AUGUST 2018
Welcome to August's Pioneer Valley Progress Report! It's been another busy month here at the planning commission, where we've been advocating for, and helping local communities implement programs and policies that make our quality of life better.
 
With much fanfare last week, MGM Springfield opened its doors and made the biggest splash in the City of Homes since Naismith hung up a peach basket. In the months and years to come, PVPC will remain ready to partner with local, state and private partners to ensure Valley residents and visitors alike have access to mobility in all its forms, educational and economic opportunity, and a healthy environment.
 
And while we can't promise any additional Clydesdales kick-off parades, we are also excited to invite you to several events coming up in the near future addressing local government best practices, passenger rail and public health.
 
We are so excited to present some of our best accomplishments over the last month on behalf of the 43 cities and towns of Hampden and Hampshire counties.
 
-Team Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

Talking Local Government in Worcester

State, regional and local officials will once again come together in Worcester this fall to dive into best practices ranging from climate resiliency and housing strategies to economic development and innovation. Join Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and municipal officials from across the Commonwealth for our 2018 Statewide Conference for Municipal Officials brought to you by the Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies, chaired by the PVPC's own Executive Director Tim Brennan! 
Let there be (Street) Light!

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission was proud to convene a Streetlight Working Group in Springfield recently to facilitate a partnership with Eversource resulting in nearly 600 street lights being repaired and put back into service. 
Connecting with Community on a ValleyBike 

PVPC Land Use & Environment staff hopped on some ValleyBike Share bikes along with other great community partners to take a spin through the South End as it was one more time before last week's MGM opening. 
Rail Event on Track for October 13th

Please join us at the Rail Users' Network's Annual Meeting/Public Forum  taking place at  our office, 60 Congress Street in downtown Springfield on October 13, 2018  from Noon to 5pm.

Technically Speaking

The Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) has been a great partner to PVPC and our local industries, emergency responders and managers, and regional/local emergency planning committees in making sure that the Valley is prepared to respond to chemical emergencies in the event of severe weather.
Join us at the 3rd Annual Western Mass Health Equity Summit!

The Summit will bring together practitioners, students, planners and community leaders from across our four counties. We'll work, learn, and take important steps toward greater health equity in Western MA. Join us for this important event we are proudly co-sponsoring! 
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