Government & development in Amherst

Get the Amherst brief every morning, free. Everything happening in Amherst in one two-minute email: town hall, schools, road work, openings, and what is coming up. Sign up. Know a newsletter, official, or group we should be reading? Tell us.

Last 14 days

• Town begins zoning study for Hampshire campus. Following Hampshire College's announcement that it will end academic operations after December 2026, Amherst has started a zoning study to develop options for future uses of the campus property.Town of Amherst
• Valley Green Energy sets new two-year rate. Participants in the regional Valley Green Energy buying program will see a new electricity supply price take effect in November under a new two-year contract, the town announced.Town of Amherst
• Community Preservation grant applications due October 16. The Community Preservation Act Committee is accepting applications for projects supporting community housing, historic preservation, open space and recreation, with a deadline of October 16.Town of Amherst
• Deed data shows wide price gap, most September sales pending. Amherst News combed September deed filings and found a wide gap between sale prices across town, with most of the month's transactions still listed as pending.Amherst News
• Amherst wins $296,000 grant for Fort River Watershed. The town received a $296,000 Action Grant to improve infrastructure in the Fort River Watershed, aimed at boosting flood resilience, wildlife passage, and water quality for recreation, the town announced.Town of Amherst
• Bangs Community Center renovations on track for 2027. Renovations at the Bangs Community Center covering health and safety, accessibility, the Senior Center, and the area near Room 101 are underway, with the building staying open and completion expected in early 2027.Town of Amherst
• Town launches zoning study for Hampshire campus. The town has begun a zoning study to develop options for the Hampshire College campus after the college announced it will end academic operations in December 2026.Town of Amherst
• Town seeks applicants for Bylaw Review Committee. Amherst Town Council is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the newly formed Bylaw Review Committee, which reviews town bylaws and recommends changes.Town of Amherst

Coming up

• Tue, Oct 6, 1:00 p.m.: Finance Committee convenes Tuesday afternoon. The Finance Committee of the Town Council meets Tuesday at 1 p.m.Town of Amherst
• Wed, Oct 7, 5 p.m.: Board of Health meets Wednesday. The Amherst Board of Health meets Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Room 101 at 70 Boltwood Walk.Town of Amherst
• Wed, Oct 7, 5:00 p.m.: Board of Health meets Wednesday evening. The Board of Health meets Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in Room 101 at 70 Boltwood Walk.Town of Amherst
• Wed, Oct 7, 5:30 p.m.: Climate panel hosts UMass decarbonization talk. Amherst's Energy and Climate Action Committee meets Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and includes a 6 p.m. presentation on decarbonizing UMass as part of its agenda.Town of Amherst
• Fri, Oct 9, 8:00 a.m.: Cuppa' Joe meet-and-greet with town clerk Friday. Residents can join Town Clerk Amber Martin for Cuppa' Joe with Paul Friday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at 73 Cowls Road.Town of Amherst

Updated daily from the Amherst morning brief.