Creating a Just, Thriving, and Safe Berkshires for All

Author

Alisa Costa and Linda Morris Kelley  
​(To learn more read Chapter 8 in the The Sustainable Enterprise Fieldbook: Building New Bridges. Click here to purchase ​)

- Alisa Costa and Linda Morris Kelley, Working Cities Pittsfield

We have an abundance of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, affordable living, and some very talented people in the Berkshires. Especially during the summer months our rich variety of attractions brings visitors from far flung locations to our shops, restaurants, and hotels and has done so for generations. With all its wonderful attributes, you’d think the Berkshires would be thriving. Yet like most other old post-industrial and family farm regions in the country with once prosperous pasts, the towns and cities in Berkshire county fell behind. We are now challenged to create a smart, thriving future. The opportunity embedded in this challenge is to learn what makes our region’s rural communities and urban hubs work. Pittsfield has embraced this challenge. Berkshire Bridges - Working Cities Pittsfield, a cross-sector coalition of civil society, business, government, and citizens is working to create a city and county that works for everyone. ​

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