An Act to establish a downtown vitality fund to strengthen local business districts and main streets

HD 3469 establishes the Downtown Vitality Fund, using 0.75% of Massachusetts' regular retail sales tax (excluding taxes on meals, vehicles, alcohol, etc.) to support local business districts and main streets. The fund provides grants to create or sustain district management entities (like business improvement districts), offer technical assistance, and support economic development plans in municipalities. It prioritizes small business districts in economically disadvantaged areas, underrepresented communities, and culturally significant neighborhoods, requiring local matching funds. The Executive Office of Economic Development administers the fund and must annually report grant disbursements to legislative committees.