MVPC is ahead of the curve
Sure, we’ve been around since 1959. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t cutting edge. We turn the tide on what most people think they know about planning agencies. For starters, we never forget our roots—we’ve been managing growth and developing today’s communities in the Merrimack Valley, as marked by over 50 years of constant evolution and progression. We play a proactive part in each and every community in our region—where our goal is to consistently plan, develop and promote not only the sustainable development of the Valley through responsible and efficient use of regional resources, but also to rally and unify our communities to perpetuate the region’s vision.
Call us planning pioneers—we’ve paved the way for over 50 years.
Our Mission
Foster a cooperative effort among its communities in resolving common, regional problems, to allow its communities to plan jointly, and to promote with the greatest efficiency and economy the coordinated and orderly development of the region and the general welfare of its residents.
Our Charter—District Establishment & Organization
Our History
The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission began as the Central Merrimack Valley Regional Planning District in 1959, and was established as a corporate public body in accordance with Section 3, Chapter 40B of the Massachusetts General Laws. Progressively over the years, town by town and city by city was added to our charter, until we became the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) in 1971, encompassing 15 constituent communities across the Merrimack region.
Our Members
We are deeply committed to the 15 communities we serve, and offer support, problem solving, trusted resources and assistance so our communities enjoy regional support at their local level:
Our Approach
We’re here to help. As a public, nonprofit organization, we’re committed to assisting the Valley’s communities in the planning areas of transportation, the environment, land use, economic development, and GIS mapping. The purpose for creating our organization over 50 years ago governs our actions today—to help communities plan growth and resources, develop economically and regionally, and promote community collaboration for the overall welfare and prosperity of our Valley’s citizens.
Our Work
Collaboration is the name of our game. We take a very progressive, hands-on approach to our projects, from the beginning funding stages to delivering award-winning final products. We collaborate and continually involve cooperation with local, state and federal government officials, along with private sector businesses and individuals to ensure consensus. Federal and state agencies we work side-by-side with include the Environmental Protection Agency, Economic Development, Federal Transit Authority, and Mass DOT, to name a few.
Project funding comes from a variety of sources for federal, state and local projects and fall within six major categories:
- Transportation & Transit Planning (46%)
- Local Assessments & Local Technical Assistance (6%)
- Economic & Community Development Planning (14%)
- Comprehensive Planning (15%)
- Environmental, Land use & Smart Growth Planning (14%)
- Geographic Information System (GIS) Services (5%)
We also apply for and receive competitively awarded grants, and contract work directly with local communities and municipalities. We also provide local technical assistance to each community as part of annual member dues.
Five of these six service areas accounted for 94% of the agency budget, and were derived from a variety of largely non-local sources, including state and federal grants, as well as contracts with selected non-profit organizations and businesses that support MVPC’s mission.
Only 6% of the budget was derived from local assessments to our member communities. These local funds were used by MVPC as match to leverage the 94% of outside funding brought into the region by the commission staff.
Our Commissioners
We’re a team player. And our team is made of up representatives from each municipality—one member appointed by the planning board, an alternate appointed by town officials. Thank you one and all for your contribution and service.
| Community | Commissioner | Alternate |
| Amesbury | Robert Lavoie (Vice Chairman) | |
| Andover | Joan Duff | John McDonnell |
| Boxford | Joe Hill | |
| Georgetown | Howard Snyder | |
| Groveland | Robert O’Hanley | Robert Arakelian |
| Haverhill | Joseph Sullivan (Chairman) | William Pillsbury |
| Lawrence | Dan McCarthy | |
| Merrimac | John Thomas | Robert Atwood |
| Methuen | Kevin Hagerty | William J. Buckley |
| Newbury | David Powell (Asst. Treasurer) | Martha Taylor |
| Newburyport | Ed Ramsdell (Secretary) | Bonnie Sontag |
| North Andover | Richard Byers | Alberto Angles |
| Rowley | Robert Snow (Treasurer) | |
| Salisbury | Lou Masiello | Jerry Klima |
| West Newbury | Brian Murphey | |
| Rep. at Large | Brad Buscher |
Local Technical Assistance Program
The purpose of the program is to provide professional Technical Assistance to each member community of the Commission. Each member community has been allocated free Technical Assistance time for the fiscal year. This time may be used in any way a community chooses; for example: planning, zoning, subdivision, and grantsmanship assistance.
Local Technical Assistance Form
Local Technical Assistance Procedure
