The MA Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office (FFIO) has opened the MTTA grant program to all Massachusetts local governments and federally recognized tribes, as well as regional organizations
What do Lanesborough residents want in their outdoor spaces? A survey gives some answers
LANESBOROUGH — What do people want from Lanesborough’s forests, parks and waterways?
More trails, better accessibility and safer recreation areas topped the list in a town survey that will shape a new open space and recreation plan that the town hopes will open up state grant opportunities.
Lenox, Stockbridge have housing challenges associated with their tourist appeal. Could a ‘seasonal’ designation from the state help?
Town leaders in Lenox — working with Lee and Williamstown — and Stockbridge, on its own, are planning to explore the pros and cons of participating in the state’s voluntary Seasonal Communities program.
They are among the 18 towns in Berkshire County and 43 statewide designated as eligible. So far, 14 of the 43, all on the Cape and the Islands, are taking part.
‘Berkshire Matters’ – Topic: Overdose & Addiction Prevention Collaborative
On January 12th, 2026, Andy Ottoson & Anna Youngman of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission were guests on “Berkshire Matters,” with host Bob Dean, to discuss Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative (BOAPC).
The Berkshires’ Outdoor Recreation Website Sees Growth
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Over 100,000 people used Berkshire County’s comprehensive outdoor recreation website in 2025, taking advantage of a broader array of activity categories as well as more links to resources like clubs, guides, and gear.
The website, www.berkshiresoutside.org, provides a centralized, comprehensive catalog of nearly 600 access points. This online portal to all things outdoors invites residents and visitors to discover parks owned and managed by nearly 100 different organizations, all within Berkshire County.
Clarksburg Applying for Home Rehabilitation Program
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town is applying for Community Development Block Grant funds for a housing rehabilitation program.
Clarksburg could get $850,000 or more depending on if it partners with another community.
Brett Roberts, a senior planner with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, presented the options to the Select Board at its last meeting.
A nationwide search is underway for a new director of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
PITTSFIELD — Alongside celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has another goal for the new year — to name a new executive director.
After Executive Director Thomas Matuszko announced plans to retire in the fall, the commission began advertising for the position in early December. The application will remain open until a candidate is finalized, a process the commission aims to finish by the end of March.
$5.45 million in funds announced for 11 Berkshire County municipalities to rehabilitate homes, fix senior center
GREAT BARRINGTON — With two-thirds of Berkshire County’s housing built before 1970, 10 towns are receiving a combined $4.5 million to help homeowners make costly repairs and prevent units from falling off the market.
The funding, provided through the federal Community Development Block Grant, will primarily support home repair programs in the county, with the exception of North Adams, where it will fund road and senior center improvements.
Call for Submissions: New CEDS Priority Projects
The CEDS Committee is now accepting submissions of Priority Projects for potential inclusion in the 2026 Annual Performance Progress Report. Submissions are due no later than March 13, 2026. Use this form to propose a new project for inclusion:
Williamstown Board of Health Looks to Regulate Nitrous Oxide Sales, Discuss Air Quality Sensor Initiative
In other business last Tuesday, the Board of Health heard from representatives of the Berkshire Public Health Alliance and Berkshire County Boards of Health Association and discussed a new air quality sensor initiative led by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.
Laura Kitross, who directs the BPHA and the county association of boards of health, discussed how those agencies serve local communities.