Boston – Through the Transformative Development Initiative, a place-based development program for Gateway Cities, MassDevelopment is soliciting nominations from Gateway City officials and their partners seeking to spur sustained economic development for designated districts in their cities.
Once selected, TDI Districts will receive enhanced and customized technical assistance, capacity to implement district plans, real estate services, grants to spur local market activity, access to peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and eligibility for real estate equity investments that will leverage other investments and economic activities.
The program’s first call for nominations resulted in 10 districts across the Commonwealth, seven of which have TDI Fellows who provide economic development expertise and collaborative leadership in their cities. TDI’s pilot programs of placemaking and collaborative workspaces have served as an innovation lab for the agency, demonstrating value for Gateway Cities and catalyzing statewide programming.
MassDevelopment will designate four to six new districts as part of this second round. Current TDI partnerships can either apply for an extension of their existing TDI District, or apply to have a different district in their city considered for designation.
“The Transformative Development Initiative is a comprehensive approach to stimulating growth in the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “From Pittsfield to Peabody, we’ve seen communities create opportunities for economic growth and neighborhood revitalization through the TDI District designation. The Baker-Polito Administration is excited for the next step in this critical program.”
“TDI’s first three years have taught us a great deal about how to approach economic development in the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. “TDI Districts are the heart of this program, as these areas – often in downtowns or critical commercial areas – lay the groundwork for community engagement and partnership. We look forward to reviewing the nominations and selecting an exciting group of districts.”
