2024 Regional Transportation Plan Under Development

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) has begun work on developing the next Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for Berkshire County. 
 
The RTP has a 20-year planning horizon and is updated every four years. The plan serves as the County's overarching transportation planning document and is required to ensure the region remains eligible to receive federal transportation funding. The RTP employs a systematic approach to evaluate the performance of the transportation system, to identify "needs" or deficiencies in the system, and to develop solutions that best address any existing gaps to meet the region's needs.
 
Berkshire County residents are invited to give their input to help develop the RTP.
 
Three public information sessions have been scheduled to provide an opportunity to learn more about the RTP purpose, process, and products. The first will be held at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield on Wednesday Nov. 2, from 5:30-6:30pm. 
 
The second will be held at the North Adams City Hall on Thursday Nov. 10, from 5:30-6:30pm. The third session will be held on Tuesday Nov. 16, at the Great Barrington firehouse from 5:30-6:30pm. All meetings will also be broadcast live as a
Zoom webinar. Spanish interpretation for these webinars is available by request.
 
 

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Girls Inc. Members Get Firsthand Look at Local Government in Pittsfield

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Evelyn says what she likes about Girls Inc. She was one of three girls who spoke from the podium during the visit. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Members of Girls Inc. of the Berkshires visited City Hall, where they learned about local government, civic engagement, and discovered how their voices matter at any age. 
 
Girls Inc., a subsidiary of the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, has a holistic curriculum aimed at empowering and inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
 
Elected and appointed officials recently welcomed the girls, giving them a tour of the municipal building and answering questions they had from election processes, responsibilities and terms of elected officials, to how ward and at-large councilors represent residents. 
 
"I'm really pleased to see how engaged they are and interested in how government works, and their interest in hopefully understanding the impact that local government has on their everyday lives," at-Large City Councilor Alisa Costa said. 
 
The power of the people is stronger than that of an elected official and sometimes people forget that, Mayor Peter Marchetti said, emphasizing the influence residents can have by speaking during public comment periods at government meetings.
 
"It's the power of the people. So, I hope they learn to use their voices wisely," he said.  
 
It's important to encourage you to speak up and be public, rather than taking the "back seat" and being quiet, Marchetti said. 
 
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