2011 Berkshire Comprehensive Economic Development

Strategy (CEDS)

Bennington County Regional Commission & Windham Regional Commission

MeetingJune 14, 2012

A comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation

of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies.

U.S. Economic Development Administration, CEDS Flyer

What is a CEDS

U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration

• Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy – Summary of Requirements

• Interim Final Rule, 13 CFR Chapter III (Part 300 and 303)

What are the Regional Benefits of a CEDS Process?

• Ongoing and inclusive process• Annual review• Comprehensive identification of

economic development initiatives and clearly defined regional priorities

• Enables eligibility for EDA grant funds• Encourages regional collaboration

CEDS Document OutlineExecutive Summary / Acknowledgements / Table of Contents

What is a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy program?

√ Berkshire CEDS ProcessI. What is the Berkshire CEDS History?II. What is the Berkshire CEDS process?

√ What are the Berkshires?I. A Snapshot of the Berkshire RegionII. Berkshires Regional Analysis and InfluencesIII. Cluster Factors in the BerkshireIV. Summary Statement of the Berkshires Economy

√ Evaluation of the Berkshire Issues I. Previous Planning EffortsII. Past, Present and Future Investment EffortsIII. Statement of Regional Issues

What is the Action Plan the Berkshire CEDS? I. The Vision Statement for the Berkshires CEDS √II. Goal and Objectives for the Berkshire CEDS √III. Berkshire CEDS Project Priority List (Ongoing)

Performance Measures (Draft)I. How will the number of jobs created and retained after implementation of the CEDS be assessed?II. What number and types of investments undertaken in the region?III. Amount of private sector investment in the region after implementation of the CEDSIV. Changes in the economic environment of the region

Methodology for State Cooperation, Consistency and Integration

Evaluation and Conclusion

Tables / Figures / Appendices

Regional Opportunities and Strengths

Regional CollaborationCulturally and Naturally Rich

Environment (High Quality of Living), Educational Institutions Infrastructure (esp. Water and

Sewer)Entrepreneurs/Small

Businesses/Sole ProprietorsAgriculture ProductionManufacturing Facilities

Photo courtesy of Berkshire Visitors Bureau (www.Berkshire.org)

Photo courtesy of Berkshire Visitors Bureau (www.Berkshire.org)

Packet pg. 11-12

Regional Threats and Weaknesses

Population Decline Uneven Stratification of Age Cohorts Industry Transition Wage Shift and Median Family

Household Income Drop Education Attainment Gap Housing Built Environment Constraints Environmental Development

Constraints, Revenue Constraints Physical/Technology Infrastructure and

Energy Costs

Packet pg. 9-11

Vision Statement

The Vision for the Berkshires: To create a diverse and robust economy that creates sustainable prosperity for all its residents. While capitalizing on the region’s heritage, intellectual vigor, cultural assets and natural resources we will encourage innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit.

Packet pg. 36-37

Goal 1:

TO IMPLEMENT UNIFIED REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITATIVES Objectives •Develop mechanisms to guide the implementation of regional economic development initiatives. •Foster and promote regional economic and workforce development. •Strengthen and expand economic cooperation and collaboration regionally and beyond our borders. •Develop mechanisms, as appropriate, to respond to unexpected economic losses.

Packet pg. 36-37

Goal 2:

TO ADVANCE THE REGION’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS THROUGH THE USE OF CURRENT AND PERTINENT DATA Objectives •Maintain and expand data and information collection capacity for regional analysis and performance evaluation. •Proactively identify and assess the challenges and changes in the economic and demographic conditions of the region. •Identify and quantify emerging and changing conditions of business and industry.

Packet pg. 36-37

Goal 3:

TO INCREASE THE ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS OF THE REGION IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY Objectives •Proactively retain and expand regionally based and locally emerging businesses and industries.

•Provide a comprehensive package of business development resources to the region’s established and emerging businesses.

•Encourage economic vitality of emerging industry clusters, the creative economy and innovative businesses in the region. •Expand regional capacities to inventory and market sites and buildings for the region’s economic development •Attract new businesses and industries to the region to expand the region’s economy.

Packet pg. 36-37

Goal 4:

TO STABILIZE AND STRENGTHEN OF THE REGION’S WORKFORCE Objectives •Develop a well-educated and highly skilled workforce of all ages to stabilize and expand the regional labor pool. •Align educational offerings and workforce development programs with the evolving needs of the marketplace. •Enhance and position the regional workforce system to align with and support regional job seekers and business needs.

Packet pg. 36-37

Goal 5:

TO ADVANCE HIGH-QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Objectives •Provide a 21st Century capable telecommunications infrastructure throughout the region. •Maintain and upgrade the Region’s transportation network. •Support community-driven initiatives to improve our urban and town centers to stimulate economic activity. •Build a modern, reliable and affordable energy network. •Ensure the orderly expansion and upgrade of housing and other support facilities to accommodate the region’s expanding economy needs.

