Transformative Development Initiative

Our Approach and TDI Tools

TDI uses a toolbox approach, hanging multiple sub-programs for TDI Districts on a frame of partnership building and community engagement. Please note that programs are only available in active TDI Districts (or graduated TDI Districts where noted). Applications for TDI Districts are currently closed.

The signature component of TDI is the “TDI Fellows” program

TDI Fellows are full-time MassDevelopment employees hired specifically to provide economic development expertise and collaborative leadership in Gateway Cities for the duration of their designation in a TDI district. TDI Fellows serve as the main organizers for place-based economic development, leading and facilitating the day-to-day work of each TDI Partnership. The program offers an opportunity to be part of something different — it’s a unique, intensive on-the-ground role that requires flexibility, curiosity, and an entrepreneurial spirit, one that is much more focused on “field work” rather than “desk work.”

Partnership Development

The TDI Fellow cultivates a network of cross-sector stakeholders – “the TDI Partnership” – to facilitate district transformation with goals, strategies, and measurement practices. The partnership structure is usually comprised of local anchor institutions including the city, local neighborhood organizations, businesses, and local leaders.

Creative Economy Initiatives

Recognizing the outsized impact that the creative and cultural economies have on Gateway City downtowns and commercial districts, TDI has significantly expanded its work in this space over time with generous support from the Barr Foundation.

TDI Creative Cities

Creative Cities is a creative and cultural economy ecosystem builder designed to follow a city’s designation as a TDI District. This comprehensive program runs for two-plus years, supporting five interconnected program areas: 1) partnership growth; 2) leadership development; 3) project implementation; 4) place designation; and 5) network coordination and organization. TDI Creative Cities was co-designed and piloted with partners in New Bedford, and has since been expanded to Fitchburg, Lynn, and Springfield.

TDI Creative Catalyst Grant

Program Background and Eligibility

The TDI Creative Catalyst Grant (CCG) program is funded by the Barr Foundation and administered by MassDevelopment TDI. The program offers competitive grant opportunities for individuals, organizations, and project teams within active and graduated Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) districts. Applicants can apply for grants of between $20,000 and $125,000 to support public-facing projects that enhance local arts and cultural infrastructure and contribute to localized economic revitalization. The current application round is closed. 

Program Focus

The Creative Catalyst Program has two complementary objectives: First, it aims to address wealth disparities in Gateway Cities by offering adaptable funding at the neighborhood level for arts and culture initiatives, and second, it seeks to foster collaborations between established creative entities and emerging organizations in a way that helps advance economic development.

TDI Local

TDI Local is a tool for small business growth available annually in TDI Districts. Local partners design a custom program to deploy grant funding from MassDevelopment locally to meet their objectives. In the past, programs have included:

• Funding the improvement of the physical exterior appearance of businesses to enhance the districts.
• Providing small build-out grants to businesses opening in vacant storefronts.
• Enhancing business district visibility, marketing, lighting, and wayfinding.

TDI Equity Investment

TDI Equity Investments are the most significant real estate-specific tool in the TDI District toolkit. The program supports the catalytic transformation of commercial properties with the potential to spur additional transformative development in and around TDI Districts. Through the program, MassDevelopment invests in near-term projects that activate ground-floor and commercial spaces that will have significant economic impacts within a TDI District; are consistent with Commonwealth and agency priorities; engage and build capacity in local communities and with partners; catalyze market demand and support TDI District goals; and lack other sufficient funding sources to proceed.

Technical Assistance

MassDevelopment provides access to technical experts and consultants who work on local priority projects that enhance the revitalization of a TDI District and its surroundings. Types of technical assistance provided in the past have included:

• Planning studies
• Strategic plans
• Downtown urban design strategies
• Market strategies
• Investor prospectus development
• Community visioning
• Storefront activation
• Industry cluster analysis
• Marketing and branding
• District financing and management