The Northampton Retirement Board is one of 106 contributory retirement systems for public employees within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Although each system operates independently, they are all bound together under one uniform retirement law, Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 32 establishes benefits and contributions requirements, as well as accounting and funding structures for all 106 systems. The Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) oversees these systems and ensures all boards act in compliance with Chapter 32. It is the responsibility of the Northampton Retirement Board to administer benefits for employees and retirees of the City of Northampton, the Northampton Housing Authority and Forbes Library.