Six Gateway Cities Selected for Economic Development Accelerator
MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) to Advance Economic Growth in Chelsea, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lowell, Malden & Peabody by Committing Full-Time Fellows, Technical Assistance, Grants & More for Three-Year Period
February 17, 2026
Kelsey Schiller, 857-325-3477
kschiller@massdevelopment.com
BOSTON – Today, MassDevelopment announced the selection of 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, including technical assistance, grants, and more during a three-year period.
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. More details will be available on the Gateway Network website at gatewaynetworkma.com.
“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. “We look forward to seeing how this program continues to help communities strengthen local partnerships, support small businesses, foster vibrancy, and lay the groundwork for additional investment.”
“Since its creation in 2015, we’ve seen our Transformative Development Initiative help Gateway Cities kickstart meaningful revitalization by empowering community members, providing collaborative leadership, and injecting resources to advance key real estate, small business, and creative economy projects,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “MassDevelopment is proud to continue delivering this type of support in six newly designated districts in Chelsea, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lowell, Malden, and Peabody. Together with our new Gateway Network, MassDevelopment is continuing its long-term commitment to ensuring Gateway Cities remain competitive, vibrant hubs and regional centers of economic opportunity.”
"The Transformative Development Initiative has helped Gateway Cities across the Commonwealth spur economic growth, revitalize neighborhoods, and position communities and residents for long term success," said Senator John Cronin (D – Fitchburg), Co-Chair of the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus. "I'm excited for the impact TDI will have on these communities and look forward to continuing to support this program and other initiatives to help realize the full potential of all of our Gateway Cities.”
“As House Chair of the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus, I am thrilled by the news of MassDevelopment’s TDI investment and the launch of the Gateway Network,” said Representative Antonio Cabral (D – New Bedford), Co-Chair of the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus. “For too long, our Gateway Cities have faced systemic barriers to accessing the resources and support needed to compete economically. This initiative will provide much-needed attention to economic development opportunity gaps while creating intentional pathways for collaboration, investment, and shared success across our Gateway Cities. I am grateful for MassDevelopment’s continued investment and leadership in recognizing that Gateway Cities are the economic backbone of the Commonwealth. Opportunities like these don’t just strengthen individual communities, they create ripple effects that benefit our entire state and regional economy for years to come.”
The Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) is MassDevelopment’s signature place-based economic development program for Gateway City downtowns and commercial districts. TDI uses an accelerator model, committing intensive resources for a defined period to real estate development, small business stability and growth, arts and cultural amenities, placemaking, and targeted technical assistance and strategic planning. This work is laid on a platform of community engagement and partnership development; the agency requires that cities assemble a cross-sector partnership to apply and, over the course of the program, works to make the partnership more representative of the neighborhood and use it as a platform to grow sustaining, working relationships.
TDI districts are walkable, dense environments that have the potential to attract investment, inspire a wave of growth, and transform Gateway Cities. Since 2015, MassDevelopment has invested $50 million in TDI districts through tools such as technical assistance, real estate investments, grant programs, and fellows who work in the districts. That investment has directly influenced more than $168 million in public investment and $314 million in private investment in the districts, and assisted in securing an additional $8 million in philanthropic investment. Investing social and financial capital in TDI districts generates a multiplier effect, circulating resources locally, which ultimately stimulates further economic activity in Gateway Cities.
“The new TDI Fellows will provide essential on-the-ground capacity that Gateway Cities need to pursue transformative local economic development strategies,” said Joe Kriesberg, CEO of MassINC. “The partnership between the municipality, community leaders, and the state illustrates the kind of integrated, place-centered approach we should continue to build upon here in the commonwealth.”
MassDevelopment previously designated 28 TDI districts across the Commonwealth and provided other support through the TDI Creative Cities program, in partnership with the Barr Foundation, to four additional cities. The most recent cohort of TDI districts, which included Attleboro, Barnstable (Hyannis), Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Revere, Springfield, Taunton, and Worcester, graduated in fall 2025 and can now participate in the Gateway Network to access continued support.
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, delivers financing solutions, real estate expertise, and other assistance to strengthen and grow the Massachusetts economy. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, developers, banks, and municipalities, providing resources to help create jobs, build housing, and foster vibrant communities across the state. During FY2025, MassDevelopment financed or managed 409 projects generating investment of more than $4.65 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 25,246 jobs and build or preserve 2,867 housing units.