Pittsfield, MA

Seamlessly blending of Economic Growth and Community Vitality

A Historic Manufacturing Hub Reinventing Itself Through Downtown Revitalization, Business Innovation, and Community-Focused Development.

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, offers a rare blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and forward-thinking economic development. With a population of approximately 43,000, the city has transformed from its roots as a General Electric manufacturing hub into a diversified community where outdoor recreation, arts, and business growth thrive side by side.

“Pittsfield is a pretty well-rounded community that has something for everyone,” says Mayor Peter Marchetti, highlighting its parks, lakes, and cultural venues like the Colonial Theater and Barrington Stage.

The city’s revitalization efforts are equally robust, with a sharp focus on downtown development, strategic business incentives, and critical infrastructure upgrades. From the reimagined William Stanley Business Park to a surge in housing projects, Pittsfield is addressing modern challenges while preserving its small-town charm.

At the core of this progress is collaboration, between city leaders, nonprofits, and private investors, ensuring that growth benefits all residents. For businesses and families alike, Pittsfield is proving to be a community with both vision and momentum.

Lifestyle and Community Assets

Pittsfield’s quality of life is anchored by its abundant green spaces and year-round recreational opportunities. “Everybody in the city is no more than half a mile from a city park,” explains Community Development Director Justine Dodds, underscoring the accessibility of the municipality’s vast park system.

Cultural assets further distinguish Pittsfield as a regional destination. The Colonial Theater, Barrington Stage Company, and local museums serve as economic drivers while enriching community life.

A network of nonprofits amplifies these efforts. Organizations like 18 Degrees and BBEC, bolstered by ARPA funding, provide essential services. “There was a lot of ARPA dollars spent on organizations to help them build capacity,” says Marchetti, highlighting their role in fostering resilience.

Downtown Revitalization

Pittsfield’s downtown serves as the vibrant core of its economic resurgence, guided by an ongoing master plan update that prioritizes strategic growth. “Downtown has been the focus of our efforts over the last three years,” explains Dodds, referencing the city’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI). This state-supported program has already yielded tangible results, with Dodds noting, “we have 18 new businesses created through that program,” supported by Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and city resources.

A key component of this revitalization is the downtown housing plan, which addresses both residential needs and economic vitality. “Over the last several years the city’s been able to participate in some state funding that incentivize the creation of housing development in the downtown, and we have found that to be a really vital strategy for revitalization,” says Dodds. “When we are bringing new residents into the area, small businesses spring up to meet the needs of those residents.” The city is now exploring commercial conversions of underutilized properties to further expand housing options.

Walkability enhancements underscore this comprehensive approach. The city has implemented traffic-calming measures and bike lanes along North Street, complemented by updated ordinances. “We’ve improved our ordinances for businesses to have tables out in front of their location,” Dodds explains, adding that such placemaking efforts, including mural projects and added benches, create “a much more vibrant” streetscape. These coordinated investments reflect Pittsfield’s commitment to building a downtown that thrives around the clock.

Business Growth and Incentives

Pittsfield’s economic development strategy leverages both its industrial legacy and forward-looking incentives to attract and retain businesses. The city’s advanced manufacturing sector, particularly plastics, remains a cornerstone. “One of our biggest industries is the plastics industry,” notes Business Development Manager Michael Coakley, referencing GE’s historical presence. “We’re talking to a plastics firm from out of state and hoping to get them in here fairly soon. We’re looking at advanced manufacturing, plastics, health care, those types of things.”

The city offers a robust toolkit for business growth, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreements. Coakley cites Interprint, a décor printing firm, as a success story. “Interprint invested more than $22 million and created 20 new jobs,” he says, “They built a 57,000 square foot addition to their current manufacturing building located in Pittsfield, and have purchased three new printing presses. The city gave them a 10-year tax increment financing.” Additional programs like the Mayor’s Small Business Fund and E for All entrepreneurship initiative provide layered support.

A unique asset is the GE Economic Development Fund, established after the company’s departure. “That was funding that GE transferred to the city, but they left that money for Pittsfield interto use to help incentivize companies that are moving here or expanding here,” explains Coakley.

