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Announcement Delivers Funding from 12 State Grant Programs That Will Help Create Over 18,000 Housing Units, 31,000 Jobs, and more than 14 Million Square Feet of Commercial Development
WORCESTER - On October 24, 2024, Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus announced more than $161 million for 313 grant awards to support local economic development projects in 171 communities across the state. The awards were made through the Community One Stop for Growth, an application portal overseen by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) that provides a streamlined process for municipalities and organizations to apply for 12 state grant programs that fund economic development projects related to planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, infrastructure, and housing development.
The grants were announced during a kickoff celebration in Worcester at the site of the Greendale Revitalization project, which is a recipient of an award through the MassWorks grant program, one of the largest programs in the One Stop.
"We are proud to be a state of strong cities and towns, made stronger by programs like the Community One Stop for Growth, which deliver the resources our communities need to grow their local economies and meet the needs of their residents," said Governor Maura Healey. “Communities will use these grants to build more housing and lower costs, improve road safety, revitalize their downtowns, create new jobs and more. We can’t wait to see the results of these investments all across the state.”
"The One Stop is an important vehicle for supporting our communities by empowering them to pursue their vision for economic growth," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "By working together and keeping our focus at the local level, we are creating opportunity, supporting affordability, and enhancing quality of life for all of our residents."
Through this round of the One Stop, EOED received 756 applications from 510 organizations with projects in 229 communities across the state. Of the 313 applications awarded, 33 percent are located in a rural or small town, 32 percent are located in a Gateway City, 48 percent are located in a Housing Choice Community, and 50 percent are located in an MBTA Community. 40 communities are receiving a grant through the One Stop for the first time.
EOED estimates the One Stop awards will help create more than 18,000 new units of housing, including 4,000 new affordable units, 31,000 new permanent jobs, and more than 14 million square feet of new commercial development.
"Every year, the Community One Stop for Growth invests in transformative projects that unlock local and regional economic growth," said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. "We are grateful to the hundreds of municipal partners, developers, and community leaders who submitted applications, and we look forward to partnering with you to bring your economic development projects to life in the years ahead."
“Cities and towns across the state are stepping up to plan and develop housing for individuals, families, and the people who keep Massachusetts running,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “The awards announced today are a recognition of this hard work and will support local infrastructure improvements, community planning efforts and economic development initiatives that are essential to building resilient and durable communities.”
The FY25 One Stop program awards include:
- MassWorks Infrastructure Program - $95 million awarded to 62 projects
- HousingWorks Infrastructure Program - $19,252,000 awarded to 12 projects
- Underutilized Properties Program - $18,704,674 awarded to 37 projects
- Rural Development Fund - $10 million awarded to 49 projects
- Site Readiness Program - $5,238,682 awarded to 18 projects
- Housing Choice Grant Program - $4,893,715 awarded to 21 projects
- Community Planning Grant Program - $2,841,336 awarded to 34 projects
- Urban Agenda Grant Program - $2.5 million awarded to 26 projects
- Brownfields Redevelopment Fund - $1,380,050 awarded to seven projects
- Collaborative Workspace Program - $1,100,549 awarded to 19 projects
- Massachusetts Downtown Initiative - $600,000 awarded to 24 projects
- Real Estate Services Technical Assistance - $250,000 awarded to six projects
The full list of grant recipients and project descriptions is available on the EOED website.
MassWorks, one of the state’s largest competitive grant programs, offers cities and towns flexible capital funding to support and accelerate economic development and job growth. This year, the administration is awarding grants to 56 communities through the MassWorks program. Among this year’s awardees, 28 are supporting mixed-use, housing, or commercial developments and 12 are improving road safety in small towns. These projects will create 5,158 units of housing, 7,163 permanent jobs, and 22,710 construction jobs.
HousingWorks provides municipalities with grants for a variety of infrastructure improvements that spur housing development and preservation. This year, the administration is awarding grants to 12 communities to create over 1,550 new housing units and preserve over 690 units of housing.
“Our team administers five of the One Stop programs on behalf of the Commonwealth, identifying the best opportunities to overcome barriers to development and drive progress in our cities and towns,” said MassDevelopment Deputy Director and Senior Executive Vice President Marcos Marrero. “Whether through a funding grant or technical assistance, these awards will create tangible impacts for Massachusetts in the form of new housing, new jobs, and more vibrant neighborhoods.”
“I feel incredibly grateful for the Healey-Driscoll administration’s decision to increase accessibility for community development funds,” said Mayor of Worcester Joseph M. Petty. “It was a privilege to host the announcement in our great city, at a location where we will undoubtedly benefit from the program.”
“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its continued support and funding of critical economic development projects in Worcester through the Community One Stop for Growth program,” said Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista. “This program enables projects like housing development, downtown revitalization, job creation, infrastructure improvement, and community empowerment that are critical to Worcester and municipalities across the Commonwealth.”
“Today’s investment means real money for infrastructure, housing, and community development is headed to cites and towns statewide,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This is a part of our all-hands-on-deck approach to solving the challenges of our time, and I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their quick and effective use of these dollars that were allocated by the Legislature.”
“The grants being celebrated today will improve our cities and towns’ infrastructure by funding critical local economic development projects,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I am proud of the work that we have done in the Legislature to appropriate funding for the many important projects that have been made possible by the Community One Stop for Growth program, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that they will have on our Commonwealth.”
“The Community One Stop for Growth is a transformative initiative that empowers cities and towns to lead their own economic development,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D- First Worcester District). “These grants provide vital support for housing, infrastructure, and job creation, which will have lasting impacts on communities like Worcester. By investing in projects that address local needs, we’re ensuring long-term growth and opportunity for residents across the Commonwealth.”
“Grants like those awarded through Community One Stop for Growth are key to ensuring our cities and towns continue to thrive,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m thrilled to be here with other members of the Worcester Delegation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and the community to celebrate these investments in our infrastructure, housing, community programs, and more. Looking to the future, I am eager to continue the Legislature’s collaboration with the Governor to ensure our communities have access to the funding they need to support every Bay Stater.”
“This grant will provide a once-in-a-generation chance to revitalize Greendale’s historic industrial campus that has been a cornerstone of the Worcester community for over a century,” said State Representative John Mahoney (D-13th Worcester District). “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the potential in announcing the Community One Stop for Growth Awards. By reimaging this space, we will lay the groundwork for new industries to flourish in Worcester well into the next century.”
“I am elated to see funding of $2.8M by way of the One Fund Growth Grant come to the Greendale Revitalization Project,” said State Representative James O’Day (D-14 Worcester District). “This project will be a vital economic development opportunity for the city that will enhance West Boylston Street’s commercial corridor by attracting new manufacturing and life sciences companies to Worcester and bring new job opportunities to the Greendale neighborhood.”
“As Worcester continues to focus on equitable economic development, it is important to have the support of the Commonwealth on efforts that support small businesses and a transition to the new green economy,” said State Representative David LeBoeuf (D-17th Worcester District). “These One Stop investments are going to have a positive impact on improving the overall wellbeing of our neighborhoods in the region.”
About the Community One Stop for Growth
The Community One Stop for Growth is a streamlined application process overseen by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) that provides easy access and opportunities for cities and towns to apply for 12 state grant programs administered by EOED, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the quasi-public agency MassDevelopment. Programs in the One Stop offer direct funding and support to economic development projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, infrastructure, and housing development. To learn more about the One Stop, visit www.mass.gov/onestop.