Common Ground E-Newsletter
| | Annual Meeting - Reserve your ticket before Oct. 8th | |
BRPC Annual Meeting - Celebrating 60 Years!
Join us on October 15th from 5 to 7pm
at the Country Club of Pittsfield, 639 South St.
All municipal officials and representatives from our partner organizations are welcome! The program includes guest speaker Ben Downing of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), presentation of the 2026 Kusik Award to Roger Bolton of Williamstown, and an overview of BRPC's work in FY26. Networking begins at 5 pm, with hearty appetizers and a cash bar, followed by the presentation beginning shortly before 6 pm.
Purchase tickets through Eventbrite.
Please reserve your tickets no later than October 8th.
| | Staff Anniversary and Announcements |
Welcome to Ned Saviski
BRPC is pleased to announce the addition of a new (returning!) staff member.
Ned Saviski has joined BRPC as a part-time Inspector/Health Agent for Public Health Services. Welcome back, Ned!
|
We're Hiring!
BRPC's Public Health Planning program is hiring for a full-time, on-site position focused on emergency preparedness and age-friendly initiatives. While we are looking for relevant experience in emergency preparedness, we are willing to train someone with a strong interest in learning, a proven record of cross-sector collaboration, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to convene and coordinate groups.
Learn more and apply for this or other open positions at BRPC.
|
Public Health Inspector Colin Sykes recently reached a milestone of 5 years as part of the BRPC team!
Colin provides inspector services to Berkshire Public Health Alliance (BPHA) contracted municipalities, especially for food establishments.
| |
The Department of Public Utilities is excited to offer various informational sessions covering topics such as the new siting and permitting regulations and the Intervenor Support Grant Program. To learn more about each upcoming webinar and register to attend, use the links provided below.
Interpretation and translation services are available upon request. To request language access accommodations, please email dpu.ej@mass.gov.
For information about future DPU events and webinars, check out the DPU Events page.
|
Planning for Farmland in Massachusetts | MDAR
Planning for Farmland in Massachusetts: An Overview at the Municipal and Regional Level, covers tools for supporting and protecting farmland and understanding the role agriculture plays in a community.
|
Build for Mass | Executive Office for Administration and Finance
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is launching BuildForMass, the Commonwealth’s first general municipal infrastructure lending program. The initiative will provide Massachusetts municipalities with flexible, low-interest financing to address funding gaps, advance priority projects, and maximize access to federal resources. Housed at MassDevelopment, BuildForMass includes two revolving loan programs that help municipalities, especially Gateway Cities and rural communities, move critical projects from planning to completion.
Submit an Interest Form
|
MassEnviroScreen | Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (OEJE)
The Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (OEJE) officially launched MassEnviroScreen, a GIS-based mapping tool developed and administered by OEJE that uses indicators to produce a MassEnviroScreen Score and provide indicator data for every census block group across the Commonwealth. It is intended to support the guidance and regulations on Cumulative Impact Analysis and Site Suitability assessments.
|
Housing Production Tracker | Office of Housing and Livable Communities
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities launched the Housing Production Tracker to provide insights into housing development progress across the Commonwealth. The tool provides housing production data for every city and town in Massachusetts.
|
Syncurrent | Mass Municipal Association
This new MMA tool is available to all 351 Massachusetts municipalities to easily identify, qualify for, and pursue state and federal funding opportunities.
|
MCPPO Renewal Amnesty Program
The NEW MCPPO Renewal Amnesty Program allows municipal employees with an MCPPO Designation that lapsed between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, to re-instate their designation without having to retake the full 60-credit program. The OIG will cover the $495 tuition for the MCPPO Renewal Course for participants.
Individuals that enroll and complete the renewal course and six additional continuing education credits between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, will be able to apply for designation renewal under this special program. The OIG will cover the cost of the renewal course under this program.
There is a limit of two participants per municipality for this program. Applicants must be authorized by their Mayor, Select Board Chair, or Town Administrator/Manager. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information and how to access the application can be found here.
Questions? Contact ma-igo-training@mass.gov.
|
Massachusetts Goes DigitALL | Massachusetts Broadband Institute
As Massachusetts works toward achieving universal broadband access statewide, becoming one of the first states in the nation to do so, DigitALL will bring together leaders from government, industry, education, healthcare and community organizations to celebrate and explore what’s next for digital opportunity across the state.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 9:30am - 12:30pm
Polar Park, 100 Madison Street, Worcester, MA
Register for the DigitALL event.
|
We are pleased to share that BRPC is Co-Sponsoring CHAPA’s Annual Regional Meeting in the Berkshires, and you’re invited!
