Platform
Let’s be honest, North Adams faces big challenges: housing, jobs, education, infrastructure. But let’s also be clear: we have the talent, heart, and determination to meet those challenges head-on. What we’ve been doing isn’t working, but what we can do together will. It’s time for a new chapter, one where city government leads in true partnership with the community. Progress takes time, yes, but it only happens if we take bold, strategic steps now. Together, we can build a city that works for everyone.
Housing: A Foundation for Stability
Housing is at the heart of a thriving community. In North Adams, we face an urgent challenge—and a powerful opportunity—to ensure that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Our aging housing stock needs attention. Seniors deserve homes that fit their needs. Families shouldn’t be priced out of the city they love. Our first step must be strategic and immediate: hiring a full-time housing coordinator. This dedicated staff member would focus on community outreach, developer engagement, and aggressive pursuit of funding opportunities like the state’s Affordable Housing Bond. We can fund this position through donations, Community Development Block Grants, and city reserves. This is a smart, high-impact investment. We must also build long-term tools for affordability. I fully support Andrew Fitch’s proposal to create an Affordable Housing Trust. This local fund—fed by donations, short-term rental fees, and grants—will help finance new development, emergency assistance, and repair programs. And we already have innovative models in motion. The Northern Berkshires Community Land Trust, launched by NACHO, helps reduce homeownership costs by placing land in a trust—making housing permanently affordable and helping renters become owners. We know what works. Now it’s time to act—with urgency, unity, and vision.
Economic Development: Building an Economy That Works for Us
North Adams deserves an economy that lifts everyone. Too many of our neighbors are working hard without getting ahead. We’ve gone too long without a strategic economic vision. That ends now. Let’s begin by hiring an experienced economic development director. We need a leader who’s helped communities like ours attract quality jobs and support local businesses. This person will serve as a connector—analyzing data, building partnerships, and bringing the right opportunities to North Adams. We can fund this role just like we will the housing coordinator: through donations, CDBG funds, or reserves. Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs, sponsor community events, and shape our identity. Let’s prioritize their needs—with outreach, technical assistance, and real advocacy from city government. In the short term, we should tap into free technical assistance programs from the state and foundations. These programs offer expert guidance in business growth, community engagement, and economic planning—and they’ve helped countless communities just like ours. The key is having a real plan, not just reacting to proposals. Let’s stop saying yes to low- wage jobs and short-term gains. Let’s define what kind of economy we want—and go get it.
Transparency: Rebuilding Trust Through Openness
Trust is the foundation of democracy. When residents feel shut out or left in the dark, frustration and disengagement grow. Let’s change that—by putting transparency at the core of how our city works. Every year, the Mayor and City Council should release a clear roadmap of priorities. This plan should explain what we’re doing, why it matters, and how we’ll measure progress. At year’s end, we should report back—and celebrate what we’ve accomplished together. We can also take immediate steps to improve access to information. A volunteer team of tech-savvy residents could help city staff create simple but powerful tools: - Hyperlinked agendas and documents - Recorded meetings posted online - Public service request trackers When ordinances are introduced, they should be easy to understand. Every proposal should include a plain language summary, a clear rationale, and linked references. Let’s make it easy for people to stay informed—not harder. Transparency doesn’t require perfection—it requires commitment. Let’s show North Adams we’re listening, we’re learning, and we’re accountable.
Community Partnership: Power in Participation
Real change starts with real community. North Adams has the people, ideas, and energy to shape a brighter future. What we need is a city government that listens, invites, and collaborates. We must create more opportunities for meaningful public engagement. City Council and city leadership should host regular community forums focused on specific topics like housing, business needs, city finances, and public health. These meetings should feature expert voices, lived experiences, and honest discussion. Let’s use digital tools to broaden participation. Online polls, comment forms, and interactive surveys can give residents a say in shaping policy and prioritizing projects. These tools are low-cost but high-impact. And most importantly we must show that input leads to action. When people see their voices reflected in city decisions, trust grows. Engagement increases. Community flourishes. ​Partnership doesn’t cost much, it just takes commitment. Let’s make North Adams a model for collaborative government, where power is shared and progress is built together.
Our Next Step
North Adams is ready for a new direction. Let’s step forward—together—with clarity, courage, and conviction. We don’t need to wait for someone else to save us. We have what we need right here: each other.
Let’s get to work.
About Me
I’m Virginia Riehl, a consultant who helps healthcare organizations make transformative change — and I bring that same experience to North Adams.
Since moving here 3.5 years ago, I’ve listened to residents, attended City Council meetings, and
co-founded the North Adams Community Housing Organization (NACHO) to address one of our
biggest challenges: affordable housing. We've hosted forums, pushed for policy change, and launched community fix-up projects. I’ve also worked to make city government more transparent and responsive. Now, as a member of the Planning Board, I’m focused on bringing strategic, long-term thinking to our future. North Adams has inspired and challenged me.
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I’m running for City Council to keep working with you to make our city more inclusive, accountable, and thriving.
