North Adams chosen for $2.5 million arts and economic development pilot

July 29, 2026

NORTH ADAMS — North Adams has been selected for a three-year state pilot program aimed at using the city’s arts and cultural sector to strengthen downtown businesses and attract new investment.

The program will be funded through a $2.5 million grant from the Barr Foundation and will be administered by MassDevelopment, the state’s economic development agency said in a news release.

As part of the initiative, MassDevelopment will assign a full-time employee, known as a Creative District fellow, to work in North Adams. The fellow will help coordinate projects, connect local businesses and organizations, and identify opportunities for investment and downtown improvements.

The city and its partners will also receive planning assistance and access to funding that can be used for projects involving arts, culture, small businesses and the downtown economy. MassDevelopment did not specify how much of the $2.5 million grant would be spent directly in North Adams or identify the first projects the program will support.
State officials said North Adams was selected because of its concentration of artists, cultural organizations and creative businesses.

“North Adams has built a strong identity around arts, culture and creativity,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who chairs MassDevelopment’s board. 
He said the program is intended to help the city build on those assets while preserving its character.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said having a MassDevelopment employee based in the city could improve coordination among artists, business owners, residents, property owners and community organizations.

“Having a dedicated professional working within our community will strengthen connections,” Macksey said. She said the program could help local groups develop partnerships, identify growth opportunities and pursue projects with long-term benefits.

The pilot program will be guided by a group of local partners, including representatives from the City of North Adams, 1Berkshire, Christo’s Famous Pizza, Greylock Works, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Mass MoCA, Moresi & Associates, North Adams Partnership, Scarafoni Associates, Tres Niños and Tourists.

MassDevelopment officials said the North Adams pilot will test whether a full-time staff member, local planning and flexible project funding can help arts-focused communities support businesses and encourage downtown development.

The program is expected to run for three years.