It was just over one year ago, on the day of my swearing in as the new mayor for the city of Westfield, that I declared our city was open for business and would welcome both new and existing companies into our community.

I pledged to put our city departments at the disposal of business leaders and make the process as efficient and convenient as possible for their relocation or expansion in the Whip City. Two months later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Massachusetts and I was following Gov. Charlie Baker in declaring a state of emergency for Westfield.

As challenging as this past year has been, I am proud to say that business goes on in Westfield. Our economy is made up of a diverse and strong group of institutions, companies, manufacturers, and industries.

Our major employers include Baystate Noble Hospital, the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, Westfield State University, Westfield city government, and Western Massachusetts Hospital.

Westfield is a hub of precision machining supporting the aerospace industry and military.

We are fortunate to have Westfield Barnes Regional Airport and Pioneer Valley Railroad.  The Massachusetts Turnpike runs right through our city and provides transportation access to everyone.

Westfield has land that is zoned for development and ready to go.  Our Office of Community Development stands ready to work with and assist potential developers.

Visit our website at www.CityofWestfield.org or contact my office at 572-6201 if I may be of service to you.

Our city has a burgeoning arts community.  ArtWorks Westfield, Westfield on Weekends, the Westfield Theatre Group, among others, work within our city to bring the arts to residents and guests alike by sponsoring and promoting events throughout the year.

The Columbia Greenway Rail to Trail project is nearly complete and will soon welcome walkers, bicyclists, and runners to the new downtown phase of our railtrail which is one of the few elevated railtrails on the east coast.  Trail users will be able to navigate through our city core on an elevated path complete with church steeple views and mountain vistas that culminate on the Westfield River and the riverwalk.

Our small retailers, restaurants, pubs, and shops will be ready to accommodate them.  And if breweries and local craft beer is your thing then Westfield offers you many choices and tasting opportunities.

At a recent department head meeting I emphasized my desire that we be ready to hit the ground running the moment the pandemic passes and welcome individuals and businesses alike to our city.

Westfield is open for business! The future looks bright, and it’s closer than we think.


Donald Humason
Mayor
City of Westfield