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Finance Committee recommends adding ‘establish Great Barrington as a destination’ to economic development goal
Summary
The committee unanimously recommended adding language to the strategic plan’s economic‑development goal to establish Great Barrington as a destination, and asked staff to explore partner engagement (e.g., Chamber of Commerce) and local creative resources to promote tourism.
The Great Barrington Finance Committee voted to recommend amending the strategic plan’s economic-development goal to add language establishing Great Barrington as a destination. Members argued the town should make targeted use of local creative talent and partners to increase lodging, meals and rooms tax receipts and thereby diversify town revenues.
"Foster a vibrant, resilient local economy that supports small businesses, cooperatives, creative industries, and equitable opportunities for growth, and establishes Great Barrington as a destination," the committee agreed as the phrasing to recommend. Members discussed trying to harness local marketing talent rather than creating a large, slow-moving committee; some recommended working with the Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders while leaving implementation details to the select board and town manager.
The motion to append the economic-development goal passed unanimously. Committee members asked that the select board decide how to act on implementation and that staff reach out to potential partners; the committee also planned a follow-up meeting to draft any suggested implementation bullets.
Next steps: language will be included in the packet to the select board; the committee will invite or request information from the Chamber of Commerce and other partners in future meetings.
