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SD 2014

An Act relative to transformative development initiatives in rural communities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Mark

Massachusetts creates a rural development initiative to spur investment, create jobs, and accelerate local planning, administered by EOHD under a Mass Development contract.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2014

Summary: An Act relative to transformative development initiatives in rural communities (Senate Docket No. 2014)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill would create a dedicated rural development initiative to spur investment, job creation, and local economic development in rural areas. It would be administered through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) under a contract with the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment), leveraging technical assistance and cross-sector collaboration to advance rural communities’ planning and economic momentum.

Key Provisions

  • New authority added to law: The bill adds subsection (o) to Section 16G of Chapter 6A, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition.
  • Leadership and collaboration: The Secretary of Housing and Economic Development must, in consultation with the Rural Policy Advisory Commission, establish the rural development initiative.
  • Administration: The initiative is to be administered by the Executive Office through a contract with MassDevelopment (established by Chapter 23G, Sec. 2).
  • Core functions and goals: The initiative shall provide technical assistance to:
    • Identify and implement strategies to spur direct investment in rural communities
    • Create jobs and expand businesses
    • Identify cross-sector partnerships
    • Accelerate engagement of community members in actionable planning
    • Implement local economic development initiatives

Who and What Is Affected

  • Primary stakeholders: Rural communities across Massachusetts, including local governments, businesses, and residents.
  • State actors: Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Rural Policy Advisory Commission, and MassDevelopment as the contracted administrator.
  • Partners: Potentially local organizations and private sector partners involved in rural investments and development projects.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Status actions: Referred to the committee on Housing on February 27, 2025; House concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • Funding and implementation timelines: The text does not specify funding levels, grant programs, or exact implementation timelines; these details would likely be addressed in subsequent legislative steps or implementing regulations.

Background and Context

  • The bill references a similar measure previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (Senate No. 889), indicating continued legislative interest in rural development initiatives.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Expected to foster targeted technical assistance and investment strategies in rural MA, potentially accelerating job creation and business expansion.
  • Success depends on funding levels, accountability metrics, and effective coordination among the EOHD, Rural Policy Advisory Commission, and MassDevelopment.
  • Questions for further consideration include funding sources, measurable outcomes, geographic targeting, and how success will be evaluated and reported to the Legislature.

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

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