The District Improvement Financing Program (DIF) is a locally driven economic development tool that uses public financing to fund projects that can stimulate revitalization and economic growth within a defined area. DIF enables municipalities to fund public works, infrastructure, transportation, and land development projects by allocating incremental tax revenues to activities within the DIF district. DIF funding can also be used for administrative costs and programmatic expenses such as marketing, special events, and grant programs such as storefront improvements. 

A public hearing for the proposed DIF was held on September 15th and the DIF proposal was formally submitted to the Board of Aldermen on September 23rd.  The Finance Committee of the Board of Aldermen will review the proposal and, after they have completed their review, make a recommendation to the full Board.

Please contact the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development with questions or you can get more information on the program from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development Web site.