Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates 413 Day with Major Investments in Housing, Workforce and Outdoor Economy Across Western Mass

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today marked 413 Day with a series of major investments and policy announcements across Western Massachusetts, underscoring its commitment to supporting economic growth in every region of the state.  

“Western Massachusetts is essential to our state’s success, from its small business and farms to its outdoor economy and cultural institutions,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we are making real investments in the 413 – building housing, supporting workers and strengthening local economies. We are committed to making sure every region of Massachusetts has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”   

“413 Day is a chance to celebrate Western Massachusetts, but more importantly, it’s a chance to deliver for the people who live and work here,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “From housing to workforce development to outdoor recreation, we’re investing in the foundations that support long-term economic growth across the region.” 

First established in 2019 by Senator Adam Hinds, 413 Day highlights the culture, economy, and communities of Western Massachusetts. This year, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, joined by administration officials, visited all four counties to announce new investments and engage directly with local leaders and stakeholders.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a number of new investments in Western Massachusetts, including: 

Housing Investments and Pro-Housing Designations 

Rural Housing Choice 

In Franklin County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias kicked announced 29 Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designations, expanding access to state resources for communities advancing pro-housing policies.  

These newly designated communities have collectively produced nearly 8,700 housing units over the past five years, demonstrating strong local leadership in addressing the state’s housing needs.  

This year also marks the first time every county in Massachusetts has at least one Housing Choice Community, with six new designations in Western Massachusetts: Bernardston, Buckland, Deerfield, Easthampton, Gill and Great Barrington. 

Neighborhood Stabilization Fund 

The administration also announced $8 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program awards through MassHousing to support the redevelopment or rehabilitation of 49 affordable homes, including 34 homeownership opportunities.  

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has invested more than $342 million in housing production and preservation in Western Massachusetts, supporting over 800 homes and expanding access to housing across the region. Additionally, through the state’s HDIP program, the administration has supported the creation of 152 units of housing development in Western Massachusetts, totaling $9.6 million, about 21 percent of the state’s total investment. 
 

Investing in Young Workers Through YouthWorks  

In Hampden County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Labor and Workforce Secretary Lauren Jones visited the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield to announce $14.4 million in grants to hire nearly 3,800 jobs for young people across Massachusetts.  

The YouthWorks program provides teens and young adults with paid work experience, job training, and career development opportunities, helping them build the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Participants gain hands-on experience across public, private and nonprofit sectors while developing critical professional and interpersonal skills. They also learn how to take the next steps in their education and career pathways.  

 
Advancing Fairness Through PILOT Commission  

In Hampshire County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll swore in members of Governor Healey’s Commission on Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for State-Owned Land at the Pelham Overlook. The PILOT Commission was established through an Executive Order to evaluate potential reforms and ensure fairness in how the state compensates municipalities.  

The state owns over half a million acres of land, such as state parks and forests, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and state military campgrounds. To compensate municipalities for the loss of local property taxes related to this land, the state administers a PILOT program that provides them with funding. 

Western Massachusetts communities, which host a significant share of state-owned land, have long raised concerns about disparities in PILOT funding. The Commission will focus on ensuring communities are fairly supported for the land they host, with particular attention to geographic equity. Members of the Commission include: 

• Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz 
• Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer 
• Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs designee Lisa Primiano 
• Commissioner of the Department of Revenue designee Sean Cronin 
• Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation designee Kate Preissler 
• Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game designee Emily Myron 
• Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi 
• Dunstable Town Administrator Jason Silva 
• Town of Marion Grants Administrator Amy Jackson-Grove 
• Industrial Economics Incorporated Principal Dr. James Neumann 
• The Trustees of Reservations Vice President Wendy Ferris 
• Town of Orange Selectboard Member Jane Peirce 

Additional members of the Commission will continue to be appointed in the coming weeks. 

While in Pelham, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll announced additional funding through the administration’s Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance programs to help local and tribal governments apply for federal grants. To date, the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office has awarded $2,048,950 from the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Program, and $1,000,000 from the Technical Assistance Program for Regional Planning Agencies.

Growing the Outdoor Economy 

In Franklin County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll held a listening session at Berkshire East Mountain Resort with business leaders, tourism officials and state agencies to discuss continued growth in the outdoor recreation sector. 

Massachusetts’ outdoor economy has generated $14.6 billion in economic activity in 2024 and supported 108,000 jobs, growing at a rate of 6.9 percent, which is the fastest in the nation.  

The administration has made significant investments to expand access to outdoor recreation, including nearly $190,000 in grants last year to support community-based events and initiatives across Western Massachusetts. 

Following the roundtable, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll visited Berkshire County to experience the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, including taking a fly-fishing lesson at Zoar Gap. 

During her first year in office, Governor Healey appointed first Director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). Since taking office, Governor Healey’s administration has prioritized regional equity and targeted investments across Western Massachusetts through the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and filed the Mass Ready Act which would invest $3 billion to strengthen infrastructure and protect Massachusetts communities against increasing extreme weather events. 

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