Baker-Polito Administration Expands Transformative Development Initiative For Gateway Cities

Statement

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the expansion of the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), a MassDevelopment program for Gateway Cities designed to accelerate economic growth within focused districts. Lt. Governor Karyn Polito made the announcement with MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, and members of the New Bedford legislative delegation at the WHALE Co-Creative Center in New Bedford.

"In Gateway Cities across the Commonwealth, we're seeing investments and capacity-building through the Transformative Development Initiative leading to strategic wins and progress toward long-term development goals," said Governor Charlie Baker. "Our administration is pleased to further expand this program, which represents an innovative, block-by-block approach to revitalizing local economies."

"I was proud to join local officials, community members, and our partners at MassDevelopment today to announce new support for the Transformative Development Initiative," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "In New Bedford and in other Gateway Cities, I've seen firsthand how this program is helping connect and empower local champions with the tools they need to advance their communities."

The announcement includes the selection of new districts in Chicopee and Fall River and the creation of a pilot regional fellow that will work across three Gateway Cities in southeastern Massachusetts, Attleboro, Barnstable, and Brockton. The Chicopee and Fall River districts will be awarded TDI fellows, who will provide economic development expertise and collaborative leadership in these cities.

The new fellows will join established fellows in existing districts in Chelsea, Fitchburg, Lawrence, and Worcester. Springfield, which was designated a TDI district in 2015, will remain a district and retain its fellow for two additional years thanks to a major financial commitment from MassMutual, the City of Springfield, and the Downtown Springfield BID. TDI districts receive technical assistance from third-party consultants and are eligible for special grants and real estate investments.

The announcement also includes the awarding of $270,000 in TDI Local grants to 10 projects in seven existing TDI districts to support downtown improvements for small business acceleration and job creation. Today's announcement marks the third round of this competitive grant program for TDI districts; the first two rounds included awards made to 16 projects in 10 TDI districts, with a total of $601,000 awarded.

"Congratulations to the new TDI districts in Chicopee and Fall River, to the cities in southeastern Massachusetts receiving a pilot regional fellow, and to the communities and organizations receiving TDI Local grants to support downtown improvements," said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. "Its unique tools and flexible approach continues to make the Transformative Development Initiative an effective program for catalyzing economic development within Gateway Cities."

MassDevelopment is also directing $450,000 to select properties in New Bedford, Springfield, and Worcester through its TDI Equity Investment Program, which allows the Agency to make strategic real estate investments in sites that will help spur transformative development in and around a TDI district.

"Often called "an accelerator for places,' the Transformative Development Initiative helps leverage redevelopment efforts and build momentum in Massachusetts' Gateway Cities," said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. "MassDevelopment is grateful for the support of the Baker-Polito Administration as we expand the program further and direct additional resources for continued, locally led economic growth and capacity building."

"Downtown New Bedford continues to blossom as a cultural destination, a commercial center, and a hub of start-up activity for the entire region. That renaissance would not be possible without strategic investments from our state partners in the Baker-Polito Administration, especially support from the Transformative Development Initiative. With a range of downtown development projects in various stages, and robust collaboration underway among our many private-sector and state partners, I have never been more optimistic about downtown New Bedford's prospects," said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.

"Since the establishment of the UMass Star Store 20 years ago, downtown New Bedford has undergone a complete arts and cultural renaissance," said Senator Mark Montigny, who wrote the legislation creating the arts campus and has long-championed state funding to support the transformation. "TDI has been a welcomed addition to this success in more recent years and we're pleased to see this partnership continue alongside the many artists and musicians who have long made New Bedford so special."

"Over the past three years, New Bedford's Downtown has experienced many tangible, positive impacts of the Transformative Development Initiative--a long-time Gateway City economic development priority," said Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral. "From investments in our arts community to small-business development and collaboration, the benefits of TDI have been widespread. MassDevelopment has done incredible work implementing the program and I am incredibly grateful for the Initiative's robust growth throughout the Commonwealth."

"Investments like those announced today have proven again and again to be excellent opportunities to spur economic development in New Bedford and other Gateway Cities," said Representative Christopher Hendricks. "The cooperation and collaboration between the State, the City of New Bedford, and local partners demonstrates that, with the right tools, we can lead transformative change in our community."

"TDI has assisted in the overall growth of New Bedford and has improved its public spaces, local arts network, marketing, and community development," said Representative Paul Schmid, III. "Without this, progress may have been much slower and less varied. The work that's been done is remarkable."

"With the assistance of the Transformative Development Initiative, the New Bedford Union and Purchase Innovation District has thrived greatly. The Initiative, along with its local partners here in New Bedford, have helped the District promote and accelerate development, beautify the area and provide beneficial guidance and support on the subject of economic development," said Representative William M. Straus.

TDI works with cross-sector partnerships to engage community members, implement local economic development initiatives, and spur further public and private investment. During the program's first three and a half years, MassDevelopment has invested $13.5 million in the TDI districts through tools such as technical assistance, real estate investments, grant programs, and fellows who work in the districts. That investment has directly influenced over $39.8 million and assisted an additional $80.6 million of public and private investments in the districts.