Pioneer Valley Planning Commission allots over $288,000 in DLTA grant awards

SPRINGFIELD – The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) announced its most recent Direct Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) grant awards, allotting $288,682 to support projects across Hampden and Hampshire counties. The projects span a wide range of community priorities, from establishing a shared regional building inspector in Western Hampden County, to developing town-wide communications policies. Some additional work includes land use and comprehensive planning efforts, updates to zoning and regulations, flood risk outreach, exploration of housing production strategies, permitting and bylaw modernization, and farmland protection initiatives. Projects are set to begin over the following weeks.

“Providing technical assistance to communities across Western Massachusetts is critical to the work we do at PVPC. We understand and recognize our municipalities – what they do, what they need, and how they can flourish,” said Kimberly H. Robinson, Executive Director of PVPC. “In a region where many municipalities are small, rural, suburban, and operate with limited staff and resources, we are proud at PVPC to collaborate with those that need it most. From creative solutions to unruly problems, to updating and perfecting current plans, to looking out for what’s best for community members. By working together at the regional level, PVPC helps communities turn their ideas into lasting improvements that benefit residents for years to come.”

The PVPC is able to provide this local technical assistance at no cost to these communities thanks to funding provided by the Massachusetts Legislature with the support of local legislators, under a contract with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for the DLTA Program. 

Some of the projects which will be supported are: 

1. 1. Granville – “Shared Building Inspector Through PVPC Program”, create shared building inspector position with other towns in the Western Hampden County region.
   2. East Longmeadow – “East Longmeadow Communications Policy”, advance a Town-wide Communications Policy for internal and external communications.
   3. Monson/Palmer – “Shared Services Council On Aging/Recreation”, evaluation/study of possible shared services of both Palmer and Monson Council On Aging and Recreation departments.
   4. Belchertown – “Land Use Plan for the Coming Decade”, Land Use element of Comprehensive Plan.
   5. Blandford – “Permit Review Process Permitting Guide – Town of Blandford”, Solar/Battery Energy Storage System Zoning Bylaw and Overlay work.
   6. Hadley – “Hadley Flood Risk Management Outreach Project”, Flood Risk Management Outreach.
   7. Huntington – “Town of Huntington Master Plan”, updating permitting guidebook and Master Plan components
   8. Ludlow – “Ludlow Future Growth”, 40R exploration
   9. Palmer – “Palmer Subdivision Rules and Regulations Update”, subdivision regulations and permitting guide
   10. Plainfield – “Comprehensive Community Plan/Vision for Future”, putting together a comprehensive plan for public engagement
   11. Russell – “General Bylaw and Zoning Bylaw Review and Update”, bylaws review and update
   12. Southampton – “Southampton Zoning Bylaw Review to Support Housing Production”, evaluating housing-related bylaws like inclusionary zoning and multifamily zoning
   13. Match for Farmland Protection Action Grant – supplement funds for a project PVPC is working on as part of the Massachusetts Farmland Partnership Program
   14. Open Space and Recreation Plan –  funds are set aside for PVPC to respond to comments from the state on local plans that have been submitted for review

PVPC’s Land Use & Environment department is driving bold, community-centered change across the region. They help cities and towns bring their visions to life through smart zoning, comprehensive planning, and strategies that support vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities. Their work blends local goals with regional priorities to protect the environment, advance affordable housing, and preserve community character. They partner with municipalities, agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector to expand access to clean, renewable energy, build green infrastructure, and safeguard natural resources like rivers, forests, and drinking water. They help communities confront the effects of climate change, reduce food insecurity, and plan for natural hazards with resilience in mind. With technical expertise and a passion for sustainability, the Land Use and Environment team helps communities grow wisely, equitably, and in harmony with the environment – ensuring a thriving Pioneer Valley for generations to come.

PVPC’s Community and Economic Development Department works with the region’s 43 cities and towns to strengthen local economies and support community development across the Pioneer Valley. The department provides technical assistance on a wide range of initiatives, including capital planning, shared services, digital equity, and strategic economic development. By assisting municipalities with grant writing, project management, and long-term planning, the department helps communities secure funding, address local challenges, and advance projects that improve quality of life across the region.