About

In the Fall of 2013, the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Town of Amherst convened a Town Gown Steering Committee to jointly develop a plan to address shared areas of interest including housing and economic development issues.  

Check this site often for updated information about the steering committee's work and the planning process.

Committee Charge

In recognition of the symbiotic relationship between the University of Massachusetts and the Town of Amherst, both entities have agreed to work together towards a shared plan for housing and economic development issues.  To advance this mission, Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy and Amherst Town Manager John Musante have convened a town-gown steering committee.

The Town-Gown Steering Committee’s charge is to develop a Request for Proposals to solicit, hire, and work with a Consultant to study fundamental aspects of the shared and distinct interests of the University and the Town of Amherst, including but not limited to:

  • A review of the Amherst Master Plan and the UMass Campus Master Plan for mutually-reinforcing aspects, conflicts, and opportunities, including with regard to land use and future development.
  •  A review of ‘best practices’ for college towns across the nation.
  • Examination of the Housing Production Plan, Housing Market Study, and UMass housing policies in the context of changing community and UMass populations and demographic trends.
  • Review of existing economic Town/UMass development goals, policies and issues.
  • Current and proposed transportation and circulation studies and plans.

In light of that review and through engagement with members of both the campus and town communities, the Committee shall work with the Consultant to develop and propose for each area of study specific priority action steps—near-term, mid-term, and long-term—to address outstanding problems, reconcile or mitigate conflicts, and take best advantage of shared interests and opportunities, with the intent of promoting and building a sustainable community.