Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG)
The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is one of thirteen regional planning agencies within Massachusetts. NMCOG works with the communities of the Greater Lowell region to support and enhance a wide range of planning objectives related to land use, environmental protection, energy, economic development, housing, public health, public safety, municipal service delivery, and transportation.
The 2025-2030 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a follow-up to the organization’s most recent CEDS. Greater Lowell has historically struggled with industry collapse, creating vacancy and blight in many corridors in and along the urban core of the region. Now, there is momentum for redevelopment and increased commercial activity along these corridors. The Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC) project - a 1.2-million-square-foot downtown mixed-use development that is projected to create 2,000 jobs and $4 billion in economic impact - can be a needed economic catalyst for the region. Still, local municipalities with varying priorities throughout the region must consider how their growth, or lack thereof, is part of the bigger picture of regional economic development.
Our Approach
Fourth Economy worked collaboratively with NMCOG staff throughout the CEDS planning process. Early in the project, a Strategy Committee was formed with representation across the region. Committee members represented city managers, industry, workforce development, community development organizations, service providers, and educational institutions. Fourth Economy led one-on-one and group interviews and facilitation sessions using our unique Build Session approach. Following extensive engagement, including the first Greater Lowell Economic Summit, the Strategy Committee prioritized strategies based on alignment with the vision and goals, and with an aim to create a balanced portfolio of easily achievable actions and bold, innovative change.
The Results
Greater Lowell Stronger Together, a five-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to guide regional growth was released in September 2025. The CEDS qualifies municipalities in the region for grants and serves as a roadmap to increase municipal capacity, helping them leverage developments such as the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC) and Lowell’s recent Frontrunner City Status.
The planning process strengthened the collaboration between NMCOG, Middlesex 3, the Greater Lowell MassHire Workforce Board, and other economic leaders in the region. As a result, they have committed to a formal partnership agreement to implement the plan which will reinforce and expand the organizations’ business support, workforce development, and regional marketing programs.
Location
Greater Lowell Region, MA