WESTFORD – the Select Board recently voted to support the town’s pursuit of Massachusetts Climate Leader Community designation, a significant step up from its current Green Community status.
The decision came after a joint presentation by the Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee (CASC) and its Climate Leaders Working Group, which recommended applying for a state technical assistance grant in March 2026.
Climate Leader Community endorsement
CASC Chair Mike Berlinski and committee members Tom Teller, Andrea Peraner-Sweet, and Beth Perkins, outlined how the designation would align with Westford’s Climate Roadmap Strategic Plan, and how the state grant would help fund consulting services to complete the remaining requirements needed for Climate Leader eligibility. The committee set a December 2026 target to achieve the designation.
Westford already meets three of the six program requirements, including Green Community status and a municipal net-zero-by-2050 commitment. The remaining requirements include:
- Adoption of a Zero-Emission Vehicle First policy for the municipal fleet
- Creation of a Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap
- Adoption of the Massachusetts Specialized Energy Code by Town Meeting
Client Leader status – benefits highlighted
Committee members noted that neighboring towns such as Acton, Carlisle, and Chelmsford have already achieved Climate Leader status and recently received large state grants for municipal building improvements and solar installations. This includes awards of up to $1 million for municipal energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electrification projects.
“Westford is falling behind some of our peers,” said Berlinski. “This is an opportunity to level up, gain eligibility for larger funding, and continue the strong progress we’ve already made.”
Public education campaign planned for specialized energy code
Much of the discussion focused on the Specialized Energy Code, which failed by a narrow margin at the 2025 spring Town Meeting.
Committee members acknowledged resident concerns about construction costs, grid capacity, and potential impacts on development. They presented updated analysis showing that the code emphasizes efficiency and solar measures that actually reduce peak electrical demand.
The group committed to a robust public education effort ahead of the next Town Meeting vote, including information sessions, Westford CAT posts, Town website materials, newsletters, articles, and targeted outreach.
Public comment highlights on Climate Leader initiatives
Several residents spoke during the public comment period, urging the Board to support the initiative and the importance of clear and factual communication to voters as the town moves forward.
Resident Emily Teller stressed that public education will be critical ahead of Town Meeting. She said that misinformation contributed to the failure of the Specialized Energy Code at a previous vote. Teller cited incorrect claims made at Town Meeting, including suggestions that the code would apply to home renovations or require enforcement actions against existing homeowners.
Teller encouraged the town to proactively address these concerns through regular outreach. She pushed back on concerns that higher energy standards could discourage development, pointing to neighboring communities that have adopted similar codes while continuing to see large-scale residential and commercial projects.
Carole Morse, co-chair of Westford Climate Action, also voiced strong support for the CASC’s work and urged the Select Board to clearly articulate its reasoning behind endorsing climate-related initiatives.
Morse said that when the Select Board supports an article at Town Meeting, explaining why the Board recommends approval could help residents who are undecided or looking for guidance. She described clean energy and climate planning as essential issues for the town’s future and encouraged the Board to take an active role in communicating that importance.
Other business
- The Board recognized two long-time town employees for their service: Judy Madsen for more than 22 years of service as the town’s more recent homebound librarian, and Pam McNiff for service as Project Procurement Specialist.
- The Board discussed refinements to its committee appointment process, agreeing to maintain a two-year look-back for prior applicants but allowing removal from the notification pool if someone affirmatively states they are no longer interested.
- The Pedestrian Safety Committee received approval to add a high school student membership seat, appoint Michael Lengyl to that student seat, and appoint Raymond Hickey as a full member.
- The Board approved a change to Sunday hours for the beer-and-wine license at JJ’s Place on Groton Road, allowing service to begin at 10 a.m.
The December 23rd meeting closed with thanks to town staff for an amazing year of project achievements and best wishes for the holidays.
The next opportunity to learn more about the Climate Leader Initiative will likely come during preparations for the March 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Residents interested in the Specialized Energy Code or the broader sustainability effort are encouraged to visit the CASC town website.
