This program is part of the Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process of community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. This process will streamline the experience for the applicant and better coordinate programs and staff on engagement and grant making. It will also reorient the State from a passive reviewer of funding requests to an active partner in economic development strategy, priories, and investment. Access to this program is now exclusively available through the One Stop. Learn more about the One Stop
To learn more about the Rapid Recovery Plan (RRP) Program, please visit the program website.
Questions: Send an email to Emmy Hahn at elizabeth.hahn@mass.gov
The primary mission of the MDI is to make downtown revitalization an integral part of community development in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. MDI's guiding principles are that the most effective approach to downtown revitalization is a holistic one; that it addresses economic and community development needs; and that it provides a framework of interrelated activities that promote positive change in a downtown to keep it healthy and prosperous.
Successful downtown revitalization is comprehensive and includes a well-balanced community strategy composed of seven downtown building blocks:
* Encouraging Community Involvement & Ownership;
* Preserving & Enhancing Downtown Character;
* Ensuring Economic Vitality;
* Promoting Downtown Assets;
* Getting Into & Around Downtown;
* Living Downtown; and,
* Keeping Downtown Safe.
Activities
Currently, MDI provides assistance through the following components:
- Desktop Technical Assistance
- Ongoing technical assistance on downtown-related issues is provided by staff via telephone, fax, and written materials based on requests from communities as well as referrals from DHCD staff. Recent requests have included how to develop business recruitment programs, upper story spaces, and downtown organizational bylaws.
- Download the Guidelines for the MDI Technical Assistance program.
FY24 MA Downtown Initiative Program Guidelines
FY24 One Stop Full Application - MA Downtown Initiative
Additional Resources
Education and Training
MDI is charged with development of downtown education and training opportunities that meet the needs of communities at various stages of downtown revitalization. A series of workshops is held each year on topics such as business recruitment and retention, design issues, creating a business improvement district, or upper-story housing.
Eligible Applicants
Eligibility requirements vary among program components and restrictions may apply.
To access the application for MDI please use the Community One Stop application which can be found at www.mass.gov/onestop
Technical Workshops
Technical Assistance Grantees
Cultural District:
Cultural District: City of North Adams
Design:
District Management:
District Management: Town of Hudson
District Management: Town of Rockland
Economics of Downtown:
Economics of Downtown: Town of Athol
Economics of Downtown: City of Beverly
Economics of Downtown: Town of Dracut
Economics of Downtown: City of Greenfield
Economics of Downtown: Town of Groveland
Economics of Downtown: Town of Lancaster
Economics of Downtown: Town of Middleborough
Economics of Downtown: Town of Montague/Millers Falls
Economics of Downtown- Town of Palmer
Economics of Downtown: City of Saugus
Economics of Downtown: Town of Stoughton
Economics of Downtown: Town of Stow
Economics of Downtown: Town of West Newbury
Economics of Downtown: Town of Williamsburg
Housing:
Mixed Use Development:
Mixed Use Development: Town of South Hadley
Mobility(Parking):
Placemaking:
Placemaking: Town of Burlington
Small Business Support:
Small Business Support: City of Agawam
Wayfinding/Branding:
Wayfinding: City of Easthampton
Wayfinding: Town of Foxborough
Wayfinding: City of Newburyport
Wayfinding: Town of North Chelmsford
Wayfinding: Town of Sunderland