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.

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.

BRPC is a pre-qualified consultant to provide services to municipalities participating in MBI's Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. The ability to engage in digital equity planning will be a critical step for municipal leaders and staff to build a broad understanding of how internet access, or lack thereof, affects residents of their community.

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.

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, in partnership with project partner 1Berkshire, will respond to economic injury to the region as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, through regional resiliency planning, recovery project support, economic indicator tracking, technical assistance and capacity building for businesses and municipalities, and workforce and industry support.

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

This project will facilitate the development of Berkshire County's 2023-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The work will include and updated SWOT analysis for the region, revisions to past goals and strategies, consideration of priority projects, analysis of economic trends and conditions, as well as the identification of metrics to measure progress, resulting in a clear articulation and prioritizing of economic goals in our region.

Berkshire Funding Focus serves Berkshire County entities seeking federal and state funds for pandemic-related recovery and rebuilding efforts, and supporting organizational and sector capacity in the long term.

BRPC staff will assist 1Berkshire with administration of the Best Foot Forward Façade Improvement Grant Program, focused on supporting façade improvement for businesses within downtown commercial districts of Berkshire County communities.

BRPC will assemble a body of information that can be used as the foundation for future phased-in, asset-based economic development planning in Cheshire, MA.

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 (BRPC) is providing services of a Senior Planner to improve long-term fiscal sustainability through economic development activities in the Town of Lenox, specifically through tasks pertaining to the implementation of the recently designated Lenox Cultural District.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission was selected by the City of Pittsfield to lead a Digital Equity Planning process that includes a comprehensive existing conditions analysis; expanded community/stakeholder engagement related to digital literacy, devices, connectivity, affordability, and digital equity; strategic recommendations to meet the needs and goals of residents experiencing impacts of the digital divide; and an assessment of existing or future funding available through sources such as the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ("IIJA").

BRPC, through BTI, is providing assistance to Mill Town in convening outdoor recreation forums and continue ongoing planning and research related to outdoor recreation.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with 1Berkshire and stakeholders from the region, will establish an outdoor recreation website for Berkshire County. This site will provide users with information regarding a wide range of outdoor recreation activities, their locations, technical difficulty, seasonality, and conditions, etc.

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