HW Celebrates City of Chicopee’s Award-Winning Comprehensive Plan
Envision Our Chicopee: 2040 Recognized by American Planning Association Massachusetts Chapter
Horsley Witten Group (HW) applauds the City of Chicopee, whose first-ever comprehensive plan, Envision Our Chicopee: 2040, was recently awarded the 2025 Comprehensive Planning Award by the American Planning Association’s Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA). The award recognizes the plan’s innovation, quality, and impact in guiding the city’s long-term growth.
HW led the planning effort for Envision Our Chicopee: 2040, working closely with the Chicopee Department of Planning & Development, a volunteer steering committee, and the community. Launched in 2019, the process engaged residents and stakeholders through surveys, digital open houses, and other creative approaches adapted for pandemic conditions at the time.
The APA-MA Comprehensive Planning Award is presented annually to outstanding plans, programs, or projects, including comprehensive and master plans, environmental conservation strategies, housing plans, and economic development initiatives. Chicopee’s plan received the award in recognition of its contribution to the city’s long-term vision.
“This recognition underscores the beginning of a renaissance for the City of Chicopee,” said Jeff Davis, Senior Planner at Horsley Witten Group. “The plan reflects the city’s vision for a more equitable, vibrant, and resilient future, and we’re grateful to APA-MA for honoring the work of everyone who contributed to making it possible.
“We are honored APA-MA has recognized Envision Our Chicopee: 2040,” said Lee Pouliot, Director of Planning & Development. “Today, with the adoption of Envision Our Chicopee: 2040, Chicopee now has a vision for its future and a roadmap of priority projects to ensure that vision is realized. I am proud of the work our Planning Team, led by Horsley Witten Group accomplished under trying circumstances, and honored to have watched the Planning Board adopt and the City Council endorse this plan. We look forward to working with all stakeholders as implementation efforts continue.”
Envision Our Chicopee: 2040 provides a framework for sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and quality of life. It outlines key priorities, including a complete zoning code update, mixed-use and infill development, preservation of historic and natural resources, and initiatives to maintain equity and inclusion across the city. The plan was unanimously approved by the Chicopee Planning Board and endorsed by the City Council.