State's One Stop for Growth Open for Applications

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BOSTON — The Community One Stop for Growth application portal has opened for submissions for fiscal 2027. The portal is overseen by the Executive Office of Economic Development and provides a streamlined process for municipalities and organizations to apply for 14 state economic development grant programs. 

One Stop grant programs are administered by EOED, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the quasi-public agency MassDevelopment. Programs in the One Stop offer direct funding and support to housing and economic development projects related to community activation and placemaking, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, and infrastructure. 

"The Community One Stop for Growth is about helping communities deliver for their residents," said Gov. Maura Healey. "It reflects our belief that strong local leadership, inclusive economic growth, and a high quality of life go hand in hand. By making state support easier to navigate, we're helping cities and towns build housing, strengthen downtowns, and create opportunity for people across Massachusetts."

Municipalities and organizations wishing to apply for funding through the One Stop may begin by participating in an Expression of Interest process beginning today. During this time, applicants may receive guidance on priority projects from EOED staff before submitting a full application. Applicants may begin working on their applications now in the application portal. EOED will accept full applications from May 4 through June 3, with awards announced in the fall. For more information and to learn how to apply, visit www.mass.gov/onestop

This year, the One Stop will add the Seaport Economic Council Grant Program to the application process. 

A full list of programs offered through the One Stop is available online.  

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Pittsfield Schools Officials See FY27 Budget for 13 Schools

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Right after the School Committee voted to close Morningside Community School, members saw how it will affect the fiscal year 2027 budget

The $87,200,061 budget for FY27 remains, but funds that would have gone to Morningside are following students to four other schools. 

"As we look at the high-level totals, you notice that the total budget amount is the same. We only have so many dollars to work with. Even though that doesn't change, the composition of spending changes," Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Bonnie Howland explained. 

Mayor Peter Marchetti, chair of the School Committee, said this year's budget process was "extremely confusing," because of coming changes within the Pittsfield Public Schools, including the middle school restructuring. 

The proposed FY27 budget for the School Department includes $68,886,061 in state Chapter 70 funding and $18 million from the city.  A 13-school plan, excluding Morningside, saves in instruction, school services, and operations and maintenance, allowing those funds to be reinvested across the district. 

Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee released a budget that brings an additional $858,660 to PPS. This includes a rate of $160 per pupil minimum school aid, and Fair Share Amendment earmarks secured by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and state Sen. Paul Mark. 

Morningside's pupils will be reassigned to Allendale, Capeless, Egremont, and Williams elementary schools.  For fiscal year 2027, the district had allocated about $5.2 million for Morningside.

Officials identified school's lack of classroom walls as the most significant obstacle, creating a difficult and noisy learning environment that is reflected in its accountability score.

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