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Rural Policy Advisory Commission
Board Information
Policy Area
Economic DevelopmentPurpose
The mission of the commission shall be to enhance the economic vitality of rural communities, defined as municipalities with population densities of less than 500 persons per square mile, and to advance the health and well-being of rural residents. The commission shall serve as a research body for issues critical to the welfare and vitality of rural communities and shall: (i) study, review and report on the status of rural communities and residents in the commonwealth; (ii) advise the general court and the executive branch of the impact of existing and proposed state laws, policies and regulations on rural communities; (iii) advance legislative and policy solutions that address rural needs; (iv) advocate to ensure that rural communities receive a fair share of state investment; (v) promote collaboration among rural communities to improve efficiency in delivery of services; and (vi) develop and support new leadership in rural communities. The executive office shall provide the commission with adequate office space and any research, analysis or other staff support that the commission reasonably requires.Seat Restrictions
Commission members shall be persons with demonstrated interests and experience in advancing the interests of rural residents.Meeting Information
The commission shall meet on a quarterly basis at the discretion of the chair. Meeting locations shall rotate between Boston, Cape Cod and the Islands, central Massachusetts and western Massachusetts. Meetings shall be open to the public pursuant to sections 18 to 25, inclusive, of chapter 30A.Compensation
The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for any usual and customary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Members shall be considered special state employees for the purposes of chapter 268A.Legal Authority
Board Members
↓↓ Sort members table by selecting table header for Member, Seat Name, Appointing Authority, or Term End Date.
| Member↓↓ | Seat Name | Appointing Authority | Term End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Brian Bullock | At-Large Seat 4 | Governor | May 6, 2022 |
| Mr. Dave Christopolis | At-Large Seat 2 | Governor | April 15, 2019 |
| Jay Coburn | Cape Cod Commission | Governor | March 31, 2022 |
| Ms. Linda Dunlavy | Franklin Regional Council of Governments | Governor | March 25, 2022 |
| Corinne Fitzgerald | Senate President, or designee | Senate President | - |
| Wendy Morton Hudson | Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission | Governor | March 25, 2022 |
| Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay | Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, or designee | Ex Officio | - |
| Representative Paul Mark | Speaker of the House, or designee | House of Representatives | - |
| Mr. Thomas E. Matuszko | Berkshire Regional Planning Commission | Governor | March 25, 2022 |
| Ms. Kimberly Robinson | Pioneer Valley Planning Commission | Governor | April 15, 2025 |
| Ms. Patricia L. Settles | Central MA Regional Planning District Commission | Governor | April 15, 2022 |
| Ms. Sara E. Smiarowski | At-Large Seat 3 | Governor | April 8, 2019 |
| Shaun A. Suhoski Esq. | Montachusett Regional Planning Commission | Governor | May 20, 2022 |
| Mr. William Veno | Martha's Vineyard Commission | Governor | May 6, 2019 |
| Ms. Helen A. Zincavage | At-Large Seat 1 | Governor | March 4, 2019 |