Malden Redevelopment Authority Becomes City Department

MALDEN, MA — The Malden Redevelopment Authority has become a city department, rebranding itself as the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD).

The OSPCD integrates the former MRA staff into a new department focused on land use and transportation planning, community and business development, climate resiliency, affordable housing and grants management.

The City Council unanimously approved the plan after a year-long planning process.

"This is a bold new way of thinking about the future," Mayor Gary Christenson said in a release. "With a strengthened operational structure that is viable long term, the OSPCD will provide a single unified approach to planning and community development for the benefit of all Malden residents and the City."

The OSPCD administers projects to promote homeownership, including the Housing Rehabilitation and Lead Paint Abatement Programs, an emergency rental assistance program and a small business assistance program. The department also administers the federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs, manages numerous other state and local grant programs and provides assistance to the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board.

"Since its creation in 1958 by an act of the State Legislature, the MRA has done some great work for the City and its residents," Board Chair Robert Rotondi said in a statement. "Under this forward-thinking new plan, the agency will not only be able to continue that work but also expand its role in making an impact on the quality of life for all residents."