Evaluator certifications, the Office of Local and Regional Health has created a 3 Tier education program that is free for all Massachusetts public health staff. Tier 1 is composed of asynchronous modules on TRAIN with curriculum relevant to different areas. Tier 2 is comprised of instructor lead virtual and in-person training relevant to the different areas. Tire 3 provides public health professionals with hands-on learning opportunities, working with staff from one of the Public Health Training Hubs. 

All these standardized trainings and applied practice mentoring sessions help ensure that all inspections are conducted in the same manner everywhere. To ensure local access to the required trainings, OLRH created 10 Public Health Training Hubs. The Berkshire-Hampden Public Health Training Hub has Trainers ready to help inspectors and other staff meet the new Workforce Standards. The Hub offers mentoring, documentation and report review, on-site support, help signing up for TRAIN, and an online drop-in session for inspectors to ask questions or talk through inspections. Learn more here or contact dhassett@berkshireplanning.org.

Updated Grant Central Includes Funding for Culverts and Roads

MassDOT has recently announced upcoming changes to its Grant Central – the centralized portal for communities applying for MassDOT municipal grant funding. While many local officials are familiar with the information and resources the website has provided in identifying opportunities for local funding – including Chapter 90 and the Complete Streets Program, a new funding program along with a new round of funding.  

Spearheading this new Grant Central is the launch of a Fully Integrated Application (FIA) that allows municipalities to apply for all MassDOT community grant programs through one streamlined process, which will make applying for funding more efficient and easier than ever before.

In addition to this improved application process, new programs and funding opportunities will also be rolled out, including: 

• The launch of two new programs including the Unpaved Roads Grant Program and the Community Culvert Grant Program

•  A new grant round accepting applications from November 6 through January 9 for Unpaved Roads, Community Culvert, Complete Streets, Shared Streets and Spaces, Local Bottleneck Reduction, and Municipal Small Bridge

• Design Grants up to $150,000 are available through the Unpaved Roads, Complete Streets, and Shared Streets and Spaces programs

• Construction Grants up to $1,000,000 across all programs

• Equipment and Materials Grants up to $250,000

• MassDOT-led design consultants are available to support communities participating in the Community Culvert, Local Bottleneck Reduction, and Municipal Small Bridge programs

To assist communities and local officials in familiarizing themselves with the new application process and available programs, MassDOT will be holding online orientation sessions on the following dates:

• Thursday, November 13, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Please register via zoom)
• Thursday, December 4, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Please register via Zoom)

All Berkshire communities are encouraged to take advantage of these funding opportunities. For further information, please reach out to Alison Dixon at adixon@berkshireplanning.org or Ryan Griffis at rgriffis@berkshireplanning.org 



Increasing Student Safety: New School Bus Camera Law

Following its passage and ratification at the start of this year, municipalities are reviewing the prospect of making use of a new law which enables municipalities to use school bus violation monitoring systems. Commonly referred to as "stop-arm cameras," these systems detect and record drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus while its red lights and stop arm are activated. This new law is meant as an enforcement mechanism against drivers who speed past stopped buses, endangering students as they disembark.

These "stop-arm cameras” typically record and/or photograph vehicles which are thereafter reviewed by local law enforcement to determine whether a violation occurred. If it is determined that an infraction occurred, an officer will issue a citation to the vehicle’s registered owner. However, any penalty for a violation would not be considered a criminal conviction or moving violation – and would instead be noted on the registered owner or operators driving record.



BRPC’s Transportation staff continues to play an active role in improving traffic safety by monitoring best practices and actively promoting measures throughout the region to increase safety and improve our regional transportation network. Municipalities and school districts navigating this new law are encouraged to reach out to us for further information on best practices, technical assistance, and other opportunities for utilizing this new law. For more information, please contact: Ryan Griffis, Transportation Planner at rgriffis@berkshireplanning.org

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

www.berkshireplanning.org