Gov. announces $330M for economic development, housing projects

Gov. Maura Healey today announced the award of $330 million for 403 local economic development and housing projects in 207 communities across Massachusetts through the Community One Stop for Growth.

The governor said the awards will support more than 27,000 new homes, more than 13,000 permanent jobs, and more than 7 million square feet of new commercial development, while helping to unlock an estimated $24.6 billion in private investment.

The total grant awards, and the number of communities receiving them, are the largest numbers in the history of the 5-year-old One Stop program.

The Community One Stop for Growth, overseen by the Executive Office of Economic Development, is a central portal for cities, towns and organizations to access state funding for projects that create housing, strengthen downtowns, prepare sites for development, build construction, and support local economic growth.

“The One Stop makes it easier for communities to access the resources they need to move important local projects forward,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in a prepared statement.

This year’s awards are being delivered through 14 grant programs administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and MassDevelopment — and will reach every region of Massachusetts. Thirteen communities are receiving One Stop funding for the first time.

Of the 402 projects receiving awards, 36% are in rural communities, 24% are in Gateway Cities, 37% are in Housing Choice Communities, and half are in MBTA Communities, according to the administration.

“The Community One Stop helps us partner with cities and towns to support projects that can unlock new investment and create meaningful economic growth,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “This year’s awards will help communities prepare sites for development, improve infrastructure, bring underused properties back into productive use, and support thousands of new jobs and homes across Massachusetts.”

“Since its launch five years ago, Community One Stop for Growth has been a game changer for cities and towns as they pursue economic development projects across Massachusetts,” said MMA Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. “The state’s municipal leaders are very grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for its commitment to supporting and growing this success story.”

Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, president of the MMA, said this year’s funding will help her city make important investments that improve pedestrian safety and implement traffic calming measures, “while helping to connect our neighborhoods and address infrastructure needs in an area of Amesbury that is seeing a significant level of housing development.”

“Most municipalities simply do not have the resources to take on projects like these locally, making partnerships and funding opportunities from the state so important to the success and growth of our communities,” she said, adding that she is “so grateful” to the administration.

Programs and funding amounts
The fiscal 2027 One Stop program awards include the following:
• HousingWorks Infrastructure Program: $109.7 million for 54 projects
• MassWorks Infrastructure Program: $105.1 million for 59 projects
• MBTA Community Catalyst Fund: $51.1 million for 24 projects
• Underutilized Properties Program: $17.3 million for 35 projects
• Seaport Economic Council Grant Program: $12.1 million for 20 projects
• Rural Development Fund: $10 million for 48 projects
• Housing Choice Grant Program: $7 million for 27 projects
• Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program: $4.9 million for 42 projects
• Site Readiness Program: $4.6 million for 15 projects
• Community Planning Grant Program: $3.9 million for 43 projects
• TDI Equity Investment Program: $1.8 million for 11 projects
• Brownfields Redevelopment Fund: $1 million for five projects
• Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program: $580,000 for 12 projects
• Real Estate Services Technical Assistance: $550,000 for eight projects

Visit the Community One Stop for Growth website for the full list of grant recipients and project descriptions.