The Rural Policy Advisory Commission was established under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 23A, Section 66 (G.L. c. 23A, § 66) and charged with enhancing the economic vitality of rural communities. The legislation defines rural communities as those with a population density of 500 people per square mile or less and the Commission as a 15-member body representing rural regions throughout the state. The Commission began actively meeting in FY17 and spent its first year understanding rural demographics in Massachusetts and selecting three areas of focus for the coming year. The three areas selected are: Sewer/ Water and Title 5; Rural Service Delivery; and Small Business Support and Job Creation.
To have a better understanding of the how these focus areas impact quality of life and economic vitality in rural Massachusetts, the Commission has created a short survey. It is our hope that the town administrator (or the person in an equivalent position for the town) will take the time to complete this survey. We expect it will take no more than 15 minutes, although some questions may require the technical expertise of your town’s Board of Health or Health Agent, if you have one.
Please try to complete the survey by Monday, August 21, 2017. Thank you.