The Establishment of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission was organized in 1966 by the votes of ten cities and towns in Berkshire County. On May 9, 1966, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approved the ten-member region and designated its area of jurisdiction as being the 32 municipalities that comprise Berkshire County. Since then, all 32 municipalities have voted to join the Commission as members.
The powers and duties of the Commission are set forth in Chapter 40B of the General Laws of Massachusetts. This law, adopted originally in 1955, has been strengthened by subsequent actions of the legislature. Chapter 40B is often referred to as “The Regional Planning Law.” Click to read 40B.
Section 5 of Chapter 40B says: “A planning commission established hereunder shall make careful studies of the resources, problems, possibilities and needs of its district and, on the basis of such studies, shall prepare a comprehensive plan of development or a schematic study plan of such district or of such part or parts thereof as the commission may deem necessary and in such plans shall make such recommendations for the physical, social, governmental or economic improvement of the district as in their opinion will be in the best interest of the inhabitants of the district. Such plans and recommendations shall concern, among other things, the general use of the district, including land use, principle highways and expressways, bridges, airports, public utilities, public facilities, parks, recreation areas, public institutions and such other matters as in the opinion of said commission will be beneficial to the district and will promote with the greatest efficiency and economy the coordinated development of the district and the general welfare and prosperity of its people.”
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s Bylaws Adopted November 21, 2024 – click here to view.
What is Berkshire Regional Planning Commission?
Working with a professional planning staff and a citizen commission, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) seeks to enhance regional resilience and quality of life in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts through a variety of initiatives and projects encompassing land use, transportation, economic development, environmental management, sustainable communities and public health. BRPC has been actively collaborating with 32 rural and urban communities since 1966 to deal with regional challenges, opportunities, and assets. Recommendations are crafted to strengthen the region’s built environment, natural landscape, environment, governance, and economy. Per federal mandate, BRPC is responsible for major regional transportation planning programs and projects in our region, and is also responsible for regional review procedures as required by various federal and state programs. BRPC is also the federally designated Economic Development District (EDD) for Berkshire County.
Why is it important?
BRPC addresses the challenges facing individual communities as well as those that affect the entire Berkshire region. Transportation, communications, economy, environment, and land use present cross-cutting issues and benefit from cross-cutting solutions, meaning they can improve conditions at the community and regional scale, and influence activities and impacts in related topic areas as well. Much of the agency’s work focuses on these topic areas. BRPC provides technical assistance and also provides guidance in broader topics of regional interest and concern, including energy, governance, fiscal management and environmental remediation.
A variety of matters affecting both quality of place and quality of life are matters of regional concern, most effectively addressed through a regional scope: highways and roads, land use, recreation, conservation, open space, economic development, water supply, pollution control, sewerage, lake management, drainage, solid waste management, energy, agriculture and food, health and wellness, and housing. These are all areas in which BRPC works, or provides technical assistance to communities and partners who are working in these areas.
A regional planning commission provides a focal point for the discussion and evaluation of area-wide and inter-municipal problems and needs and also provides a nexus for the development of collaborative solutions.
BRPC also serves as a ‘united voice’ for the Berkshires when dealing with state and federal agencies. Through internal and public engagement opportunities, member communities share their experiences and results of studies and plans, facilitating greater networking and peer learning opportunities.
BRPC maintains a professional staff and uses consultants who provide direct technical assistance to Berkshire municipalities.