Malden wins competitive economic development designation, joins MassDevelopment accelerator

Special to The Advocate

Malden’s downtown area will receive a suite of tools and resources for economic development at no cost to Malden residents following the City of Malden’s successful application to MassDevelopment’s highly competitive, place-based development program for Gateway Cities, which is known as the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI). MassDevelopment will commit a full-time economic development professional to Malden for three years to provide on-the-ground expertise and collaboration with area residents, businesses and community organizations to help accelerate economic development opportunities. MassDevelopment will also provide technical assistance, grants and more resources to advance inclusive economic development in downtown Malden that builds on existing community strengths and character.

“This is a major victory for the future of economic development in Malden,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “MassDevelopment’s TDI program brings significant resources and unparalleled expertise to leverage the strength of our economic core to make it even better. We are thrilled to receive this designation, and grateful to our community, business, and nonprofit partners that have helped get us to this critical stage.”

TDI uses an accelerator model, committing intensive resources for a defined period to real estate development, small business stability and growth, arts and cultural amenities, placemaking and targeted technical assistance and strategic planning. This work is laid on a platform of community engagement and partnership development; TDI requires that cities assemble a cross-sector partnership to apply and, over the course of the program, works to make the partnership more representative of the neighborhood and use it as a platform to grow sustaining, working relationships.

The TDI District award was made to the City of Malden and its partners: the Malden Chamber of Commerce, Creative Malden, First Seed Sown, Greater Malden Asian American Community Coalition, Malden Arts, Malden Creates, and Urban Media Arts. Malden’s new TDI District will encompass the downtown and surrounding areas.

“We are thrilled that MassDevelopment has chosen Malden and its outstanding partner organizations to be its newest TDI District,” said Malden Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Director Alex Pratt. “The resources MassDevelopment can offer our City to help foster inclusive economic development, increase foot traffic and attention to our downtown, and offering support for our small business owners have been successful for other districts in the past – and we look forward to their success in Malden.”

“The Malden Chamber of Commerce is thrilled that our district has been selected to participate in MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative,” said Malden Chamber of Commerce Board President Barsha Gautam and Executive Director Marianne Cohen in a joint statement. “This recognition reflects the strong collaboration between the City, the Chamber, and our community partners who are deeply committed to Malden’s continued growth and vitality. We are proud to be part of this collective effort and look forward to working alongside our partners to leverage this opportunity to support small businesses, strengthen our commercial districts, and attract continued energy and investment to our community. This is an exciting step forward for Malden.”

“Creative Malden is proud to partner with the City of Malden and our arts and culture community to bring creativity and connection to our City,” said Creative Malden President Sandy Felder. “We are also honored that Malden has been accepted by MassDevelopment as a TDI District, strengthening our ability to serve our community and grow together.”

“First Seed Sown is thrilled to have this TDI partnership come to Malden,” said First Seed Sown Principal Owner Darren Josey. “As a creator of The Great Malden Outdoors and a contributor to the Malden Gaming District, this City has incredible natural and cultural resources that have yet to meet their full potential for equitable economic impact. With this partnership, current and future Maldonians will benefit from the experience this program provides for generations to come.”

“The Greater Malden Asian American Community Coalition (GMAACC) is proud to be part of the Transformative District Initiative, building on the strong partnerships and spirit of community care that make Malden so special,” said GMAACC Executive Director Mina Kim. “Through this collaborative effort, we are excited to strengthen community-rooted infrastructure, support local economic vitality, and help cultivate vibrant, culturally grounded spaces for our communities.”

“Malden Arts is so excited to be a part of this group effort with TDI and other wonderful Malden organizations to make and keep Malden a vibrant downtown community,” said Malden Arts Board Member Naomi Kahn.

“Urban Media Arts (UMA) in Malden is thrilled to be part of this effort and partnering with other wonderful community groups and organizations,” said UMA Development Director Felicia Ryan. “Since 1987 we’ve been a hub of collaboration and creativity. We look forward to contributing to the growth and vitalization of Malden.”

Malden joins Chelsea, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lowell and Peabody as new members of the TDI program. The new Malden TDI District will launch effective July 1, 2026, and will go on for a period of three years.

To learn more about MassDevelopment’s TDI program, please visit www.massdevelopment.com/products-and-services/funding-and-tools/tdi/