Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission - CMRPC

10/22/2026

Today, CMRPC Executive Director Janet Pierce joined state and local leaders in Sturbridge for the launch of Move-In Mass, a new state initiative that supports modular, manufactured, and other innovative housing construction methods.

By reducing construction costs and shortening development timelines, these approaches can help expand housing opportunities and support the long-term vitality of our communities.

CMRPC is encouraged by investments that increase housing choice and help more residents achieve homeownership across the region.

Read more here: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-announces-move-in-mass-initiative-to-expand-affordable-homeownership-opportunities

10/22/2026

We're proud to have co-sponsored this valuable learning opportunity alongside the Shrewsbury Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership.

Last week, 32 participants representing 12 communities and 5 organizations gathered in Auburn to tour the Mary D. Stone School Apartments and explore how affordable housing developments and local housing trusts can help meet community housing needs.

Thank you to Pennrose, MHP, the residents who shared their homes and stories, and everyone who joined the conversation on expanding housing opportunities across Central Massachusetts.

Last week 32 people representing 12 communities and 5 organizations gathered at the Mary D. Stone School Apartments in Auburn to tour an affordable housing development and learn how they can support similar housing in their own communities.

Karmen Cheung, Regional VP at Pennrose Companies, led attendees on a tour of the apartments, which were developed by Pennrose and received permanent financing from MHP. Two households also graciously opened their doors, giving attendees a firsthand look at their affordable homes and an opportunity to hear directly from the residents.

Following the tour, MHP Senior Program Manager Shelly Goehring shared an introduction to affordable housing trusts. Participants considering whether a trust could be good for their community were able to ask questions and learn from communities that already have one in place.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! We look forward to more opportunities to bring communities together and learn from one another.

Thanks as well to our co-sponsors, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission - CMRPC and Shrewsbury Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

10/13/2026

We enjoyed seeing Chronicle on WCVB Channel 5 spotlight the Worcester Senior Center's Bobby M's Diner and its partnership with Quinsigamond Community College. Watch the segment here: https://youtu.be/Vrh65uHuAXw?si=2jcCjvdwn-fyHeCA

CMRPC is proud to partner with the Worcester Senior Center on initiatives that foster connection, belonging, and civic engagement among older adults.

Following the development of the region's first Age-Friendly Central Mass Action Plan, we launched Discovering the Happy Factor, a documentary exploring how older adults across Central Massachusetts find purpose, build community, and continue contributing their skills and experience through volunteerism and leadership.

🎥 Learn more: https://cmrpc.org/happy-factor/

Strong communities are built when residents of all ages have opportunities to connect, contribute, and belong.

10/08/2026

New headshots, same commitment to the region. 📷 ✨

We're proud to introduce the team behind CMRPC, dedicated to supporting our member communities, fostering regional partnerships, and helping Central Massachusetts thrive.

Want to learn more about our staff and their work? Visit our Staff Directory: https://cmrpc.org/about-us/staff-profiles/

10/07/2026

CMRPC organized a Community Walk Audit for the Green Island neighborhood in Worcester, as part of an AARP Community Challenge Grant.

The one-mile community walk helped identify opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity. Participants documented conditions along the route and shared ideas for future improvements.

10/05/2026

Congratulations to the 17 CMRPC member municipalities that secured Community One Stop for Growth awards, bringing more than $22 million to support projects and initiatives across the region.

The Community One Stop for Growth program streamlines access to state funding for initiatives that create housing, revitalize downtowns, prepare development-ready sites, improve infrastructure, and promote long-term economic growth.

Learn more by viewing the press release: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-announces-330-million-for-economic-development-and-housing-projects-across-massachusetts

View the full list of awardees: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-one-stop-for-growth-awards

Since its launch in 2021, the Community One Stop for Growth has distributed more than1,900 awards totaling more than $1 billion in funding to support the housing and economic development growth goals of communities across Massachusetts.

09/30/2026

CMRPC is proud to have partnered with the Town of Grafton's Planning Department and Economic Development Commission to develop a new Permitting Guide designed to help property owners, developers, and business owners navigate the local permitting process.

We appreciate the Town of Grafton, MA for their collaboration on this project and their commitment to supporting economic development in the community.

A PDF version of the guide, along with an interactive StoryMap, is available on the Town of Grafton's website: https://grafton-ma.gov/944/Permitting-Guide---Developing-Property-a

Check out our new Permitting Guide!

The Grafton Planning Department and Economic Development Commission are pleased to present a new Permitting Guide that provides a step-by-step resource to assist with developing property and opening a business in Grafton.

A huge thank you to the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission - CMRPC and their Economic Development Team for all of their work that they put into developing this guide!

A PDF copy of the Permitting Guide as well as a StoryMap version are available on the Town of Grafton's website linked below:

https://grafton-ma.gov/944/Permitting-Guide---Developing-Property-a

09/29/2026

CMRPC is hosting a series of community conversations as part of the Charles Headwaters Greenway Feasibility Study, exploring potential trail routes connecting Blackstone, Mendon, and Bellingham.

We want to hear from residents, property owners, trail users, and community members about the potential routes, opportunities, questions, and concerns. Each meeting will include an open house, project presentation, opportunity to review potential route alternatives, and Q&A.

Bellingham Public Library, October 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Taft Public Library – Mendon, October 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Blackstone Public Library, November 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM

No final trail route has been selected. Your local knowledge and feedback will help inform the feasibility study and future recommendations for the Greenway. Take the survey here: https://arcg.is/1SKary6

Can't attend in person? A virtual participation option is available for each meeting. Please go to the CMRPC website calendar for the links: https://cmrpc.org/events/month/

09/28/2026

CMRPC has been awarded a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant to support a walk audit in Worcester’s Green Island neighborhood.

Join us on Monday, October 5, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for a one-mile community walk to help identify opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity. Participants will document conditions along the route and share ideas for future improvements.

Meet at Crompton Park (354 Harding St., Worcester). Rain date: October 8.

Community members of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. To RSVP or request interpretation, contact [email protected]

09/24/2026

CMRPC Executive Director Janet Pierce joined leaders from communities surrounding the Quabbin Reservoir at Eagle Hill School to discuss the ongoing efforts of the Quabbin Watershed Stewards.

The conversation focused on pursuing fair compensation through the Watershed Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program, advocating for representation on the MWRA Board, and addressing the impacts of limited land use and economic development opportunities in Quabbin watershed communities.

Leaders from the Towns around the Quabbin Reservoir met today at Eagle Hill School to discuss the inequitable stewardship of the Quabbin Reservoir. The Quabbin Watershed Stewards are continuing to push for fair compensation, representation on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) board, and local infrastructure support.