The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) is excited to share an update on the MVCulture project, a creative initiative designed to connect Merrimack Valley residents and visitors to arts, culture, and nature along the region’s free public transit routes....
With support from the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) of MassDevelopment, the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission’s Community and Economic Development Department is making available the remaining 2025 TDI Funds to continue providing support to Downtown...
MVPC is thrilled to announce the completion of the Merrimack Valley 2025 Priority Growth Strategy, available here. The PGS serves as a guiding regional land use plan that identifies Priority Growth Areas (PGAs) across each community in the Merrimack Valley. The...
From September 15 to October 15, communities across the country celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. What began in 1968 as a weeklong observance is now a month-long recognition of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Here in the...
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and in the Merrimack Valley an increasing number of those businesses are Minority-owned, making them key drivers of economic growth. Their dedication goes far beyond day-to-day operations; it’s about resilience,...
On June 4th and 5th, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) hosted its 18th Housing Institute in Worcester. The two-day event brought together municipal officials, planning professionals, and housing advocates for an intensive training designed to strengthen...
The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Corporation (MVED), hosted its annual Economic Development forum and spring business expo on April 2nd. The event was sponsored in part by MVED’s Regional Economic...
At the beginning of February, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities finalized regulations for Protected Use Accessory Dwelling Units. The final regulations provide clarity for communities on what types of ADUs must be allowed, and what kinds of...
MVPC hosted a housing summit to officially launch the Housing Production Plans (HPPs) of all fifteen cities and towns in the region. Elected officials, municipal staff, housing advocates, and community organizations gathered at North Essex Community College to discuss...
On August 6, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act into law, permitting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be built by right in single-family zoning districts effective February 2, 2025. The legislation authorizes $5.16 billion in spending over...