Four Bristol County cities chosen as part of economic expansion program
Since the program was established in 2015, MassDevelopment has previously supported 16 districts in the Commonwealth.
NEW BEDFORD, M.A. (WLNE) – Four Bristol County gateway cities have been picked to be part of the next group to receive funding from a program to accelerate economic growth.
On Tuesday Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, along with other state and local officials, announced Taunton (Whittenton District), Fall River (South Main), Attleboro (Downtown), and New Bedford (Acushnet Ave/North End) were part of the new 12 cities added to this state-run program, with over $23.7 million dollars in available assistance.
This is the second time an area in New Bedford has been picked.
This Massachusetts developmental program is called Transformative Development Initiative. It essentially focuses on a section in a gateway city and works to revive and propel its local economy.
The state says in order for a city to be chosen, it must be a ‘gateway city’:
- ‘Mid-sized’- 35,000 to 250,000 residents.
- Have a median household income below the state median.
- Be below the state average in college graduates.
Officials say once an area in a city is picked, a ‘fellow’ or representative will be designated to that area. There, they will help recruit diverse applicants, lead workshops on leadership, give advice on how to ‘spruce’ up a store front, help businesses apply for local grants and other pathways to economic stimulation.
The other cities chosen include Barnstable (Hyannis), Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Pittsfield, Revere, Springfield, and Worcester.
Since the program was established in 2015, MassDevelopment has previously supported 16 districts in the Commonwealth.
For more information on this program please click here.
