Franklin County CDC's mission in western Massachusetts

Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC), in Greenfield, Mass., is pursuing a Sustainable Community strategy based directly on its mission statement and guiding principles, i.e., to stimulate a more vital, rural economy, maximize community control over its future economic destiny, and expand opportunities for low and moderate-income residents, by being community-driven, cooperating with other entities, focusing on businesses that have positive long-term impact on the community, valuing diversity and providing local jobs.

In downtown Greenfield,  FCCDC was involved with 50 other stakeholders in developing the Downtown Master Plan several years ago.  The Plan incorporates local businesses, more residential units, transportation issues, walkability and social components.   FCCDC will continue to redevelop the Bank Building and work with the downtown businesses to provide more opportunities to the population and strengthen the downtown area.    

FCCDC is continuing to move forward with a partnership of five other downtown building owners to assemble a $32M redevelopment plan and securing New Markets Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits.  In 2010, FCCDC brought Greenfield Community College into the project so they could accomplish their long-time goal of having a Performing Arts Center.  Another important, continuing achievement is the FCCDC supported Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center and its role in the local food movement.  The CDC is playing a key role in adding value to local farm products and increasing the amount of local, healthy foods for consumers. 

A sampling of products made at the Food Processing Center.