This complements ongoing redevelopment of the 52-acre William Stanley Business Park, where Site 9’s transformation highlights the city’s commitment. “We raised through a number of different grants over $10 million, and we cracked and crushed all the concrete, put in a barrier layer, and then brought in over 100,000 cubic yards of clean fill … now it’s getting ready for development,”  Coakley explains. The site now awaits commercial development, marking a new chapter for Pittsfield’s industrial landscape.

Tourism and Year-Round Appeal

Pittsfield has strategically positioned itself as a four-season destination through diverse tourism offerings. The city capitalizes on sports tourism by hosting high-profile events, with Marchetti noting, “last year, we hosted the girls state softball championships… It was great to have conversations with some of the families that were talking about staying in Pittsfield hotels and being here.” Historic Wahconah Park may further boost this sector with potential collegiate baseball revival plans.

The city’s natural assets drive consistent ecotourism. The redeveloped Bousquet Ski Area by Mill Town Capital features new lodges and snowmaking capabilities, complementing access to state forests and lakes, while cultural institutions serve as equal economic pillars and key attractions.

This multifaceted approach creates what the mayor describes as “a year-round location to visit and enjoy all the amenities,” from winter sports to summer theater performances. The integration of sports, nature, and arts ensures continuous visitor engagement across all seasons.

Infrastructure and Housing

Pittsfield is executing a comprehensive infrastructure and housing strategy to meet modern community needs. The city recently completed a major sewer treatment plant overhaul and is now turning attention to water systems. “We are having conversations about the need to do a $90 million upgrade to our water facility,” says Marchetti, noting this complements ongoing work to address years of deferred municipal maintenance.

The housing initiative demonstrates similar foresight. The city expects “112 new units of housing that  include transitional housing, low income housing and market rate housing” by early 2026, according to Marchetti. Innovative solutions include converting vacant offices and the potential for an old elementary school.

Complementing new construction is a $4.6 million Housing Resource Center offering showers, lockers and job assistance. “It will provide services for the unhoused,” Marchetti says, emphasizing dignity in design. “Services that they may need will be available.” For existing homes, the city’s rehab program helps residents maintain aging properties through critical repairs like roof and boiler replacements.

Civic Engagement and Leadership

Pittsfield’s success stems from collaborative leadership and innovative community programs. The Community Development Office serves as the city’s engagement hub, handling everything from “planning and land use boards” to parks and small-business support, as Justine Dodds explains. “We attempt to make sure we’re engaging one-on-one… providing the best assistance that we can.”

Marchetti emphasizes accessibility in his approach. “I live by trying to make myself accessible to those that need me…everybody should have the opportunity to provide their opinions.” His vision focuses on job creation and reinvestment, with city assets and community organizations working in tandem.

Unique initiatives like the North Pole Calling program and the Pittsfield Playground Summer Program strengthen community bonds. From business support to seasonal events, Pittsfield’s leadership ensures all voices contribute to the city’s progress.

Looking Ahead

Pittsfield’s forward momentum is guided by clear economic priorities and pragmatic solutions to regional challenges. Marchetti outlines ambitious targets, “it’s multifaceted, we have a pretty strong economic agenda… we have 3 pages of possibilities of economic development,” focusing on plastics, healthcare, and tech sectors.

The city acknowledges headwinds, particularly in balancing housing needs with infrastructure demands. “We’ve had a lot of years of deferred maintenance,” admits Marchetti, while Dodds emphasizes their multifaceted housing strategy, “We recognize that creating new units is way more expensive than maintaining,” she says.

These coordinated efforts reflect Pittsfield’s balanced approach. As Marchetti concludes, the goal remains “standing up for those that can’t always stand up for themselves” while driving sustainable progress.

With its unique blend of historic assets, business-friendly policies, and

community-focused leadership, Pittsfield demonstrates how smaller cities can drive meaningful growth while preserving quality of life.  A true model of balanced, sustainable development for the region.

AT A GLANCE

Who: City of Pittsfield, MA

What: A balanced community driving economic growth through downtown revitalization, business incentives, and infrastructure investments while preserving cultural and natural assets

Where: Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Website: www.pittsfieldma.gov