Bill > H314

This bill establishes the Western Massachusetts Balanced Sustainable Development Commission to address historical disparities and development challenges in the Springfield Region (comprising Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties). Recognizing significant differences between Western and Eastern Massachusetts in areas like population density, industry, housing, transportation, and racial segregation, the bill creates a regional commission with representatives from planning agencies, fair housing organizations, labor unions, and chambers of commerce. The commission's primary responsibilities include annually assessing the impact of state policies on the region, making recommendations to the state legislature about policy modifications, and developing strategies to remediate past policy impacts. Additionally, the bill authorizes the creation of a special tax-exempt urban and regional development corporation with broad powers, including the ability to make contracts, acquire property through eminent domain, and buy and sell bonds. The ultimate goals are to promote more racially and economically integrated development, enhance economic vitality, and create more environmentally sustainable regional strategies. The commission will be jointly controlled by elected officials, business representatives, and labor organizations, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges of Western Massachusetts.