Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, along with Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, and Housing & Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus, have announced the allocation of $164 million to support local projects across the state. This funding, dispersed through 338 grants, will benefit 161 communities and is provided by the Community One Stop for Growth. The initiative allows municipalities and organizations to apply for 13 state grant programs focused on planning, zoning, construction, infrastructure, and housing development, according to Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll press released.
The One Stop program is acclaimed as crucial to growth, development, and the strengthening of local economies across Massachusetts. By creating new jobs and housing opportunities, it also aims to build vibrant downtowns and unlock economic potential in every region. Additionally, the administration's initiatives such as One Stop will simplify the application process for communities allowing access to funding for HousingWorks and Housing Choice Community Grants.
Through this round, the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) reported to have received nearly 783 applications from 239 communities, spanning all regions of the state. The diversity of the awarded funding includes 26 percent to rural and small towns, 33 percent to Gateway Cities, 61 percent to MBTA Communities, and 49 percent to a Housing Choice Community. The EOED also expects the awarded funding to create more than 8,000 new housing units, 3,000 of which will be affordable. In addition, it will offer 10,000 new permanent jobs and over 5.4 million square feet of commercial development, the press release noted.
The Community One Stop for Growth is designed to provide equitable access to state resources, with a focus on building an inclusive economy. The program includes 13 state grants, such as the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, HousingWorks Infrastructure Program, Underutilized Properties Program, and the Rural and Small Town Development Fund, among others.
One instance of the initiative's impact is the allocation of $91 million worth of awards to 53 projects under the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. This program, part of the state's largest competitive grant systems, provides flexible capital funding to cities and towns. It is expected to enable the creation of over 4,100 permanent jobs, 9,800 construction jobs, and 4,525 units of housing, as the press release highlights.
To accomplish its objectives, HousingWorks offers municipalities funding for various infrastructure improvements spurring housing development and preservation. In its inaugural year, it allocated grants to 15 communities, ensuring support or preservation of over 2,100 units of housing.
