1Berkshire, in partnership with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and a broad working group comprising housing practitioners from throughout Berkshire County, has launched A Housing Vision for the Berkshires, a regional strategy intended to lead more intentional efforts to address the current housing crisis.  To view or download the report, please visit: 1berkshire.com/housing-vision/

We all know first-hand the struggle we have in the Berkshires with large supply gaps in quality, affordable, and proximal housing for those seeking to live and work in the region. The impacts of the pandemic have accelerated the demand for housing and significantly driven up housing costs for both renters and homebuyers. In 2020, the working group began convening, including dozens of additional regional partners and housing practitioners aspiring to capture data, identify challenges and opportunities, and provide outreach to additional groups of community stakeholders throughout Berkshire County.

Recognizing that a report itself is not enough to compel sustained action, the coalition, of which Sandy Carroll CEO of the Berkshire County Board of REALTORS continues to serve, will collaborate to work towards a more permanent model.  We have also secured $150,000 in ARPA funding from the Berkshire Legislative Delegation to support continued work and follow through in the coming years.