What is the Amherst Current?

The Current is a trusted source for perspective and analysis about big topics that impact the Amherst community and its future.

The Amherst Current serves community members in Amherst who want to understand the government and school district initiatives and decisions that will impact them, but who do not have the time or desire to attend or follow every government meeting.

Listen: Allison McDonald talks about The Amherst Current with Dan Torres on this June 2024 episode of Panorama on WHMP.

How does the Current accomplish this?

The Amherst Current publishes regularly about a variety of community topics. Guiding principles are:

• Educate and inform — articles seek to explain and build understanding, not to persuade
• Evidence-based — articles and columns share perspective that is based on facts and evidence, not speculation or assumption
• Easy to read — medium-length articles and columns written in “plain language”
• Easy to write — a variety of article formats to encourage community members to contribute in whatever way they are comfortable

What topics will the Amherst Current cover?

Topics will evolve and ebb and flow in coverage but generally will be issues and initiatives that impact:

• Housing — affordable housing, student housing
• Taxes and tax base
• Culture and community — arts, recreation, community-building
• Public schools
• Built environment — public buildings and spaces, roads, sidewalks
• Climate and natural environment

Who is managing the Amherst Current?

The Amherst Current is presented and managed by Allison McDonald, who is serving as managing editor and web producer.

The Current is guided by an all-volunteer Editorial Board that provides support in generating content ideas, supporting contributors, or developing columns or articles.

Comment Policy

The editors welcome comments on blog posts that are respectful, truthful, and offered in good faith. Commenters must supply their first and last names, their town of residence, and an email address (email addresses will not be displayed).  WordPress users, please put your first and last names into your comment if you are following on that platform. Comments must pertain directly to the post. We reserve the right to reject or edit comments for reasons such as factual inaccuracy, personal attacks, speculation about motives, and length.

how can i submit a column or letter for consideration?

If you have a column or letter that you’d like us to consider for publication, great! Please send it to us at theamherstcurrent@gmail.com. You may send it as a document attachment or paste it into the email.

If you have an idea and want to discuss it or get feedback before drafting something, write to us! Send an email or complete our Contact form to let us know.