Activities
Currently, MDI provides assistance through the following components:
- Desktop Technical Assistance
- Ongoing technical assistance on downtown-related issues is provided by staff via telephone, fax, and written materials based on requests from communities as well as referrals from DHCD staff. Recent requests have included how to develop business recruitment programs, upper story spaces, and downtown organizational bylaws.
- Download the Guidelines for MDI Technical Assistance Program.
Education and Training
MDI is charged with development of downtown education and training opportunities that meet the needs of communities at various stages of downtown revitalization. A series of workshops is held each year on topics such as business recruitment and retention, design issues, creating a business improvement district, or upper-story housing.
Eligible Applicants
Eligibility requirements vary among program components and restrictions may apply.
To access the application for MDI please use the Community One Stop application which can be found at www.mass.gov/onestop
Technical Assistance Grantees
FY 24 MDI Technical Assistance Grants
Town of Acton: Wayfinding and Branding
Town of Ashburnham: Wayfinding and Branding
Town of Athol: Design Guidelines
City of Attleboro: Pedestrian Experience Study
Town of Barnstable: Design Signage Standards
Town of Brookline: Phase 2 BID Implementation
Town of Edgartown: Wayfinding and Branding
Town of Falmouth: Parking Management Plan
City of Framingham: Design Guidelines
Town of Grafton: Wayfinding
City of Greenfield: Coordination of Organizations supporting the Downtown
Town of Hudson: BID Impact Study
Town of Lancaster: Wayfinding and Branding
Town of Leicester: Parking Plan with future Development
City of Lowell: Phase 1 BID Implementation
Town of Manchester by the Sea: Wayfinding and Branding
City of Quincy: Pedestrian Walkability Study
Town of Reading: Arts and Culture Plan
City of Revere: Parking Management Plan
City of Taunton: Downtown Branding
Town of West Springfield: Parking Wayfinding Plan
Town of Williamstown: Wayfinding and Branding
FY 23 MDI Grantees and Final Reports
City of Fitchburg Downtown Market Report
City of Gardner Wayfinding Report
City of Greenfield Parking Report
City of New Bedford Wayfinding Report
Town of Ashburnham Design Guidelines
Town of Essex Placemaking Report
Town of Manchester Placemaking Plan
Town of Middleborough Wayfinding Report
Town of Stougton Train Station Report
Town of Walpole Wayfinding Report