BRPC and 1Berkshire, with the support of a broad working group of housing practitioners from throughout Berkshire County, have launched A Housing Vision for the Berkshires, a regional strategy to lead more intentional efforts to address the current housing crisis.

The realm of land use planning and land development is constantly changing. Some of these changes are effectuated upon the passage of a new state or federal law. Other times change is precipitated by the shifting needs or preferences of people in a community or across the country. BRPC attempts to keep apprised of the latest trends in land development and offer guidance to communities. In this initiative, documents will be added to offer basic guidance. The depth of research into these topics will vary, although an attempt was made to discuss the main points of each. For more information on land use issues please contact Thomas Matuszko, Executive Director @ tmatuszko@berkshireplanning.org or (413) 442-1521 ext. 34.

The Shared Community Planner program allows each participating town to access services and assistance that fit their specific needs and budget. Participating towns have requested assistance with a wide range of land use and other community planning projects. All municipalities in Berkshire County are invited to contact BRPC to learn more about the Shared Planner program.

On December 28, 2018, Governor Baker signed H.4841, An Act Regulating and Insuring Short-term Rentals, into law, as Ch. 337 of the Acts of 2018. The regulation, insurance, and taxation of short-term rentals has become a topic of increasing concern and urgency in Berkshire County. As a tourism destination, Berkshire County has been affected by the rise of short-term rentals. As such, regional municipalities may require assistance navigating the new legal realities of short-term rentals.

This project includes the development of a Housing Production Plan for the Town of Lenox's Affordable Housing Trust.

BRPC will assist the town in updating its Master Plan.

BRPC will provide assistance to the FRCOG in developing municipal farmland protection plans and associated administrative activities in support of the FRCOG’s Western Massachusetts Regional...

BRPC worked with the town of Adams to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The project included an analysis of all town-owned properties, policies...

BRPC worked with the Great Barrington Planning Board to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The project included an analysis of all town-owned properties,...

Lee obtained funding from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, which establishes a roadmap to increase the accessibility...

Monterey obtained funding from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, which establishes a roadmap to increase the accessibility...

BRPC worked with the City of North Adams’ Commission on Disabilities and Office of Community Development to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The...

BRPC worked with the City of Pittsfield's Parks and Recreation Department to create an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The Massachusetts Office on Disability graciously...

BRPC worked with the town of Williamstown to develop an ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan. The project included an analysis of all town-owned properties,...

BRPC worked with the town of Florida to create an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The Massachusetts Office on Disability graciously provided the funding for...

Alford obtained funding from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The evaluation identifies accessibility barriers to goods and...

BRPC worked with the town of Clarksburg to develop a Comprehensive Plan. The plan helps determine the future of conservation and recreational resources.

BRPC worked with the town of Lanesborough to develop a state-approved Open Space and Recreation Plan. The plan helps determine the future of conservation and recreational resources.

BRPC worked with the town of Clarksburg to develop a state-approved Open Space and Recreation Plan. The plan helps determine the future of conservation and recreational resources.

A simple resource book providing an overview of the major responsibilities given to municipal planning boards in the Massachusetts land use process.