Each year, CHAPA convenes stakeholders from across the housing ecosystem to learn directly from those doing the work on the ground. This meeting is free and open to anyone interested - no previous housing experience necessary! CHAPA staff will share a brief presentation about their work, and then we’ll engage in conversation with you about your community’s housing needs and opportunities, as well as where CHAPA should prioritize its advocacy in the coming year.
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026, from 1-3pm
Berkshire Innovation Center, 45 Woodlawn Ave., Pittsfield, MA
Register for the Berkshires regional CHAPA meeting online.
| |
New England for All brings entrepreneurs, businesses, and community leaders together to showcase & support local businesses in the ecosystem
A regional celebration of entrepreneurship, small business, and community.
Join on November 13, 2026, for New England for All, an immersive marketplace experience bringing together entrepreneurs, small business owners, community leaders, corporate partners, nonprofit organizations, and residents from across the region.
This inaugural event is designed to celebrate the entrepreneurs who are building our communities, create meaningful connections, and expand access to resources and opportunities that help businesses grow.
Tickets available here.
| |
Connect 351 is the largest conference for municipal officials in Massachusetts!
The event will be held Jan. 21-23, 2027, at the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston. This two-and-a-half-day conference includes inspiring speakers, educational workshops, member business meetings, important policy discussions, countless networking opportunities, and the largest municipal Trade Show in New England.
Online Registration is now open.
| |
Powering Affordable Reliable Technology Program
USDA Powering Affordable Reliable Technology Program (PART) administered through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utility Service (RUS), offers partially forgivable loans to invest in infrastructure that produces electricity from hydro, geothermal, or biomass energy sources, as well as investments in energy storage systems, to make intermittent renewable energy systems more reliable.
Letters of Interest Due: October 9, 2026
|
FY27 MS4 Municipal Assistance Grant Program | MassDEP
MassDEP is pleased to announce the FY27 MS4 Municipal Assistance Grant Program is now accepting applications. The MS4 grant assists permit holders and regional partners to meet the requirements of the 2016 Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permits. The grant funds local and regional projects to reduce stormwater pollution. Please note that applications for "local" municipal projects must be consistent with the local Stormwater Management Program and have been identified as a local need in a required MS4 report, inventory, document, or other required compliance action to be considered.
Applications due: October 9, 2026
For more information please visit COMMBUYS.
|
Local Cultural Council Grant Program
The Local Cultural Council Grant Program enriches the cultural life of all cities and towns in Massachusetts by supporting cultural programs that include everything from field trips to lectures, festivals, and dance performances.
Applications Due: October 15, 2026
|
2027 Community Rides Grants
2027 Community Rides Pilot Grant Program is offering up to $100,000 for innovative projects that expand transportation access to healthcare, jobs, education, healthy food, and social services.
Applications Due: October 19, 2026
|
2027 MA Preservation Projects
Preservation Massachusetts is pleased to announce the 2027 round of the Massachusetts Historic Preservation Matching Grant Program. Funding for this program is provided by The 1772 Foundation, which has made $135,000 available for preservation projects in the Commonwealth. We are beyond grateful to The 1772 Foundation for continuing this funding program.
Letters of Interest due: November 2, 2026
| | |
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program
The LWCF grant program provides financial assistance to municipalities and the state’s Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Fish and Game for the acquisition of parkland, development of a new park, renovation of an existing park, development of trails in an existing conservation or recreation area, or the acquisition of conservation land. Grants up to $1,000,000 are available this grant round.
Deadline: January 5, 2027
Two information sessions will be held:
Please RSVP to Melissa Cryan to attend either session. When you RSVP, specify which you will be attending.
| |
Kratom
Effective August 28, 2026 an emergency order was issued from the state Department of Public Health banning the sale of kratom in Massachusetts and ordering its immediate removal from retail shelves. This created a lot of attention among the general public and presented many questions for local boards of health and their health agents. To answer these questions, on September 22, the Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Coalition (BOAPC) supported a joint community forum on kratom with the District Attorney’s Office, Berkshire Public Health Alliance, and the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative.
So, what is kratom? The state provides a helpful definition: “kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Depending on the amount used and its potency, kratom may produce different effects. Lower doses cause stimulant-like effects, such as increased alertness. Higher doses cause opioid-like effects, such as pain relief and sedation.”
