Representative Daniel E. Bosley (D-North Adams) announced today that he has filed a bill that would create the “Commonwealth Creative Economy Council†within the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The “creative economy†includes areas such as arts, culture, and tourism, but also high technology industries such as software development and web design, publishing, architecture, advertising, and a broad range of related and interconnected industries that have their origin in individual creativity.
“This legislation reflects the legislature’s commitment to supporting and encouraging the growth of the creative economy, which is an integral part of the Commonwealth’s economic future†said Bosley. “The Creative Economy Council will help the state recognize and measure this industry’s contribution, and will develop a strategic plan that both attracts and retains the individuals and companies engaged in this sector.â€
"The Commonwealth Creative Economy Council underscores the importance of investment and the growth potential of the creative cluster," said Laurie Norton Moffatt, co-chair of the Berkshire Creative Economy Project and director/CEO of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. "Art means business in the Berkshires was the key finding of the Berkshire Creative Economy Project. Creativity is a core competency and competitive advantage of a vibrant Berkshire economy that is recognized internationally for its creative brand."
The key points of the bill are as follows:
* The Council’s mission is to develop a statewide strategy for the enhancement, encouragement, and growth of the creative economy in the Commonwealth, and to promote through public and private means responsive public policies and innovative private sector practices;
* The Council will reflect the depth and breadth of experience and intelligence that we have in the Commonwealth, including stakeholders from all the diverse sectors of the creative and innovative economy and key members of state government;
The Council will also:
Research and evaluate studies done in other states to locate and identify best practices that easily transfer to the Commonwealth;
Build upon the recommendations of the “Innovation Agenda: Growing the Creative Economy in Massachusetts†statewide conference of May 3, 2006, and the Berkshire Creative Economy Report, in order to develop a state wide strategy for enhancement of the creative economy;
Provide recommendations on restructuring economic programs within state government to enhance our creative economy efforts; and
Provide strategies and proposed legislation where necessary to provide linkage between programs to enhance the creative economy.
Patricia Zaido, Executive Director of The Salem Partnership commented that "Christine Sullivan, Executive Director of the Enterprise Center at Salem State College and I greatly appreciate Representative Bosley taking the lead on this most important economic initiative. Last year, we coordinated the first state-side conference on the Creative Economy and published a final report and an action plan for the Commonwealth. Representative Bosley has taken this innovative agenda to the next level which will allow a coordinated effort across the state and make Massachusetts a model for the rest of the country.
This bill was filed today with the House Clerk’s office.
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Pittsfield Road Cut Moratorium
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's annual city road cut moratorium will be in effect from Nov. 29, 2024 to March 15, 2025.
The road cut moratorium is implemented annually, as a precautionary measure, to ensure roads are kept clear of construction work during snow events and to limit the cuts in roads that are filled with temporary patches while material is unavailable.
During this period, steel plates are not to be used to cover open excavations in roads. Also, the Department of Public Services and Utilities will not be issuing the following permits:
• General Permit
• Sewer Public Utility Connection Permit
• Stormwater Public Utility Connection Permit
• Water Public Utility Connection Permit
• Trench Permit
Limited exceptions will be made for emergency work that is determined to be an immediate threat to the health or safety of a property or its occupants.
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