Macksey to Run for Third Term as Mayor

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer A. Macksey has pulled nomination papers for a third term as the mayor.
 
"Serving as mayor of North Adams has been the honor of my lifetime," she said in a statement. "Together, we've achieved remarkable progress, but our work is far from finished. I am eager to continue building on our successes and facing the challenges ahead."
 
Macksey said she wants to continue to advance North Adams, prioritizing improvements in infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
 
She made history in 2021 as the first woman elected mayor in the city's 126 years and easily cruised to a second two-year term in 2023. 
 
Macksey touted a list of accomplishments over the past four years, including relocating to the Police Department to the Berkshire Plaza, which addressed longstanding issues at the outdated and inaccessible police station. She said leadership changes have "bolstered department morale and operational efficiency" although a permanent solution for the Police and Fire Departments continues.
 
Her administration secured $1.2 million from the state for damage recovery after the July 2022 storm and she says she has prioritized infrastructure improvements, including repairs to the Walnut Street retention wall, the Galvin Road culvert to prevent flooding, and the Brown Street bridge. 
 
A collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is underway to create a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) program, Macksey said, and to establish an economic development advisory team to facilitate future growth.
 
Her administration has submitted grant applications totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, securing
more than  $27 million in awards for projects ranging from education, brownfield cleanup, and public safety to street improvements and cultural activities.
 
Among major projects is the construction of a new Greylock School, which has been approved by the Massachusetts School Building Authority; a $3 million study of Hoosic River flood control with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Hoosic River Revival; the $750,000 Route 2 overpass study; and the design of a new bike trail from Williamstown to Adams.
 
"My vision for North Adams is one of continued growth and prosperity," said Macksey. "We are focused on building a vibrant downtown, attracting new residents and businesses, and ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support future development. Together, we will continue to create a dynamic, thriving community."
 
She said she was committed to making the city "an even more extraordinary place to live and work, and together, we will build a brighter future."
 
Macksey will hold more formal events for re-election campaign in early summer.

Tags: election 2025,   mayor,   


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Driscoll Announces $75M Build for Mass Program

BOSTON — A $75 million initiative to aid municipalities in tackling major projects was announced by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on Tuesday. 
 
Build for Mass, a revolving loan fund, was launched by the Healey-Driscoll administration to help cities and towns finance critical infrastructure, clean energy, climate resilience, and economic development projects. 
 
Administered by MassDevelopment, Build for Mass is the first municipal infrastructure loan program of its kind in Massachusetts, providing flexible, low-interest financing that helps communities move projects forward faster while maximizing available federal funding opportunities. 
 
Driscoll made the announcement at the Massachusetts Municipal Association's meeting of the Local Government Advisory Commission, an independent group that advocates for the interests of local governments in their relations with state and federal governments.  
 
"Cities and towns know what projects their communities need, but too often they face financial barriers that slow those projects down," said Gov. Maura Healey. "Build for Mass gives communities another tool to repair aging infrastructure, lower energy costs, strengthen local economies and bring more federal dollars home to Massachusetts. We're making state investments go further while helping communities move important projects from the drawing board to construction without raising taxes or fees." 
 
Driscoll, former mayor of Salem, said she knows how difficult it is to move important infrastructure projects forward when financing isn't readily available.
 
"Build for Mass gives local leaders the flexibility they need to bridge funding gaps, keep projects on track and deliver results for their residents. It's another example of our administration working alongside cities and towns to solve real challenges," she said. 
 
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