Pittsfield Launches Applications for the Citizens Academy

07:57AM / Friday, July 11, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Applications are now being accepted for the City of Pittsfield's Citizens Academy, which will begin in mid-August.

The Citizens Academy, a 12-week program, is designed to help community members understand the operations of local government. Participants will gain awareness on the various functions of city departments within municipal government, tour designated locations, and engage in breakout activities. Attendees also will learn more about service opportunities available within local government.

"We have seen continuous growth of this academy throughout the years and over 100 community members who have participated to date," said Catherine VanBramer, director of administrative services. "Community engagement is a vital part of my role with the city, and it is my hope that we encourage more members of our community to actively participate in their government. I look forward to welcoming a new class for the seventh year of the academy."

Class size will be limited to 25 participants. The sessions will be held on Thursday evenings between August 14 and November 6. The sessions will be held 6-8 p.m. at various locations throughout the city. During the sessions, participants will interact with department heads and other city staff to learn about the day-to-day operations, tour various workspaces, and participate in breakout activities.

To be eligible for the Citizens Academy, applicants must be at least 18, live or work in Pittsfield, and be able to attend each of the 12-week sessions to the best of their ability.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and be publicly recognized for their participation.

Program details are available on the city's website: Citizens Academy | Pittsfield, MA

To apply online, view the Citizens Academy online application.
To apply via mail, view the Citizens Academy mail-in application.
Paper copies are also available in the Mayor's Office at City Hall, 70 Allen Street.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, July 25. For additional information, please contact the Mayor's Office at (413) 499-9322 or email cvanbramer@cityofpittsfield.org.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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