Massachusetts Local Rapid Recovery Plans

The Rapid Recovery Plan Program heralded the largest state program to collect data and develop actionable, project-based plans tailored to the unique COVID-19 economic impacts to downtowns. The outcomes are far-reaching and shaped novel approaches to technical assistance. The Local Rapid Recovery Plan (LRRP) effort is also a “first of its kind” state-wide attempt to alleviate the economic effects of COVID-19. Roughly 125 unique Massachusetts towns and cities were matched with planning, economic development, and small business consultants to mobilize action.

The LRRP effort had two aims. The first was to undergo a standardized data collection effort so the state can compare metrics across communities to deduce the most productive ways to channel aid. The second was to develop personalized projects for each community. These projects were co-designed between communities and consultants to address the struggles of small businesses and commercial centers.

Ultimately, the coordinated effort yielded thousands of projects statewide, within eight months, with robust engagement of multiple stakeholders to protect, recover, and strengthen commercial districts across the state. The engagement effort, though focused on district recovery, was undergirded by robust engagement that focused on business owners, their employees, and the physical environment and positioned these districts to better understand and respond to COVID impacts. Agency Landscape + Planning worked with North Brookfield, South Hadley, and Spencer to develop a range of projects in support of each town’s unique needs for economic development and recovery.

Click below to read the full reports:

• North Brookfield
• South Hadley
• Spencer