MassDevelopment has selected six Gateway Cities to participate in its Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), a competitive program designed to accelerate economic growth within focused downtown neighborhoods or commercial districts. Newly designated districts within the cities of Chelsea, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lowell, Malden and Peabody will be awarded TDI fellows – MassDevelopment employees who will provide on-the-ground economic development expertise and collaborative leadership – and will have access to a range of tools to help accelerate development.

MassDevelopment is also launching the Gateway Network, a platform to connect Gateway City leaders, small businesses, local developers, and other partners from former TDI districts. The Network will offer peer-to-peer learning and shared problem-solving to continue to advance local revitalization goals.

“MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative brings a full-time economic development professional and a suite of tools and resources to help cities advance a shared vision for their downtown or commercial district,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s board of directors.