State's One Stop for Growth Open for Applications

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BOSTON — The Community One Stop for Growth application portal has opened for submissions for fiscal 2027. The portal is overseen by the Executive Office of Economic Development and provides a streamlined process for municipalities and organizations to apply for 14 state economic development grant programs. 

One Stop grant programs are administered by EOED, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the quasi-public agency MassDevelopment. Programs in the One Stop offer direct funding and support to housing and economic development projects related to community activation and placemaking, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, and infrastructure. 

"The Community One Stop for Growth is about helping communities deliver for their residents," said Gov. Maura Healey. "It reflects our belief that strong local leadership, inclusive economic growth, and a high quality of life go hand in hand. By making state support easier to navigate, we're helping cities and towns build housing, strengthen downtowns, and create opportunity for people across Massachusetts."

Municipalities and organizations wishing to apply for funding through the One Stop may begin by participating in an Expression of Interest process beginning today. During this time, applicants may receive guidance on priority projects from EOED staff before submitting a full application. Applicants may begin working on their applications now in the application portal. EOED will accept full applications from May 4 through June 3, with awards announced in the fall. For more information and to learn how to apply, visit www.mass.gov/onestop

This year, the One Stop will add the Seaport Economic Council Grant Program to the application process. 

A full list of programs offered through the One Stop is available online.  

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the  POST Commission. 

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission. 

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted.  On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April. 

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday. 

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.  

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads. 

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline." 

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