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SD 387

An Act establishing the Office of Massachusetts Main Streets

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis

Creates the Office of Massachusetts Main Streets to promote, protect, and coordinate downtown and Main Street efforts across federal, state, and local levels.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 387

Summary of Senate Bill No. 387: An Act Establishing the Office of Massachusetts Main Streets

Purpose and intent

  • Creates a dedicated Office of Massachusetts Main Streets to promote and protect the Commonwealth’s downtown and commercial districts.
  • Establishes the Office within the existing Office of Business Development.
  • The new office would function as the principal state entity for supporting Main Street activities across cities and towns, coordinating efforts at federal, state, and local levels.

What the bill would change (key provisions)

  • Legal insertion: The bill would amend Chapter 23A of the 2022 Official Edition of the General Laws by adding a new section 13 1/2, titled “Office of Massachusetts Main Streets.”
  • Scope and functions:
    • Serve as the principal agency for promoting and protecting downtown and commercial districts within the Commonwealth.
    • Provide informational, marketing, and technical assistance to Main Street groups at the federal, state, and local levels.
    • Coordinate federal, state, and local Main Street efforts to advance the goal of promoting and protecting downtown and commercial districts.
  • Placement: The Office of Massachusetts Main Streets would be established within the existing Office of Business Development.

Who/what would be affected

  • Local governments (cities and towns) with downtown and commercial districts.
  • Main Street organizations and business districts seeking guidance and coordination.
  • Agencies at the federal, state, and local levels involved in downtown revitalization and Main Street programs.
  • The broader Massachusetts economy, particularly downtown revitalization, development, and small business activity.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: March 10, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to the committee on Community Development and Small Businesses on March 10, 2025.
  • Status: House concurred (as part of the concurrent consideration process) on or around the same date noted in the record.
  • Related context: Similar provisions were previously introduced in a prior session (Senate No. 133 of 2023-2024).

Additional notes

  • The bill text provided does not specify funding levels or fiscal details; any appropriation or cost implications would likely be determined through future budget processes or amendments.
  • The proposal builds on the concept of a centralized state framework to support Main Street initiatives and coordinate efforts across government and local organizations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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