MMA asks Economic Development Committee to support development investments in Mass Wins Act

The Honorable Carole A. Fiola, House Chair
The Honorable Barry R. Finegold, Senate Chair
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
State House, Boston

Delivered electronically

Dear Chair Fiola, Chair Finegold, and Distinguished Members of the Committee,

On behalf of cities and towns across the Commonwealth, the MMA wishes to express our deep appreciation for the opportunity to offer testimony in support of H. 5386, commonly referred to as the Mass Wins Act.

We want to start by thanking you and the Committee for its commitment and support of the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns. This includes the work culminating in the historic Mass Leads Act of 2024, which provided policy tools and bonding authorizations focused on our communities and thriving downtowns.

H. 5386 appropriately builds off of this framework, providing programs and policy reflecting a strong partnership with municipalities throughout the Commonwealth. This will be essential as cities and towns continue their economic recovery efforts, revitalize local economic hubs, and work to attract new talent and residents.

There are several priority areas of interest to municipalities in the legislation, and we respectfully ask for your consideration.

Capital Authorizations and Funding
The MMA supports the inclusion of various capital authorizations aimed at strengthening the state’s competitiveness and lowering costs for businesses. This includes the $25 million for the Downtowns Initiative delivered through the Community One Stop program. Local main streets and downtown commercial cores are the economic engines of our communities, yet many continue to face persistent vacancy and foot traffic challenges. This targeted funding provides flexible capital that allows municipalities to reduce storefront vacancies, enhance pedestrian infrastructure, and create resilient commercial districts that keep local economies vibrant.

The MMA also supports the bill’s $25 million authorization for the Creative Economy Capital Program. Our cultural and artistic sectors generate billions for the Commonwealth’s economy, but they rely entirely on the strength of local community infrastructure. This program will deliver transformative capital grants directly to municipalities for streetscape improvements, historic district rehabilitation, wayfinding signage, and the modernization of public gathering and performance spaces. By investing in these creative assets, Mass Wins would help municipalities build the vibrant, deeply unique cultural environments that attract global talent.

Site Plan Review
The MMA continues to support a standardized site plan review process. We understand that a uniform framework can create predictable and transparent timelines for all parties, including local officials, developers, and residents. This opportunity could assist all parties in moving projects from the drawing board to breaking ground more quickly and efficiently. However, every city and town has distinct needs, which is why appropriate flexibility will be an important consideration. We encourage the Committee to accommodate the various perspectives of municipal officials as the process moves forward.

Commercial Conversion
The MMA supports accelerating the conversion of underutilized commercial properties and building upon the Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative through an optional commercial conversion program. Streamlining commercial conversion practices and allowing for building code flexibility will better allow for these renovation and conversion projects to more quickly become a reality. However, we have concerns over language in Section 37 that could give preference to HousingWorks funding to communities that have adopted the commercial conversion program. HousingWorks funding is critical statewide for producing, preserving, and rehabilitating affordable housing. Prioritizing communities who have adopted the commercial conversion program could leave many communities further behind in their affordable housing work, essentially turning this incentive into a penalty for others who may not have feasible commercial conversion opportunities.

Conclusion
Local officials are eager to implement many of these programs on projects to revitalize and develop their communities, attracting new talent and visitors to the state. The economic development investments proposed in this bill will help support our communities and ensure our cities and towns remain the best place to live and thrive.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to have your office contact me or MMA Legislative and Policy Counsel Ali DiMatteo at any time.

Thank you for your support of 351 cities and towns and for your consideration on this important matter.

Sincerely,

Adam Chapdelaine
MMA Executive Director and CEO