COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Planning
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Client: Department of Housing + Community Development
Year: 2021
Project Categories: Planning, Placemaking + Downtown Districts
Project Team
Civic Space Collaborative (Plan Facilitator and Subject Matter Experts)
Department of Housing + Community Development (Client)
City of Northampton
Salem Main Streets
Rapid Recovery Planning: Northampton + Salem
The “Rapid Recovery Plan” (RRP) program was intended to provide every municipality in Massachusetts the opportunity to develop actionable, project-based recovery plans tailored to their unique economic challenges and COVID-19 related impacts. Civic Space Collaborative served in two capacities during the RRP initiative as Plan Facilitators and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
Rapid Recovery Plans
As Plan Facilitators, CSC led the City of Northampton and Salem Main Streets through a seven-month planning process. This process included gathering baseline data and conducting interviews with key stakeholders, in an effort to refine and finalize a list of over a dozen project recommendations for each community. The final plans consisted of project summaries that included key details including process, timeframe, budget, funding sources, and list of potential partners.
Subject Matter Experts
As SMEs, CSC presented on webinars about public space activation, marketing downtown areas, and creating local destinations. Six project case studies were developed to be used as best practice examples. CSC also provided fifteen consultations with individual communities throughout the Commonwealth, advising them on public realm and cultural arts projects through a series of meetings, prepared memos, and project process summaries.
Below is a list of case studies that CSC prepared as part of this process, which include a summary of the overall planning and implementation process, as well as project budgets and funding sources.
Photo by Camilla Elizeu Novo
Photo by Camilla Elizeu Novo
Photo by Pamela Joye
Photo by Pamela Joye