Berkshire Benchmarks Releases State of the County Update

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Benchmarks data team recently released a State of the County Update for 2023. 
 
This brief report builds on the Berkshire Benchmarks State of the County Report published in May 2022 and highlights notable changes in regional indicators over the past year. The berkshirebenchmarks.org website has also been updated to reflect the most current available data. 
 
The purpose of the Benchmarks initiative and report is to highlight the region's successes and challenges.
 
The 2022 Berkshire Benchmarks State of the County report provided a comprehensive overview of our region's performance across eight sectors: Economy, Education, Environment, Government, Health, Housing, Social Environment, and Transportation.  
 
In the future, the Berkshire Benchmarks team will continue to monitor these and other indicators to aid with the regional understanding of changes in these sectors and whether the work happening throughout the region is having the intended impact. 
 
Berkshire Benchmarks is a collaborative initiative managed through Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC). Our sources are publicly available data, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the American Community Survey, various Massachusetts data sets, and periodic surveys of Berkshire County residents. 
 
Berkshire Benchmarks aims to work with the community to understand priorities and help inform the region on how we are doing and if we are improving. Berkshire Benchmarks enhances the region's access to quality data and analysis. 

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Pittsfield Housing Authority Director on Leave After Performance Concerns

Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Housing Authority's executive director has been placed on administrative leave following "substantial" performance concerns. 

On Wednesday, the Board of Commissioners adopted resolutions that place Executive Director Tina Danzy on paid administrative leave effective at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Susan Martino, director of finance and administration, has stepped in as acting executive director. 

Five separate resolutions were approved following an executive session with Danzy. Martino, over email on Thursday, said the PHA has no comment on the situation. 

"The leave is a non-disciplinary interim measure intended to protect the operations, records, employees, tenants, and interests of the Authority while the concerns are reviewed," the PHA Board's fourth resolution reads. 

"During the leave, Ms. Danzy shall continue to receive her regular salary and benefits, subject to all ordinary deductions and benefit requirements. The Board has not, by this resolution, made a final determination that any allegation is substantiated or that Cause exists under the employment agreement." 

The board, however, did find that concerns warrant further investigation, which could result in termination or discipline.  

The first resolution states that, based on information presented to and discussed by the board during its prior meetings and executive sessions, including matters identified in a July 13 notice to the executive director, the board found that substantial concerns have been raised around Danzy's financial, operational, regulatory, management, and governance responsibilities. 

Attorney Kevin Kinne has been retained to advise and represent the board; legal fees over $5,000 would need further approval.  

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