The concerns about kratom and the conditions which lead to the ban are many, but some primary ones are:
- Kratom has addictive properties which can lead to a chemical dependence
- Kratom products vary widely because there are no labeling requirements or concentration guidelines
- There are no age restrictions on the sale of kratom products
- Synthetic options created in laboratories have isolated and amplified the naturally-occurring compounds into high concentrations with more potent opioid-like effects
- Deaths have been linked to kratom use, both by itself and in conjunction with other substances
Over the next year of the statewide ban, local boards of health have the opportunity to think through whether municipal-level regulations are right for them; medical providers have the opportunity to learn more about what the risks, uses, and treatment for addiction of kratom are; and schools and parents have the opportunity to learn how to have conversations with youth about this substance.
For more information for medical providers, boards of health, and the public, please visit Mass.gov What is Kratom?
| |
Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative Offering 49 Community Clinics This Fall
Members of the Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative will provide public vaccination clinics in Berkshire communities this fall, including the Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The clinics are scheduled through early November throughout the county, ensuring availability in the northern, central and southern regions. Anyone can receive a vaccine, regardless of insurance or place of residence.
The Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative recently updated the Get Vaccinated Berkshires
website, which has a calendar of all scheduled clinics and links to pre-register. There is
additional information on vaccines and contact information in the event of questions or problems in pre-registering for a clinic. In addition, the site has information on how to schedule an in-home vaccination for those who are homebound.
The public vaccine clinics are free of charge, but registrants are asked to provide
insurance information, if it is available, to defray costs and keep public heath funding
within the community. The clinics are open to anyone 6 months of age or older, the age group recommended to receive an annual flu vaccine and the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
The clinics will offer both pediatric and adult flu vaccine, including the high dose flu
vaccine for those over the age of 65, and the Pfizer COVID vaccine for children and
adults. A limited number of egg-free vaccines and flu mist may also be offered,
depending on availability.
Registration is highly recommended. Walk-ins may be accepted depending on the
number of vaccine doses available at each clinic, with preference given to those with preference given to those who are registered.
Register for a vaccination in the Berkshires.
| |
West/East Rail Service Public Meeting
In efforts to move this important passenger initiative along, MassDOT has scheduled a virtual public information meeting on October 6, 2026, at 6:00PM. The focus of the meeting is to provide more information on the Boston & Albany Service Development Plan which will outline how the service will run and the necessary steps to implement this service. This meeting will also provide the opportunity to submit comments and ask questions.
More information can be found on the BRPC website.
Register for the meeting.
| | |
BRTA Route Analysis & Integration of On-demand/Microtransit Service in Berkshire County!
BRPC received funds from MassDOT to conduct a study to which will evaluate BRTA’s routes and assist with the integration of on-demand/microtransit service in Berkshire County.
This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the current BRTA routes and identify low-ridership fixed routes that could be better served with on-demand/microtransit service. The study will also assess current routes to determine whether they connect neighborhoods to essential services, including hospitals, markets, businesses, major employers, and colleges. The study will also focus on the implementation of the microtransit service in North and Central Berkshire County to integrate with the BRTA's fixed route service.
Expanding microtransit service is a regional priority. BRTA is in the process of integrating new technology and ITS software to facilitate implementation of microtransit services making it more efficient, coordinated, and accessible to the population whose mobility depends on it. The study effort with further assist by identifying where, when, and how microtransit will operate in Berkshire County. This comprehensive analysis will enhance BRTA’s service and provide much-needed, reliable, on-demand public transportation in Berkshire County.
It is expected that a consultant will be under contact by December. As this study proceeds, updates will be posted to BRPC’s website as well as information regarding opportunities for public engagement.
For more information about the study, please contact Anuja Koirala, Principal Transportation Planner.
| |
Changes to MGL 40A – Massachusetts Zoning Act
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is taking steps to raise awareness of changes to 40A since 2020. This effort is largely contained through the creation of the Zoning Act 40A Team. While trainings are planned in the future, EOHLC developed a toolkit focused on these amendments. The toolkit can be accessed here: Zoning Act Changes - M.G.L. Chapter 40A | Mass.gov
Protected Use Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) – Proposed Amendment to Regulations
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) announced proposed changes to its ADU regulations in early September. The proposed changes aim to:
- Clarify that municipalities may require only the minimum Title V standards for ADU development.
- Clarify that municipalities may not require a separate utility connection.
- Clarify that stretch code or specialized code requirements apply to protected use ADUs in municipalities that have adopted those codes.
- Interpret the ADU and Seasonal Communities laws together to allow seasonal communities, in certain circumstances, to apply year-round occupancy restrictions as defined in the Seasonal Communities regulations to protected use ADUs.
