PITTSFIELD, MA SEAMLESSLY BLENDING OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND COMMUNITY VITALITY MAYOR MARCHETTI WWW.PITTSFIELDMA.GOV
PITTSFIELD, MA AT A GLANCE 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: B erkshire County, Massachusetts WEBSITE: w ww.pittsfieldma.gov SEAMLESSLY BLEND GROWTH AND COMM A HISTORIC MANUFACTURING HUB REINVENTING ITS BUSINESS INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
DING OF ECONOMIC MUNITY VITALITY 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. SELF THROUGH DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION, D DEVELOPMENT. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
“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). 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 PITTSFIELD, MA
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 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
DIGGING DEEP FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Western Earthworks, LLC stands as a prime example of how small businesses can make a big impact in the construction and environmental industries. Specializing in heavy civil sitework, excavation, and site development, this company combines technical precision with a strong commitment to sustainable practices. In an industry often criticized for its environmental toll, Western Earthworks sets itself apart by integrating eco-conscious methods and innovative technologies that minimize disruption to natural ecosystems. Locally owned and operated, Western Earthworks proudly supports its community—not just through infrastructure development but also through job creation and reliable service. Their projects, whether for private, commercial, or public works projects, are known for being on time, on budget, and handled with professionalism from start to finish. Western Earthworks takes pride in the quality of their work with respect and commitment, remaining the same on any project despite its size or complexity.Though the company has grown organically over the past 10 years, Western Earthworks keeps business simple but yields big results. As communities continue to grow and the construction industry continues to evolve, companies like Western Earthworks, LLC will play a vital role in shaping the future—grounded in both performance and principle. Earthwork is an art, excavation is a craft and getting our hands dirty is what we do! WHEN YOU'RE UP AGAINST MOTHER NATURE, YOU HAVE TO DIG DEEP We're building the foundations for renewable energy and America's critical infrastructure while investing in the next generation of talent. With a median team age of just 32, we're ahead of the curve and ready to meet the growing demand in construction. The future looks bright, and we're ready for it. westernearthworks.com | (413) 584-1484 383 Westhampton Road | Florence MA 01062 PITTSFIELD, MA
a new chapter for Pittsfield’s industrial landscape. TOURISM AND YEAR-ROUND APPEAL Pittsfield has strategically positioned itself as a fourseason 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 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 to 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 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 PITTSFIELD, MA
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 smallbusiness 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 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 PITTSFIELD, MA
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, businessfriendly 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. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Western Earthworks, LLC www.westernearthworks.com Western Earthworks, LLC is a trusted leader in excavation and site development, known for precision, safety, and sustainability. Serving both commercial and private sectors, they combine modern technology with deep industry expertise. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction sets them apart in the competitive construction and earthmoving industry. Mayor Marchetti 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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