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years, including relocating to the Police Department to the Berkshire Plaza, which addressed longstanding issues at the outdated and inaccessible police station.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.