- Clarify that municipalities may apply affordable housing or year-round occupancy restrictions to ADUs when developed with municipal financial assistance or on donated municipal land.
- Emphasize that municipalities may not restrict ADUs in exchange for approval of development activities, including subdivisions, land disposition agreements, or development agreements.
EOHLC is accepting comments until October 9th. View the ADU Draft Regulations Redlines.
Submit Public Comments or Email Public Comments, including "Comments on 760 CMR 71" in the subject line.
| |
Data & Information Services
| |
Proposed Census Changes
The US Census Bureau is collecting feedback through October 13th on changes to the 2030 Decennial Census related to citizenship, residency, and demographics. The proposed changes could drastically change who gets counted where and would negatively impact the state’s congressional delegation. BRPC will submit comments, but we encourage you to do so as well. The full text of the proposed changes can be found online.
For more information, contact Mark Maloy.
| | | | Economic Development Planning | |
"Build in the Berkshires" website launched to encourage redevelopment
BRPC recently launched a new website, available at build-berkshire.hub.arcgis.com/, to help investments reach priority locations for industrial, commercial, or multi-family housing.
Locations were initially identified by BRPC through a GIS model as being suitable for development or redevelopment, followed by consultation with municipal officials, including town managers/administrators, town planners, and community development staff.
The database-fed website can be explored through filters for municipality, lot size, and current zoning permissions. More information is available for each featured property, including current ownership, address, parcel ID, and a brief description. When available, photos are also provided.
We welcome changes and additions to this site as conditions evolve. Please contact Mark Maloy and Wylie Goodman with suggestions and questions.
This site was developed with funding from the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) through an FY26 Planning Assistance Grant.
|
Help Shape the Future Leadership of Mass Cultural Council
Mass Cultural Council has embarked on an Executive Director search and wants to ensure an inclusive process that incorporates perspectives from across the Commonwealth. Your response to their survey will help inform the position description and evaluation criteria for the search.
The survey will take 6-10 minutes and closes at 11:59 pm on October 6, 2026. Thank you in advance for your participation!
| | | | Environmental & Energy Planning | |
Francis Avenue Project Update
It’s not often we get to see one of our projects go all the way from community concern to shovels in the ground, but this month we did! The Francis Avenue Project in Pittsfield began after a community complaint about a stairwell used by residents to get to the local grocery store. Stormwater was pooling at the top of the stairwell and then flowing down it, causing splashing and damage to the railing.
With four years of grant funding and continued support from the City of Pittsfield, Pittsfield Housing Authority, and neighborhood community partners, construction is underway. The stormwater control system will capture and treat 1.33 million gallons of stormwater runoff from 1.38 acres, thereby removing pollutants that would otherwise reach the nearby West Branch Housatonic, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. In addition to pollution reduction benefits, this project is designed to capture increased stormwater runoff due to climate change and reduce peak flows. It will store the treated water for future use in landscaping, tree planters, and a water feature to be built along an accessible path from the top of the hill to West Street.
The holistic vision for this project ties into a community-supported look at non-vehicular access between the Westside Neighborhood and downtown resources and how to address urban renewal construction from the 1960s, historical data gathering and record keeping from community members, and a look at the intersection of how public space improvements such as this one have on other aspects of community life, such as housing affordability. This project was made possible through three grants – Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness, Clean Water Act S.319, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund. Having this variety of funding sources allowed us to address different aspects of the project and supply match from and for both federal and state sources.
If you’re interested in hearing more about this, feel free to reach out to Courteny Morehouse.
| |
Grant Announcements
MA DEP
Open now is the Mass Department of Environmental Protection Section 604b cycle. This application is open to municipalities for stormwater planning, design, and pre-construction scoping for projects reducing stormwater pollution.
Request for Proposals can be found here.
Applications due October 7th. Contact Alison Dixon for more information.
ECO OneStop
ECO OneStop is the State’s Environmental grants portal for all grants through EOEEA. The ECO OneStop Expression of Interest is due October 16th. If you have questions about a project you think might be eligible, contact Britney Danials.
| |
ECO One Stop Webinars
Land Use Planning - Tuesday, October 27, 12pm-1pm Register
Stormwater Management - Tuesday, November 3, 12pm-1pm Register
Culvert/Small Bridge Upgrade or Removal- Tuesday, November 10, 12pm-1pm Register
Dam/Levee Repair, Upgrade, or Removal -Tuesday, November 17, 12pm-1pm Register
Registration links and recordings will be made available on the ECO One Stop webpage.
| | | | |
