Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

10/15/2026

Are you a small business owner? | ¿Tiene un pequeño negocio?

How can AI help you grow your business without losing the personal touch that makes it unique?

Join us for Marketing in the Age of AI: Keeping the Human Connection, a workshop with Josiane Martinez of Archipelago Strategies Group, to explore practical ways to improve your marketing, save time, and connect with customers!

¿Cómo puede la inteligencia artificial ayudarte a hacer crecer tu negocio sin perder el toque personal que lo hace único?

¡Acompáñanos en Marketing en la era de la IA: Manteniendo la conexión humana, un taller con Josiane Martinez de Archipelago Strategies Group, donde descubrirás formas prácticas de mejorar el mercadeo de tu negocio, ahorrar tiempo y conectar mejor con tus clientes!

09/29/2026

North Andover has just completed a draft of their updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. We invite the public to review and comment on this municipal plan prior to finalization. The Plan will be available online for public comment from 9/14 to 10/12/2026 on the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission website.

https://mvpc.org/natural-hazards-mitigation-planning/north-andover-multi-hazard-mitigation-plan/

09/22/2026

***UPDATE***

Due to the upcoming Nor'easter projected for the weekend of September 26th, we have decided to POSTPONE our cleanup to Sunday, October 11 at 8:30 AM. This decision was tough to make, but to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, we know this is the right call. We hope you can still join us for a fun day of community and environmental stewardship along our Merrimack River!

The Haverhill Conservation Department is hosting its 2nd Annual Merrimack River Shoreline Cleanup, and we’re hoping you’ll join us for a fun Saturday morning building community and beautifying our shared green spaces. The Merrimack River is an important cultural and ecological resource, providing scenic views, recreation opportunities, and drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents. More than 30 volunteers attended last year’s cleanup, and over 40 trash bags and three dump trucks’ worth of litter and debris were removed from the city’s waterfront.

This year’s cleanup will be held at the Merrimack River Park: (Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/B5kY6pkEbsKN5FAL7

Sign up on Eventbrite, Haverhill’s 2nd Annual Merrimack River Shoreline Cleanup:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haverhills-2nd-annual-merrimack-river-shoreline-cleanup-tickets-1995699608251?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/10/2026

Twenty-two MeVa bus shelters in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Amesbury have been transformed through Birds + Bugs by Bus, a colorful public art and environmental education project by local artist Jenn Houle.

Commissioned through the MVCulture partnership between MVPC, Essex County Community Foundation, and MeVa Transit, the murals feature native birds, butterflies, plants, and pollinators while encouraging riders to discover hidden details along their journey.

These vibrant shelters are now places to wait, learn, explore, and maybe even become a butterfly!

Read the full article on our website: https://mvpc.org/2026/09/10/mvpc-and-partners-celebrate-the-installation-of-new-vibrant-bus-shelter-murals/

09/10/2026

Merrimack Valley Region, September 10th, 2026 - MVPC is excited to announce that it has been awarded $190,676 in MVP Action Grant funding from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to support regional climate resilience efforts focused on extreme heat in the Merrimack Valley.

Working with pilot communities in Groveland, Haverhill, and Newburyport, along with regional and statewide partners, MVPC will collect data, map heat impacts, and engage community members to better understand lived experiences during hotter summers.

This work will help communities identify priority areas for heat mitigation and develop locally driven strategies that support public health, safety, and climate resilience.

Read the full press release on our website: https://mvpc.org/2026/09/10/mvpc-awarded-190676-in-mvp-action-grant-funds-from-the-healey-driscoll-administration-to-build-climate-resilience/

09/04/2026

MVPC was proud to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Geysha’s Breakfast Coffee & Lunch and this exciting milestone for Geysa and her family. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate her hard work, determination, and the opening of her new business.

A special thank you to State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative Kristin Kassner, local officials, community and business partners, and everyone who joined us to celebrate.

Congratulations, Geysa! Wishing you and your family much success in this new chapter!

Stop by and support Geysha’s Breakfast Coffee & Lunch!
10 North Street, Georgetown

09/01/2026

We’re looking for our next WeAreMV Business Success Stories, and we want to hear from you!

Know a Merrimack Valley business or entrepreneur with a story worth sharing? Nominate them to be featured in our 2026–2027 Business Success Stories series!

CLICK BELOW TO NOMINATE A BUSINESS
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/1mSJPLYwxe?origin=lprLink
The form is brief and only takes a few minutes to complete.

See some of the stories we’ve featured:
Pipe Dream Cupcakes https://wearemv.com/pipe-dream-cupcakes/
Lu’s Cafe & Bakery https://wearemv.com/lus-cafe-bakery/

Know a great story? Help us make sure it gets told!

09/01/2026

MVPC Celebrates Annual End-of-Summer Staff Outing

Each year, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) takes time to come together and celebrate the hard work, accomplishments, and dedication of our staff. This annual tradition gives our team an opportunity to step away from the office, connect with colleagues, and recognize the people behind the important work happening across the Merrimack Valley.

This year’s end-of-summer staff outing was held at the Sunset Club in Newbury. Staff enjoyed an afternoon of conversation, friendly competition, and team-building activities, including MVPC trivia, co****le, and office superlatives. The event offered a fun and relaxed way to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year while strengthening connections across programs.

MVPC is grateful for the dedication, creativity, and collaboration our staff bring to their work every day. Their efforts help support our communities, advance regional projects, and contribute to a stronger Merrimack Valley.

08/25/2026

We’re hiring!

MVPC is looking for motivated, collaborative individuals to join our Transportation Program and help support work that improves mobility, safety, access, and quality of life throughout the Merrimack Valley.

We are currently accepting applications for:

Transportation Planner
Field Operations - Transportation Program

Learn more about each position, view the full job descriptions, and find application information here:

MVPC is seeking applications for the following career opportunities

08/18/2026

MVPC’s Valley Tally trail counter network is expanding!

New permanent counters will be installed at seven additional locations in Groveland, Haverhill, Newburyport, and Salisbury, helping MVPC better understand how residents and visitors use the region’s trails and active transportation routes.

Since 2024, Valley Tally counters have recorded more than 4.5 million pass-bys across the Merrimack Valley. The expanded network will provide even more insight to support transportation planning, future trail investments, and safer, more connected communities.

Valley Tally counters collect anonymous data and do not use cameras.

Read the full article on our website: https://mvpc.org/2026/08/17/new-valley-tally-counters-on-the-horizon/