A critical component to a region’s economic competitiveness is whether vacant commercial properties are available and ready to be used by companies who may want to grow within, or move to, the area. If properties are polluted or have buildings that need to be demolished, the likelihood of new employer prospects choosing that site are significantly diminished. This indicator measures the number of commercial properties that are pre-permitted by WestMass Area Development Corporation and are ready for occupancy.

Between 2015 and 2016, the number of sites ready for development in the Pioneer Valley remained the same. Most pre-permitted sites are located in Hampden County, with one site in Hampshire County.