PVPC MA

Earlier this month, PVPC’s Land Use & Environment and Community & Economic Development teams were excited to table at the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast in Springfield! 🥞

During the event, staff connected with community members to share information and gather feedback on PVPC’s Regional Housing Plan and Springfield Neighborhood Investment Plans. We were also proud to partner with Way Finders for this community engagement opportunity.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with us about housing, neighborhood investment, and the future of our region!

PVPC’s Transportation Department participated in the MassDOT Innovation Conference to explore cutting-edge planning concepts, tools, and strategies shaping the future of transportation. 🚍💡

These sessions helped strengthen the work we do and enhance the support we provide to the 43 communities we serve across the region. We were also glad to reconnect with colleagues and build new relationships with MassDOT officials, vendors, and transportation partners from across the Commonwealth.

A big thank you to UMTC for your efforts in organizing this annual event!

Bike Month’s not over yet 👀

Across the Pioneer Valley, people are coming together to:
🚲Spend more time outdoors
🚲Connect with neighbors
🚲Support safer, more accessible streets
🚲Embrace healthier, more sustainable ways to travel

These moments - big and small - help build a stronger, more connected region.

There’s still time to be part of it! Find a Bike Month event near you: https://pvpc.org/news/may-is-bay-state-bike-commute-month/

The Pioneer Valley Safe Streets interactive map will close on Wednesday, May 20 at 11:59 PM. If you haven't shared your road safety concerns yet, now is the time to add yours here: tinyurl.com/pvpcmapsurvey

We'll be collecting feedback in person one last time at Grow Food Northampton's Tuesday Market on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 1:00–6:00 PM at 1 Kirkland Ave, Northampton, MA 01060. Stop by, talk with our team, and drop your pin on the map.

Whether you join us in person or submit on your own, every pin counts – and every voice matters for making Pioneer Valley streets safer for everyone.

Bike Month is almost here, and there’s something for everyone 🚲

This May, PVPC and its partners will be supporting and promoting events across the Pioneer Valley, including:
🚲Community rides for all skill levels
🚲Bike breakfasts and social gatherings
🚲Free repair clinics and workshops
🚲Safety education opportunities

Whether you’re riding for transportation, recreation, or just trying something new - Bike Month is your invitation to get involved.

Find your town’s events here: https://pvpc.org/news/may-is-bay-state-bike-commute-month/

May is Bay State Bike Commute Month - Pioneer Valley Planning Commission PVPC is delighted to announce that May is Bay State Bike Month with over 30 events and activities planned for the Pioneer Valley. There are events for everyone, including beginners, […]

We had a wonderful sight this month at the PVPC offices! 🦉

There was a snowy owl perched on a light post across from the PVPC office in Springfield, MA - definitely an exciting surprise for all of us here.

Snowy owls migrate down from the Arctic to Massachusetts between November and April, typically favoring wide-open spaces like coastal dunes, salt marshes, and even airports. They’re the heaviest owl species in North America, known for their white, speckled feathers and bright yellow eyes.

A pretty special moment for a regular morning!

Municipal leaders and planners - join Eversource MA and National Grid for an upcoming webinar on new real-time grid capacity mapping tools. These maps provide valuable early insight to streamline planning and development conversations.

These tools allow communities to:
⚡Identify areas with available capacity for new development or increased load
⚡Explore opportunities for renewable energy projects like solar
⚡Layer in local zoning data (like housing districts) to help guide smarter siting decisions

📅 Friday, April 10, 2026
🕛 12:00-1:00 PM
🔗 Register here:

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

Thanks to a new grant from the Massachusetts DOER, PVPC is expanding clean energy support for 26 Pioneer Valley communities!

A big piece of this work is our pilot heat pump coaching program in partnership with HeatSmart Alliance and MassEnergize. Heat pumps are an efficient, cost-saving solution that can reduce emissions and strengthen our communities.

We’re grateful for this opportunity to work with our partners and municipalities toward a cleaner, healthier future.

Western Mass is facing a housing challenge that affects every community. PVPC is launching the Regional Housing Plan Update to support local leaders and residents in finding shared, practical solutions.

Recently, our Deputy Director of Land Use & Environment, Laura Bandara spoke on WHMP with colleagues from Way Finders and UMass Donahue Institute about what’s ahead for the region.

Listen here to learn more: https://shorturl.at/zcG0z

The housing crisis here w/ John Bidwell (Way Finders) Laura Bandara (PVPC) & Kerry Spitzer We the People 3/12/26: We The People—EHS teacher Kelly Brown & three students—on their way to the National Championship! Remembering Natalie Graves. Rabbi Riqi Kosovske: reflections on today’s worl