GREENFIELD — Ann Dillemuth, 51, has been sworn in as the Precinct 3 city councilor, filling the vacancy that was created by the resignation of Michael Mastrototaro.
Dillemuth, a quality assurance manager with the American Planning Association, will serve the remainder of Mastrototaro’s term, which was set to end in November 2027. Mastatrotaro resigned in January, citing ideological differences with the council’s majority.
When reached by phone on Tuesday, the Pine Street resident said her goals as a city councilor will be, first, to read up on the master plan and learn more about what residents have outlined as their goals for the city’s future. She said she will then see what she can do to support these goals and action items, particularly the development of housing, bringing more businesses to Greenfield and increasing available community amenities.
“I want to make sure we’re supporting growth so new people can come in, but keeping it affordable,” Dillemuth said.
Dillemuth has lived in Greenfield since 2021. She was first introduced to the Pioneer Valley in 1991 and left in the early 2000s to pursue a graduate program, but returned in 2021.
“I put down roots in Greenfield, attracted by its music and dance community, its town center and walkable neighborhoods, and its affordability compared to many larger cities,” Dillemuth wrote in her letter of interest to City Council. “Though small-town economies can be challenging to sustain, I’ve been heartened by the city’s investment in its new public library projects, and by projects such as the adaptive reuse of the Wilson’s [Department Store] building for affordable housing. I am excited by the opportunity to join the City Council and work to further support and strengthen our community.”
While furthering citywide goals, Dillemuth added that she wants to support the residents of Precinct 3.
“I would welcome any residents to contact me,” she said. “I would be willing to hear them out on their ideas, concerns and goals.”
Dillemuth can be reached at councilor.dillemuth@greenfield-ma.gov.
She said that while she has not previously served in city government, she believes her education and professional experience will benefit her. Dillemuth has a Masters of Regional Planning from Cornell University, and completed her master’s thesis on the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act and affordable housing. With the American Planning Association, she has worked to support local planners in growing their communities.
After being encouraged by her neighbors, Dillemuth sought appointment to City Council.
“I had some neighbors who encouraged me to submit my name for City Council,” Dillemuth recounted. “I wanted to get more involved in my community and this seemed like a great opportunity to step up.”
Dillemuth was the only applicant to submit a letter of interest to City Council and was recommended to be appointed after discussion by councilors during the Committee Chairs meeting on April 7.
Precinct 2 City Councilor Rachel Gordon said she believes Dillemuth will be a good addition to the council.
“I think I’m possibly the person on the council who actually has known Ann for a while,” Gordon said, “and I’m thrilled that she’s willing to do this and join us on the council.”
