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Berkshire Economic Recovery Project |
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Economic Recovery and Resilience Resources
for Berkshire County Municipalities
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Community Compact Cabinet FY22 Programs |
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IT GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 10/15
The IT program focuses on transformation at the local level, with grants up to $200,000 supporting the implementation of innovative IT projects and funding one-time capital needs such as technology infrastructure or software. Applications opened September 15 and close October 15.
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As a reminder, other FY22 CCC programs include:
Under a Best Practices agreement, a municipality implements at least one best practice selected from a wide range of eligible projects. Applications opened August 15, and are open until funds are depleted. Every Berkshire County municipality is eligible. Passcodes were emailed on August 9.
The E&R program supports regionalization and other efficiency initiatives, directed toward one-time or transition costs in projects with a plan for long-term sustainability. Applications open on January 10 and close on February 10, 2022. Projects must be complete by September 15, 2022.
The Municipal Fiber program was created to assist municipalities with the construction of municipal fiber broadband infrastructure and related projects. Applications open on March 15 and close on April 15, 2022.
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Berkshire Economic Recovery Project - Technical Assistance Program |
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Register Now: NOV. 9 - MUNICIPAL CYBERSECURITY
A free online workshop will address cybersecurity concerns and solutions for municipalities on November 9th at 10am. Space is limited and participation includes up to two hours of free one-on-one consultation specific to your community with the presenter, Renatus Solutions, following completion of workshop and feedback forms.
Space is limited, please use this link to register:
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Smart Growth Webinar - Recast Your City: Small Scale Manufacturing |
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Friday, October 15th at 1pm; presented by the Maryland Department of Planning and the Smart Growth Network
Many cities and towns have used a model of economic development that relies on recruiting large companies, a single industry, or other narrow fixes to create jobs and stimulate development. Recently, another model based on investing in place and supporting small-scale, local operations has emerged and is creating success across the country. Presenter Ilana Preuss will discuss how communities can build strong local businesses through small-scale manufacturing, reinvesting in their downtowns, and creating inclusive economic opportunities. She will share tools that local leaders in government, business, and real estate, as well as entrepreneurs and advocates in every community, can use.
Find out more and register for this free webinar HERE.
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Preparing for the Future of Work in Massachusetts |
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Preparing for the Future of Work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a July 2021 study commissioned by the Baker-Polito administration, seeks to help municipal and business leaders understand how workplace shifts begun during COVID-19 could impact their communities in years to come.
Conducted by McKinsey & Company, the report explores near- (2025) and longer- (2030) term trends and suggests how towns can prepare for them to support residents’ and economies’ success.
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Local Rapid Recovery - Funding Leads for Municipalities |
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Over 100 municipalities took part in the Massachusetts RRP program, including 5 in Berkshire County. But even if your community did not develop a formal plan, you can still access resources including webinars to inspire project ideas, sample project descriptions, and lists of funding opportunities to cover your costs. Read more...
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Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) |
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Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) for commercial buildings is a new mechanism to finance energy improvements on commercial and industrial properties in Massachusetts. To finance improvements, a property owner agrees to a betterment assessment and lien on their property, which repays the financing. This approach enables owners to undertake more comprehensive energy upgrades with longer payback periods of up to 20 years. At property sale, the assessment stays with the property and is transferred to subsequent property owners.
Individual municipalities may opt into PACE by a majority vote of the city or town council or the board of selectmen, as appropriate. See who has already opted in HERE.
For municipalities, the benefits of PACE include job creation, business growth, and environmental benefits associated with reducing energy consumption. Read more...
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Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
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