Berkshire Organizations Share in Findings From Western Mass Housing Study

10:51AM / Monday, October 20, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Hearthway, and Upside413 are partnering with Way Finders and their research partner, the UMass Donahue Institute, to share in-depth findings from "Building Homes. Building Futures."

This first-ever housing study will cover Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties at an event on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Berkshire Community College's Boland Theater.

According to the study, Berkshire County needs nearly 2,000 new housing units to meet current demand. Even with projected declines in population locally, the gap will still be nearly 1,000 units by 2035. Even more may be needed to stem population loss. The report, along with its online interactive data dashboards, provides western Massachusetts communities with information to address this crisis.

Event details:

5:00 p.m. Check-in

5:30 p.m. Welcome and Introductions by Tom Matusko

5:40 p.m. Presentation by Michael McNally, Senior Research Analyst at UMass Donahue Institute

6:20 p.m. Q&A period followed by strategy development

7:00 p.m. Closing

Tags: BRPC,

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Pittsfield Organizations Remember Late Community Advocate

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
11:55AM / Wednesday, March 11, 2026

The Pittsfield City Council takes a moment to remember Ephraim Schwartz.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday bowed their heads to recognize the loss of a local advocate, Ephraim Alexander Schwartz.

"Ephraim was a familiar presence in these chambers and a passionate advocate to advance human rights for everyone," said Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi, who called for the moment of silence

"He believed deeply in civic participation and engaged many of us thoughtfully about various issues on how to improve our community."

Schwarz died suddenly on March 5; Berkshire Pride spoke to Schwartz's passing Monday on social media. He was an LGBTQ+ and human rights activist who regularly spoke during public comment at City Council meetings.

"Everything we do, we do in community. Including grief and loss," the nonprofit wrote. "Berkshire Pride is mourning the loss of Ephraim Schwartz, a local activist, friend, and community member."

A memorial service will be held at Temple Anshe Amunim on Sunday, March 15, at 11 a.m.

Schwartz was one of the early organizers of Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-MoB), served on the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition board, and was one of the founders of the Berkshire Queer History Project and a founder of Pittsfield Housing for All.

He regularly spoke against the proposed median and camping ordinances that were brought forward last year.

"May we all remember his wonderful smile, unshakeable commitment to justice & empowering the voices and dignity of those who are marginalized, attacked, or forgotten," Q-MoB wrote on the event page for the memorial service.

Berkshire Pride encouraged community members to email info@berkshirepride.org for resources and support.

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