The Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is a quasi-public agency contracted by the City of Brockton, whose main mission is community development and economic revitalization, specifically for the benefit of low- and moderate-income households and areas of Brockton. The BRA works with the Mayor, the Planning Department, and other city departments to develop and achieve a strategic development vision. The BRA also works in partnership with other organizations like the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, Brockton Housing Authority, public services, private businesses, and developers to further the strategic development vision.

As part of the BRA’s contract with the City of Brockton, it manages the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The principal purpose of the funding is to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income Brockton residents through economic development, affordable housing, and social programs.

Objectives

Downtown Revitalization:

The BRA is working with the City, private developers, and businesses to revive the heart of downtown Brockton. The BRA in conjunction with City  and other partners have created a Development Strategy for the downtown area. 

• Downtown Action Strategy
• Downtown Brockton Urban Revitalization Plan (URP)
• Map Amendments to Urban Revitalization Plan
• Soliciting Public Comments on the URP Amendment
• 2016 URP Amendment Public Meeting Minutes (Video at the bottom)

Community Development:

Assist in the reduction of crime; enhance the quality of life through the provision of better public facilities including parks and playgrounds; stabilize neighborhoods through the reconstruction/improvement of streets and sidewalks, through code enforcement, and infrastructure improvements aimed at supporting economic development.  Many programs help to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for low and moderate-income people by expanding economic opportunities and through support for vital social/public service providers and facilities that help create and/or retain jobs.

Housing:

Maintain, support and preserve the existing housing stock; prevent housing deterioration and vacancies; and prevent neighborhood deterioration due to foreclosures and vacancies. Its programs increase the overall availability of affordable permanent housing through the creation of new units and the return to habitable status of vacant and deteriorated units. The BRA’s housing programs strive to preserve the quality of life in existing neighborhoods while accommodating smart growth, and support a well-conceived balance between housing development, transportation, open space and recreational facilities, and appropriate commercial development opportunities.

Planning and Development Projects:

In addition to being the Director of Community Development, the BRA’s Director also works with the Mayor’s office, Planning Department, Planning Board, Building Department, Department of Public Works, and other city departments as necessary to coordinate planning and development projects in the city.

Sustainability & Energy:

Explore grant opportunities, like the Massachusetts Green Communities designation, that will help the city reduce its operating costs, energy use, and impact on the planet.