Providing the Foundation for the Renaissance of Downtown Pittsfield

City of Pittsfield, Department of Community Development

Pittsfield, MA

Contact Name
Deanna L. Ruffer
Post date
October 16, 2012
Project Dates
2004 - Present
Workshop Leader
Creative Communities Exchange (CCX) 2011
Tags
Policy, Business Planning
Utilizing a wide range of municipal tools and resources as well as creative public/private partnerships, over the past 7 years we have succeeded in establishing Pittsfield as a cultural destination in the heart of the Berkshires. Using zoning overlay districts we set the stage for action and investment. The City then became an active investor in key downtown projects and businesses. Thirdly, we invested in the downtown infrastructure. All of our work downtown has been designed to bring people back downtown to live, diversify our economy - including enhancing our role in the region's cultural economy, and help city businesses compete for and attract the human capital that is critical to their ability to grow and succeed in the future.
Project Goals
What were the project goals?
The over arching goal has been to make Pittsfield the best small city in New England and an attractive place to live, work and play as well as establishing a firm foundation for future growth.
Have they changed over time?
As stated in the title of the City's Master Plan, we are Planning to Thrive.
Who are the project partners and stakeholders?
Under the vision and leadership of the Mayor, critical partners have included Downtown Inc, local financial institutions, the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Project Specifics
How was the project implemented? What were the steps taken?
Each component of the Department's efforts required a variety of actions as well as unique roles, which in many cases evolved over time. In almost every case, formal approvals were also required from the City's Community Development Board and City Council. As a result, these efforts are true case studies of community involvement and investment.
Have they been refined over time?
At this point in time, most have been implemented and we are back to the drawing board, creating the vision for the next 5-10 years of actions.
Obstacles
What were your major obstacles?
Challenges encountered ranged from the naysayers that dominated the community due to the economic challenges and set backs the City had encountered over the prior 20 years to the realities of the magnitude of financial resources needed to make specific projects a reality. The City also had to prove itself, both in terms of its ability to plan for and implement its vision and its willingness to make key investments to leverage other investments. Finally, the City (through the Department of Community Development) had to develop the skills necessary to plan, secure funding from a wide range of sources, and administer complex projects.
Who or what was instrumental in overcoming these obstacles?
The unwaivering vision of the Mayor was critical in every instance, as the support provided by a progressive City Council and highly supportive state leadership and agencies. Strong downtown leadership was also critical.
What top three suggestions would you give to others attempting a similar project?
Develop the skills necessary to plan, secure funding from a wide range of sources, and administer complex projects
Project Impact
How has this project contributed to creative community building?
More than $100 million has been invested in downtown in the past 7 years, with at least 70 new units of market rate housing developed, and entertain and retail businesses opened which together attract more than 300,000 people downtown each year.
Why do you consider the project successful, as related to your project goals above?
While the down turn in the global, national and regional economy has slowed activities in the past two years, over all the original goals have been achieved.
Were there unexpected impacts?
In partnership with Downtown Inc a new strategic plan has been prepared which will guide the next phase of renaissance.
CCX Workshop Handout
todo_cityofpittsfield_0.pdf (13.64 KB)

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