Planning Services

District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Program

One of SRPEDD's primary funding sources, District Local Technical Assistance provides communities an opportunity to tap into the agency's various planning services, usually at no cost to the municipality.

Partnerships and Priorities for DLTA

Since 2009, Massachusetts has funded the District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) program to enable communities to complete a wide variety of planning projects in partnership with regional planning agencies (RPAs). Working with the Commonwealth and cities and towns across the region, SRPEDD selects and implements eligible DLTA projects. We emphasize projects that meet the program’s goals, have a high likelihood of creating more public and private investment, and have matching resources that enable work to span multiple years, to include more in-depth analysis, and to create positive outcomes for communities in our region.

About DLTA in 2024

In 2024, SRPEDD will once again respond to the needs of our communities by Planning Ahead for Growth and Planning Ahead for Housing. This includes support for the Housing Choice Initiative and assistance for cities and towns as they meet the Commonwealth's new Section 3A Multi-Family Zoning Requirements for MBTA communities.

SRPEDD will also continue to use DLTA resources to directly support the Community Compact Cabinet's Best Practices Program. This program allows communities and the Commonwealth to agree on areas of shared interest (called “Best Practices”). RPAs are in a natural position to provide expert technical assistance to meet these goals and to work in partnership with the Commonwealth and the communities we serve.

Every year, SRPEDD also uses DLTA to fund important region-wide initiatives and to advance equity and community development throughout southeastern Massachusetts. Please check out our 2024 DLTA Award Summary and our Featured Projects for examples of DLTA-funded work!

DLTA Project Development

SRPEDD works throughout the year to develop projects with our member communities. DLTA is a common source for matching resources that - combined with sources such as Community Compact Cabinet, Community One Stop for Growth, U.S. EDA, or local resources - are part of the funding equation for impactful, multi-year projects. SRPEDD encourages this type of collaborative, proactive project development on a rolling basis.

For the 2024 award period, SRPEDD committed DLTA funding to projects in the following communities prior to the application period:

Carver - Housing Production Plan and Open Space & Recreation Plan (Phase 2);
Freetown - Master Plan (Phase 2), also funded by the town's Community One Stop grant;
Mansfield - Open Space & Recreation Plan (Phase 2), also funded by SRPEDD's MA;
Marion - Open Space & Recreation Plan (Supplement)
Regional - Section 3A Multi-family Zoning Support;
Regional - Priority Development Area (PDA) and Priority Protection Area (PPA) Regional Screening, also funded by the MBTA;
Regional - Expanding connectivity and access to services for older adults in SRPEDD's rural communities, also funded by an award from AgeSpan/EOEA
Regional - SRPEDD Regional Resilience Plan (Phase 2), also funded by U.S. EDA and EOHLC;
Rochester - Master Plan (Phase 2), also funded by the town's Community One Stop grant;
Swansea - Route 6 Economic Development Feasibility Study (Phase 2), also funded by the town's Community One Stop grant; and
Taunton - Actively developing projects with OECD.

Reach out to SRPEDD staff whenever you have a project idea for DLTA! We look forward to working with you in 2024 and beyond.

Apply For DLTA

Resources to Guide Your Application

Featured Projects

Dighton Economic Development Plan

Visit the Project Webpage

Viva Fall River:
Tourism Pamphlet

Section 3A Technical Assistance

Learn More About 3A

North Attleborough Master Plan

Visit the Project Webpage

Other DLTA-Funded Work

Community Master Plans

Master Plans provide guidance for public policy and decision-making in a variety of areas, including land use, economic development, housing, services and facilities, and natural resources. They are also an opportunity for community members to discuss priorities, reach a consensus on goals, and identify strategies to achieve those goals.

Learn About Our Master Planning

Open Space Planning

SRPEDD is frequently a lead partner in the development of community Open Space & Recreation Plans, the seven-year documents that communicate local visions and values for improving open space and recreation areas for all residents, users, and ecological functions. These plans open the door to potential grant funding for project implementation. They also spark conversations about conservation, well-loved places, and community resilience.

Learn About Our Open Space Planning

Economic Development Plans

SRPEDD facilitates public-private partnerships that benefit communities, workers, businesses, and the whole of southeastern Massachusetts. SRPEDD undertakes a wide variety of activities in partnership with local jurisdictions, business and academic communities, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Learn About Our Economic Development Planning