Economic Development

The mission of the Amherst Department of Economic Development is to promote balanced, long-term economic activity that reflects and enhances the character of the Amherst community. It establishes economic development programs and practices that lead to tax base growth, job creation and preservation, and blight prevention. The Department connects the dots from need to opportunity and serves as the Town’s liaison for the promotion of development and redevelopment of properties. The Department works to improve the business climate in a manner consistent with Amherst’s community values, prepares marketing material to promote interest in Amherst’s businesses, cultural facilities, and recreational attractions, as well as fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Amherst has begun the process of creating an economic development strategy. With a generous grant from the state's Community Compact Cabinet Best Practices Program, the town engaged the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission as consultants to report on key economic indicators, an analysis of the retail market, and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. The data in these reports will form the foundation of specific strategies to strengthen and diversify the Amherst economy.

Local Economic Indicators Report
Retail Market Analysis
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis

3rd Forum Presentation (June 27, 2018)

View results from the online SWOT surveys (please note that the following links do not display comments or additional attributes suggested by respondents, however, both have been collected):

Economic Development Forum #2 Video (May 31, 2018) 

SWOT Analysis Presentation (May 31, 2018)
This presentation highlights the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the the overall economy of Amherst, the tourism & entertainment sector, and the business & entrepreneurship sector.

Economic Development Forum #1 Video (April 25, 2018)

Economic Development Forum Presentation (April 25, 2018)
This presentation provides draft information on key economic indicators and the retail market in Amherst.