The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is an ongoing regional effort focused on identifying economic goals and priorities and measuring progress in the region. The resulting 5-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Berkshire County and accompanying annual progress reports are submitted to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in order to maintain the region’s eligibility for EDA investments.

Berkshire Funding Focus was established to support Berkshire County entities seeking federal and state funds for pandemic-related recovery and rebuilding and building organizational and sector capacity for the long term.

BRPC secured Economic Development District designation on behalf of Berkshire County from the U.S. Economic Development Administration in early 2022. The primary purpose of an EDD is to implement the economic development activities and priorities set forth in the region’s CEDS. Berkshire County stands to benefit from EDD status through increased access to regional economic development funds as well as public works assistance grants for individual municipalities.

The Shared Economic Development Planning 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 economic development planning projects.

BRPC assists the five designated Cultural Districts of Berkshire County in coordinating ArtWeek Berkshires, an annual festival celebrating creativity in the region.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) will conduct a parcel-level assessment across Berkshire County and create an online interactive mapping tool to identify sites suitable for multi-family housing, commercial development, and redevelopment.

BRPC's Economic Development Program will provide Becket and Washington with digital skills and literacy classes, workshops, and presentations, assisted by an AmeriCorps Lead for America member, and document the impact of digital resources on residents -- from public space Wi-Fi to devices and skills/literacy classes -- with funding by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute.

BRPC will assist the Town of Clarksburg in digital equity implementation tasks as a result of the town's digital equity planning process through MBI.

BRPC has been selected to serve as the consultant/manager to the town of Dalton for its Digital Equity Implementation Plan. BRPC's work will involve piloting digital literacy classes and 1:1 tech assistance in partnership with the senior center and affordable housing development and engaging outside entities such as the Community Recreation Association and DCTV to bring in more residents to the effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of programs.

BRPC's Economic Development Program will provide Great Barrington with digital skills and literacy classes, workshops, and presentations, assisted by an AmeriCorps Lead for America member, and document the impact of digital resources on residents, from public space Wi-Fi to devices and skills/literacy classes.

BRPC has been selected to serve as the consultant/manager to the town of Lanesborough for its Digital Equity Implementation Plan. BRPC's work will involve piloting digital literacy classes in partnership with the Senior Center and Library as well as engaging outside experts and volunteers to create a more robust and sustainable digital literacy ecosystem in the town.

BRPC's Economic Development Program will provide Lee with digital skills and literacy classes, workshops, and presentations, assisted by an AmeriCorps Lead for America member, and document the impact of digital resources on residents, from public space Wi-Fi to devices and skills/literacy classes.

BRPC's Economic Development Program will assist the town of New Marlborough document the impact on residents of improved digital resources -- from public space Wi-Fi to devices and skills/literacy classes -- with funding provided by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute.

BRPC's Economic Development Program will assist the town of Sheffield document the impact on residents of improved digital resources, from public space Wi-Fi to devices and skills/literacy classes.

BRPC's Economic Development Program will assist the town of West Stockbridge document outcomes from digital implementation efforts related to public space Wi-Fi.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is providing the services of an Economic Development planner to assist the Town of Adams to advance economic development activities in the town, specifically pertaining to the Greylock Glen Development Project.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is providing the services of an Economic Development planner to assist the Town of Great Barrington to advance economic development activities in the town.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is providing the services of an Economic Development planner to assist the Town of Lanesborough advance economic development activities in the town.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and the Berkshire County Economic Development District (designated by EDA) receive annual funding to support implementation of the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

The Priority Redevelopment Sites Strategy will ensure that up-to-date, thorough, and actionable information is available to support major investments in stagnant or underutilized properties throughout Berkshire County.

BRPC worked with the towns of Becket, Otis, Washington and Windsor to develop a Digital Equity Plan.

BRPC worked with the town of Clarksburg to develop a Digital Equity Plan.

BRPC worked with the town of Dalton to develop a Digital Equity Plan.

BRPC worked with the towns of Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Sheffield, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge to develop a Digital Equity Plan.

BRPC worked with the town of Monterey to develop a Digital Equity Plan.

BRPC worked with the town of New Marlborough to develop a Digital Equity Plan. 

BRPC worked with the City of Pittsfield to develop a Digital Equity Plan.