Holyoke among six Gateway Cities receiving state economic help for downtown

MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative named Holyoke one of six Gateway Cities to receive a full‑time development fellow and access to grants and expert support for downtown projects.

Holyoke has been selected as one of six Gateway Cities to receive support from MassDevelopment's latest round of the Transformative Development Initiative. The city will receive a full‑time development fellow and new state investment aimed at accelerating momentum in its downtown. The TDI program provides grants, expert support, and planning help for small businesses, real estate projects, arts and culture. Holyoke previously participated in earlier TDI rounds and has focused recent development work on strengthening its downtown district. Key details: - Holyoke is one of six Gateway Cities chosen for this round of the Transformative Development Initiative. - Each selected community will receive a full‑time, on‑site development expert and access to grants and technical support to guide downtown planning and projects. - MassDevelopment is launching the Gateway Network to connect past and current TDI districts so local leaders and small businesses can share ideas and solutions. - Since 2015, the TDI program has invested about $50 million in participating districts and helped attract hundreds of millions more in public and private investment. - Local small‑business owners Carlos Peña and Katy Peña Moonan said MassDevelopment support was crucial to restoring their High Street building, a project that cost nearly $700,000 and was funded through a mix of public and private sources. - Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley said the agency hopes the initiative will strengthen local partnerships, support small businesses, foster vibrancy, and lay groundwork for additional investment. Summary: The immediate effect is on‑site staff and financial resources aimed at advancing downtown projects in Holyoke and five other Gateway Cities. MassDevelopment will also connect TDI districts through the new Gateway Network to promote shared learning. Officials describe the supports as intended to strengthen partnerships, bolster small businesses and help attract further investment.