Massachusetts Rapid Recovery Plan (RRP) Program

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the $774 million Massachusetts Rapid Recovery Plan program was introduced to help local communities stabilize and kick-start economic recovery across the downtowns and local business districts across the state.

Cambridge Econometrics was selected by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to be the Plan Facilitator for the communities of Pittsfield and Montague (specifically the village of Turners Falls). The focus of this effort was to develop project-specific priorities to help them access upcoming funding opportunities to aid economic recovery. The result was actionable, project-based recovery plans tailored to the unique economic challenges of their local downtowns and commercial areas.

Dan Hodge acted as lead ‘plan facilitator’ assigned to the project applicants, and led data-driven analysis of business impacts, infrastructure conditions, parks/open space, and ground floor vacancies. This diagnostic was combined with extensive stakeholder engagement to identify and prioritize a recommended range of projects for the public realm, business support, arts and culture, and real estate development.

The plans were completed in October 2021. You can find the Turners Falls plan below and the Pittsfield Rapid Recovery Plan here.

Dan Hodge is an expert in local economic development with a long track record of helping local communities access funding. Drop Dan an email or give him a call on +1 401-648-6853.