Hello!
Welcome to my online office. I hope this website will serve as a useful tool and source of information for those interested in state government. It is also a great way to stay updated on what I've been working on. Check back often as updates are posted frequently!
Getting Home: Berkshire County's Plan to End Homelessness:
On July 21st the Berkshire County Leadership Council released its Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness and Housing Instability in Berkshire County at an event at Barrington Stage Company's Stage II in Pittsfield. Keynote speaker Philip F. Mangano, the Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness was joined by state and local leaders to celebrate the bold and practical plan, which calls for results-oriented solutions designed to cut through systemic barriers and produce measurable results that will demonstrate an impact on the community.
Governor Patrick Announces Pittsfield Urban Center Growth District:
On May 16th Sen. Ben Downing joined Governor Deval Patrick and other local leaders for a walking tour of downtown Pittsfield. The tour was followed by a press conference at City Hall, where the Governor announced that he was designating the Pittsfield Urban Center Revitalization District as the eight growth district targeted for economic development in the Commonwealth. The Administration estimates that adding that the Pittsfield district has the ability to create 350,000 square feet of new commercial, industrial and office space and more than 300 new housing units. The growth districts will be targeted by the state for streamlined permitting to make the areas immediately ready for business, and the state will leverage marketing and promotional resources through agencies like Mass Development to help regions attract employers. More information on the Growth District Initiative is available online.
Come Visit:
Sen. Downing’s Local Artist Exhibition Series is currently featuring the works of Ivor Parry, of Hinsdale. Parry’s work will be displayed in the Senator’s Pittsfield office during June and July. All are welcome to view his work Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Watch Now:
Senator Downing was a guest on WTBR’s Good Morning Pittsfield on July 18, 2008. (Scroll to 45 minutes into the show for this segment).
In remembrance of those who have served our country, Senator Downing addresses the crowd during North Adams’ Memorial Day events.
Senator Downing delivers remarks to the Adams Democratic Committee highlighting the current agenda of the Massachusetts Senate including some of the challenges facing policy-makers on the state and local level.
Thanks for stopping by,
Two offices are open to address the needs of all citizens throughout the 48 communities of western Massachusetts comprising the Berkshire, Hampshire & Franklin Senate District. For assistance with policy, legislative and budget matters or media inquiries, contact the State House office. For constituent services and scheduling requests, call the Pittsfield office.
Boston Office: District Office:
State House, Room 413-F 20 Bank Row, Suite 202
Boston, MA 02133 Pittsfield, MA 01201
(617) 722-1625 (413) 442-4008