Packet pg. 36-37

Goal 6:

TO FACILITATE THE REGION’S ASSESSMENT, REMEDIATION AND REDEVELOPMENT OF BUILDINGS AND SITES Objectives •Support regional initiatives and efforts to address contaminated properties in the region. •Create a mechanism for the redevelopment and reuse of underutilized mills and other buildings and sites.

Packet pg. 36-37

CEDS Document OutlineExecutive Summary / Acknowledgements / Table of Contents

What is a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy program?

√ Berkshire CEDS ProcessI. What is the Berkshire CEDS History?II. What is the Berkshire CEDS process?

√ What are the Berkshires?I. A Snapshot of the Berkshire RegionII. Berkshires Regional Analysis and InfluencesIII. Cluster Factors in the BerkshireIV. Summary Statement of the Berkshires Economy

√ Evaluation of the Berkshire Issues I. Previous Planning EffortsII. Past, Present and Future Investment EffortsIII. Statement of Regional Issues

What is the Action Plan the Berkshire CEDS? I. The Vision Statement for the Berkshires CEDS √II. Goal and Objectives for the Berkshire CEDS √III. Berkshire CEDS Project Priority List (Ongoing)

Performance Measures (Draft)I. How will the number of jobs created and retained after implementation of the CEDS be assessed?II. What number and types of investments undertaken in the region?III. Amount of private sector investment in the region after implementation of the CEDSIV. Changes in the economic environment of the region

Methodology for State Cooperation, Consistency and Integration

Evaluation and Conclusion

Tables / Figures / Appendices

Project Solicitation

Solicitation Process• 32 communities•18 organizations•Three regional public meetings

•82 project proposals were submitted for consideration.

Project Categories

•Project that represent the greatest needs regionally •Economic Categories of Impact

Physical Development (by sub-region) Physical and Technology Infrastructure Programs and Initiatives Education and Workforce Development

Projects Representing the Greatest Needs Regionally (Draft)

• Regional Telecommunications Network (Regional Broadband Upgrades "Middle-Mile" and Wired West Community Fiber Network "Last-Mile")

• Pittsfield Municipal Airport Safety Improvements• Regional Highway Access Improvement (South Street (Rte. 7/20)

improvements (Pittsfield), Rte. 8/Friend Street intersection improvements/signalization (Adams), Berkshire Medical Center Area (Rte. 7) improvements (Pittsfield), East Street (Rte. 7) widening (Pittsfield), Rte. 7/20 Corridor Access Management improvements (Lenox/Pittsfield), First Street (Rte. 7) widening (Pittsfield), Rte. 20 Traffic improvements (Lee/Lenox) or new MassPike Interchange (Lee/Stockbridge), Westside Connector (Pittsfield), Rte. 8 Alternating Passing Lane (Cheshire/Lanesborough)

• Alternative Energy and Energy Infrastructure • Regional Passenger Rail Improvements (East to West Passenger Rail

Enhancements and Passenger Rail from CT to Pittsfield)

Physical Development Projects – by Sub-Region (Draft)

• North Sub-Region Development of the Greylock Glen Outdoor

Recreation & Environmental Education Center Former Commonwealth Sprague Site (Brown Street) Route 8 Corridor Redevelopment (North Adams)

(Gravel Bank, North Adams Plaza Old Route 8 Corridor)

Physical Development Projects – by Sub-Region (Draft)

• Central Sub-Region Life Science Center @ William Stanley Business Park William Stanley Business Park Crane Stationary Mill Re-Development Hubbard Avenue Development Area (Ashuelot Park

Development, Hubbard Avenue Improvements and Schopps-Robert Site)

Sports Complex Berkshire Mall/Civic Center/Hotel

Physical Development Projects – by Sub-Region (Draft)

• South Sub-Region New England Log Homes Site River School Redevelopment Redevelopment of GB Fairgrounds Monument Mills Area Reuse Planning Redevelopment of Historic GB Firehouse Housatonic School Redevelopment

Physical and Technology Infrastructure

• West Street Water Line Upgrade • DownStreet Art Project

Programs and Initiatives (draft)

• Adaptive Reuse of Mills • City of Pittsfield Municipal Airport Industrial Park Feasibility

Study • Regionalization of the City of Pittsfield's Municipal Airport • Berkshire Creative Initiative (Berkshire Product Initiative, Seed

Fund Network, Creative Lives Here, Berkshire Creative Challenge and Berkshire Festival)

• Berkshire Farm-to-School Feasibility Study Regional • Economic Development District • Housatonic RR Station • Downtown Parking Strategy

Next Steps Complete Project Prioritization Finalize Remaining Sections of the Report

Action Plan Performance Measures

Obtain CEDS Committee “endorsement” of draft document

Initiate 30-day Public Comment Period Approval by BRPC – May 19th meeting??? Submit Final CEDS to EDA for Approval – End of June