| Pioneer Valley Planning Commission |
| Western Mass Chapter of the American Institute of Architetcs |
| Valley Development Council |
| Supporting Sponsors |
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Since 1962, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has been the designated regional planning body for the Pioneer Valley region, which encompasses 43 cities and towns in the Hampden and Hampshire county areas. PVPC is the primary agency responsible for increasing communication, cooperation, and coordination among all levels of government as well as the private business and civic sectors in order to benefit the Pioneer Valley region and to improve its residents’ quality of life.
Although PVPC is a public sector agency, it is not a direct arm of the federal or state governments. Rather, it is a consortium of local governments that have banded together under the provisions of state law to address problems and opportunities that are regional in scope. As a result, PVPC’s planning area is designated as a special district under the provisions of state enabling legislation.
PVPC is funded through modest annual assessments from its member communities, state and federal grant programs, fees for administering community development block grants, and matching funds.
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is the legally designated regional planning agency for the Pioneer Valley region in Western Massachusetts. PVPC was organized in 1962 under Massachusetts enabling legislation to serve a planning district comprising 43 member cities and towns and more than 600,000 residents.
Our Mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life for its individual member communities and for the region as a whole by:
Working to develop policies, programs, and projects that support public and private efforts throughout the region to resolve issues, solve problems, meet needs, and exploit opportunities whenever and wherever such efforts can benefit from sound regional planning.
Serving as an advocate for the regional community as needs and circumstances dictate.
Engaging an open and broadly participatory planning process solidly grounded in ethical principles and a commitment to dedicated, high-quality public service.
In support of this mission, PVPC’s principal responsibilities include:
Bringing a regional and inter-regional perspective to the region’s transportation, housing, economic development, historic preservation, pollution control, and resource management and protection planning.
Promoting the region’s interests at the state and federal levels.
Assisting municipalities with technical aid, grant writing assistance, and grant administration.
Fostering cooperative efforts among municipalities to achieve better land development, public service, and financial efficiency.
Enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors in the Pioneer Valley region.
Visit: www.pvpc.org
Gathering, maintaining, and making available planning-related data.
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Western Mass Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
The Western Massachusetts Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has nearly 200 members, architects, corporate sponsors, associated professionals, and non-architect affiliate members living and working in the Pioneer Valley and the Berkshires. Our members work on local, regional, national, and international projects that range from single-family residences to corporations, schools, and museums. Our Chapter seeks to enhance awareness and dialogue among design professionals, members of the building and real estate industry, community leaders and officials, educators, and the public at large. Visit www.wmaia.org
The American Institute of Architects is a national professional organization based in Washington, D.C., that helps architects serve the public’s need and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society. Established in 1857, the organization represents over 86,000 licensed architects and associated professionals in nearly 300 local chapters worldwide. AIA members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures clients, the public and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice.
Visit: www.aia.org
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Valley Development Council
The Mission of the VDC is to promote and advocate for smart growth housing and land use strategies in the Pioneer Valley including the development of an array of housing options. Members include representatives from diverse areas of expertise including architecture, building trades, community development, housing, municipal planning, real estate, land conservation and many others who are interested in working together on targeted implementation of the smart growth strategies outlined in Valley Vision 2. Growing smarter requires an interdisciplinary approach.
Current Goals Include:
Advocacy
• Promote local commuter rail.
• Advocate for state zoning reform.
• Support a long term funding strategy for the state’s Chapter 40R Smart Growth Zoning program.
Communications & Marketing
• Bring interesting speakers and events to the Pioneer Valley that promote the strategies contained in Valley Vision 2.
• Identify pilot projects to implement smart growth strategies; assist in the development of a small grant program for implementation projects.
• Identify and implement important components of a successful public outreach campaign for Valley Vision 2.
• Continue to support the Smart Growth Awards program
Visit: http://www.pvpc.org/val_vision/html/vdc_index.html
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Our supporting sponsors
