MA H3038

Creates a Downtown Vitality Fund funded by 0.75% of regular retail sales tax receipts, administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development through the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative

Provides grants to establish and sustain district management entities including business improvement districts, parking benefit districts, and cultural districts in commercial areas and main streets

Funds technical assistance grants, multi-year grants for Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) communities through MassDevelopment, and direct grants to municipalities for local economic development plans

Establishes a Downtown Vitality Advisory Board of at least 15 members including representatives from MassDevelopment, Massachusetts Cultural Council, business improvement districts, cultural districts, Gateway Cities, and small businesses serving underrepresented communities

Prioritizes support for Gateway Cities and economically disadvantaged areas, entrepreneurship among underrepresented communities, cultural identity preservation, and requires local matching funds based on local economic strength