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 2025

In 2025, 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 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 2025 award period, SRPEDD committed DLTA funding to projects in the following communities prior to the application period:

Acushnet - Master Plan, also supported by the Town's One Stop for Growth grant award;
Berkley - Economic Development Plan (Phase I), also supported by the Town's One Stop for Growth grant award;
Carver - Economic Development Plan (Phase I), also supported by the Town's One Stop for Growth grant award;
Dartmouth - Housing Production Plan (Phase II), also supported by the Town's Community Preservation Committee fund;
Fairhaven - Open Space and Recreation Plan (Phase I);
Middleborough - Master Plan (Phase II), also supported by the Town's One Stop for Growth grant award;
New Bedford - Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District Study, also supported by U.S. EDA funds;
Regional - SRPEDD Regional Resilience Plan (SRRP) Implementation; and
Westport - Open Space and Recreation Plan (Phase I).

Reach out to SRPEDD staff whenever you have a project idea for DLTA! We look forward to working with you in 2025 and beyond.

Apply For DLTA

Resources to Guide Your Application

Featured Projects

Viva Fall River
Tourism Pamphlet

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 and Recreation Plans

SRPEDD is frequently a lead partner in the development of community Open Space and 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

Housing Production Plans

A Housing Production Plan is a community’s proactive strategy for planning and developing affordable housing. It’s developed with opportunities for residents and stakeholders to become informed of the planning process and the plan, and to provide input. HPPs assist communities to plan for low- and moderate-income residents by providing a diverse housing supply.

Learn About Our Housing Planning