November Newsletter – Shaping Communities Through Services, STEM, and Spatial Technology

November 24, 2025

Canstruction: Creative Design with a Cause

As we enter the holiday season, we’re especially grateful for our clients, colleagues, and employee-owners who make our work meaningful year-round. Your collaboration and commitment help us create stronger, more resilient communities across New England.

This spirit of generosity was on full display during BETA’s third annual Canstruction Contest, where teams combined creativity with compassion to support our neighbors in need. Participants across the company transformed canned goods into vibrant sculptures celebrating the Thanksgiving season, BETA projects, and the communities we serve.

This year’s creations were donated, along with other essential pantry items, to local food banks and those in need throughout New England. We’re proud to give back, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring this tradition to life once again.

Transforming the Built Environment Through STEM

Annually on November 8, STEM/STEAM Day reminds us to appreciate how science, technology, engineering, art, and math support nearly every aspect of our daily lives. A morning commute offers countless examples: downtown corridors redesigned to improve mobility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians; bridges installed with precision-driven construction technology; green spaces that restore natural systems; and modern infrastructure beneath our feet that keeps communities functioning safely.

Behind each of these improvements is a team of engineers, planners, environmental scientists, landscape architects, and GIS specialists who put STEM into action. They use data to guide investment decisions, apply creativity to solve complex design challenges, restore open spaces in urban environments, and develop infrastructure solutions that make our communities more connected.

Read more about how BETA’s team of STEAM professionals helps shape the world around you.

Celebrating the Power of Geospatial Technology

On November 19, we joined professionals around the world in celebrating GIS Day, which recognizes the transformative role geographic information systems play in understanding our world. This year’s theme, “Where Spatial Meets Everything,” highlights the expanding influence of GIS across infrastructure planning, environmental management, public safety, community engagement, and more.

At BETA, our growing geospatial team is at the forefront of this work. To honor GIS Day, we sat down with several of our newest teammates to learn what inspires them, how BETA supports their growth, and the ways they see GIS shaping the future of the communities we live and work in.

Explore their insights and discover how spatial technology is advancing the way we plan, manage, and maintain vital infrastructure.

What’s New for MassDOT Grant Central

MassDOT Grant Central recently launched some major upgrades designed to streamline and simplify the funding process for municipalities and regional partners. The new Fully Integrated Application (FIA) consolidates all MassDOT community grant programs into a single, unified form to streamline the system.

Key updates include:

  • A new FIA covering all six MassDOT community grant programs
  • Design costs as an eligible expense, up to $150,000
  • Construction grant support of up to $1,000,000
  • Equipment grants up to $250K for eligible programs

Additionally, two new MassDOT Grant Central programs have been announced:

  1. The Unpaved Roads Grant funds the maintenance, repair, and improvement of locally owned public dirt and gravel roads.
  2. The Community Culvert Grant supports the modernization, repair, replacement, removal, and resiliency of municipal culverts with an existing span of 10 feet or less.

Submit your applications by January 9, 2026 for consideration. Need help getting started? Reach out to Rick Stinson at RStinson@BETA-Inc.com for guidance.

Welcome to the Team!

Jay Metzger joins BETA’s Geospatial and Asset Management team as a senior project manager. He brings more than 15 years of experience in GIS administration, data analytics, and spatial technology, with a background supporting municipalities, state agencies, and regional planning initiatives. Jay has led enterprise-level GIS programs, developed data systems to improve decision-making, and managed projects in roadway management, public health, and spatial data visualization. At BETA, he will support clients with GIS implementation, asset management planning, and web-based geospatial tools that enhance efficiency, transparency, and long-term infrastructure resiliency.

Ready to join our award-winning team?

BETA will challenge you with interesting work and offers the potential for growth and advancement. We are currently looking for talented staff across many of our disciplines in offices throughout New England. Browse our current job openings.

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