AMHERST — A statewide launch of a housing agenda by Gov. Maura Healey that began in Lynn this week included participation by Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, who leads the Massachusetts Mayors Association.

The governor’s agenda, including the Affordable Homes Act and the multifamily housing aspect of the MBTA Communities Act, aims to call attention to lowering housing costs across the state, and how housing impacts residents.

“Over the next few weeks, our team is going to be visiting communities across the state to highlight the ways in which housing impacts every aspect of our residents’ quality of life and our economy and call for urgent action to make housing more affordable for all,” Healey said in a statement, adding that it is the top challenge facing residents, communities, workers and businesses.

Bockelman said that he appreciates the work being done by Healey, Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll and Ed Augustus, the secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “They are really focused on housing and breaking down barriers to creating housing,” Bockelman said.

“They’re in this battle, they feel like the time is right for them to make significant changes to housing policy in the commonwealth,” Bockelman said. Not having sufficient affordable and market rate homes is an economic deterrent for the state, which is losing residents in the 24-36 age group and affecting decisions by companies to locate in Massachusetts, he said.

Amherst has prioritized building more housing, including workforce housing, dedicating both Community Preservation Act and American Rescue Plan Act money to developments and focusing on opportunities locations that can “prime the pump,” as Bockelman puts it. This has led to Way Finders working on a project with more than 70 affordable apartments on Belchertown Road, and South East Street and Valley Community Development working on a 30-home affordable complex on Ball Lane.

Bockelman said while local permitting is relatively quick, there is a lag at the state level in getting developments completed.

AAPI Heritage Month

The Town Council recently proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, noting that those of AAPI heritage make up more than 13% of the town’s population and are “enriching the fabric of our Amherst community with cultural events, such as the Spring Festival celebrating the Lunar New Year, and the Fall South Asian Festival of Lights, celebrating Diwali.”

“We urge all residents of Amherst to learn more about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our community and nation, and to commit to working toward a more equitable and inclusive Amherst for all,” the proclamation states.

The town’s fourth annual AAPI celebration is set for May 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Town Common, with the event to be moved to the middle school in case of rain.

Racial justice and equity talk

Social worker and musician Jacqueline Wallace will discuss her work for racial justice and equity Tuesday as as part of the Judy Brooks Series hosted by the Amherst League of Women Voters Racial Justice Committee. The program begins at 7 p.m. and people should go to lwvamherst.org to register.

Wallace is a clinical social worker and therapist who directs the Amherst Area Gospel Choir.

Spring Fling

The Leverett Co-op, 180 Rattlesnake Gutter Road, is holding its Spring Fling Festival on Saturday, with live music, lawn games, children’s activities, a wine-tasting and auction items among the activities, starting at 1 p.m. Live music will be provided by Myrtle Street Klezmer and Silverback Swing.

In case of rain, people are encouraged to call the store at 413-367-9794 to see if the festival gets rescheduled.

Planning Department changes

Jacinta Williams, who previously worked at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and for the city of Pittsfield, started this week as a planner in the town’s Planning Department.

As Williams begins her tenure, Planning Director Christine Brestrup announced that Rob Watchilla, a planner who has been staff liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Design Review Board, is leaving to become East Longmeadow’s planning director. Brestrup said she will miss the energy and hard work Watchilla brought to the position.

Mobile Dental Clinic

The Senior Center is offering a mobile dental clinic starting May 22, and continuing every fourth Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments include teeth cleaning, clinical assessment, screenings for oral cancer and blood pressure, referrals, if needed, and a free goodie bag.

Appointments are free for MassHealth recipients and $75 for patients with other insurance. Denture care is $30. To schedule an appointment, which is required, call the Senior Center at 413-250-3060.

Meetings

MONDAY: Town Services and Outreach Committee, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Public Shade Tree Committee, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Residents Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.