2nd Street to Host Berkshire United Way's 'United in Conversation' Session on Criminal Justice

03:57PM / Friday, October 17, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Second Street Second Chances (2nd Street) will host Berkshire United Way's "United in Conversation" on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. at Wander, located at 34 Depot Street, Suite 101.

The topic of the session is criminal justice. Registration is encouraged, though not required, and the sessions are free.

United in Conversation is a series of real stories shared by real people who are passionate about making a difference and who want to build bridges of understanding. All are invited to these valuable community conversations to listen, learn and share.

What are the challenges of being unhoused, of struggling with a substance use disorder, to not know what your next steps are, and to not be what others think you are? Hear directly from those with lived experience as well as experts in the field. Gain deeper understanding and foster empathy in a brave and safe space. Your voice matters — and united, we can create real impact.

To register, visit www.berkshireunitedway.org/conversations.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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