Friends of The Partnership
North Adams has what it takes to succeed.
Your support helps ensure that it does.
North Adams has vision, energy, and growing momentum. But promising opportunities too often stall between agencies, lose steam between meetings, or fail to attract the coordination needed to move forward. In a small city with limited capacity, a dedicated force to align partners, reduce friction, and turn good ideas into real economic growth is critical. That's the role the North Adams Partnership exists to fill.
How We’re Working to Grow North Adams
Catalyze Growth
We position North Adams as a smart place to invest—connecting businesses to resources, removing barriers, and showcasing successes.
Here's how we've done it:
Red Carpet Strategy: Targeted approach to attract investors and businesses best positioned to thrive in North Adams and generate living-wage jobs.
Small City, Big Stories Podcast: Success stories of people bringing creative and transformative change to North Adams.
Property Owner Engagement: Regular outreach to property owners to understand and address obstacles slowing their development plans.
Hatchlings North Adams: A community partnership to activate downtown public space through immersive, walkable art installations.
Build Capacity
We clear a path for economic development by aggregating resources and building partnerships that create real results.
Here's how we've done it:
Vacant Storefront Program: A collaboration with the City and state to offer tax incentives attracting small businesses into long-vacant downtown spaces.
Development Resource Directory: Extensive list of local, regional, and state resources for developers, homeowners, and businesses.
Downtown Activation Guide: A collection of 20+ actions local residents can take to help activate their downtown.
Small & Smart ADU Design Challenge: AARP-supported competition engaging diverse participants to envision accessible, affordable accessory dwelling units.
Convene Stakeholders
We spark overdue conversations, connect committed people and agencies, and make the introductions that move projects forward.
Here's how we've done it:
Route 2 Overpass Visioning: Public sessions with the City and Northern Berkshire Community Coalition to reimagine the Route 2 Overpass.
MCLA Student Engagement: Gatherings with MCLA students to explore deeper connections with Downtown North Adams.
Workforce Development Conversations: Discussions with MCLA, North Adams Public Schools, nbCC, and local businesses around workforce development challenges and solutions.
Hospitality Roundtable: Convening of hospitality entrepreneurs and employers, high school and post-high school hospitality programs, and hospitality-focused workforce development resources to address urgent workforce challenges.
Equipped with lessons from the past, ambition for the future, and a new generation of community leaders, the North Adams Partnership is uniquely positioned to create the conditions for Downtown North Adams to thrive.