Apply for the 2019 Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Academy Today

LOCUS has opened applications for the inaugural Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy, a five-month technical assistance program that aims to ensure that Massachusetts communities are prepared to make the most of the federal Opportunity Zones tax incentive.

Once the application period closes on Friday, May 3rd, LOCUS will select 3-5 Massachusetts communities to participate in a three-part technical assistance program that will equip participants with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary for developing sustainable growth and development strategies that balance the demand for walkable Opportunity Zones with the need for jobs, housing, open space, and transportation that is attainable and accessible to all.

Learn more about the Academy here and register for one of the 2019 Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy: What you need to know webinars for more information on Monday, April 15 or Wednesday, April 17.

New England Zoning and Development Spotlight

Commonwealth Updates

• The City of Boston is taking a close look at its inclusionary housing policy, how to incorporate ADUs, and options for funding new affordable housing.

• A nonprofit developer in Lenox has been chosen to build a 50-unit mixed-income rental development pending additional town meeting approvals.

• A developer is vying for TIF and state tax benefits to create more housing in downtown Fall River.

• Newton and Braintree are slowing down their respective plans to rezone after resident concerns. Saugus passed a 2-year moratorium on permitting new multifamily housing.

• A downtown Attleboro mixed-use project in the new TOD zone was instructed to downsize per city officials.

• Wellesley is holding a special town meeting to discuss possible Chapter 40R Smart Growth Zoning overlays.

TOD and Complete Streets

• The Cambridge City Council has passed the country’s first bike lane mandate.

• South Hadley is taking advantage of a MassWorks grant to implement complete streets and attract smart growth development.

• Commuter rail ridership increases in Brockton could lead to expanded TOD opportunities.

• The public street-level passageway has gone through a redesign and renaming in Boston’s Millennium tower project.

Recent Report Releases

• LOCUS’ 2019 Federal Financing Toolkit has been released, detailing federal funding opportunities for a variety of smart growth projects. To download your copy, click here.

• The MassDOT Regional Transit Authority Task Force released a report on the state of RTAs in Massachusetts along with goals and recommendations surrounding transit investment, management, service, and sustainability.

• A policy report was recently published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston highlighting shortages in the commonwealth’s stock of housing that is affordable to extremely low income populations.

2019 LOCUS Leadership Summit: Opportunity Rising

This June, join LOCUS, in partnership with Smart Growth America’s First & Main coalition and the Transit-Oriented Development Peer Network, at the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Summit: Opportunity Rising. We'll learn about critical real estate industry disruptors on track to transform the way people live, work, play, and move in our nation’s cities and towns. Registration is open--reserve your spot today!

Submit a project for the 2019 Smart Growth Showcase

We will be hosting a Smart Growth Showcase at the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Summit: Opportunity Rising, designed to connect those with challenging development projects with real estate investors and developers who have the ability to make complex projects happen. Selected projects will be invited to present throughout the day and participate in an interactive, deal-making lunch on June 24 in Washington, DC. Learn more about the Showcase and submit your project here. Submissions must be received by April 22nd.

Nominate a developer for the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Awards

Do you know a real estate developer, investor, or company creating great walkable places and demonstrating exemplary public leadership to advance smart growth development? If so, nominate them for the 2019 LOCUS National Leadership Awards. Nominations must be received by Thursday, May 16, 2019.

RFPs and Announcements

• Last chance to nominate a code for the Driehaus Form-Based Codes Award sponsored by the Form-Based Codes Institute! Applications are due April 12th. Find out more information here.

• Boston is accepting bids to redevelop a deteriorated single-family home in Roxbury into a 1-2 family building with historically-sensitive restoration. Proposals are due by April 29th. More information can be found here.

• Mendon, MA has listed an RFP to purchase a 1.73 acre rural residential lot. Proposals must be submitted by May 20th. More information can be found here.

Renew LOCUS membership or become a member
We are always looking for more voices to join us as we advocate for better federal, state, and local policies and walkable urban communities. If you are a real estate developer, investor, or advocate interested in joining this effort, become a member of LOCUS today. Already a member and need to renew? Renewing is easy, just click here. 

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