Funding Opportunities

CHANGE FONT SIZE

MAPC >> About MAPC >> Funding Opportunities

Now Accepting FY27 TAP Call for Proposals

MAPC is accepting project concepts for the 2027 Technical Assistance Program (TAP). This is an opportunity for you to work with MAPC on local programs and planning initiatives that advance regional goals. See more details on this year’s funding priorities below. Apply by Monday, December 7, 2026 for your project to be considered when the greatest amount of funding is available.

Technical Assistance Program (TAP)

The MAPC Technical Assistance Program (TAP) is a funding program that enables and assists cities and towns in implementing projects that are beneficial to the community.

Municipalities are invited to submit project concepts for work to be undertaken by MAPC through the TAP. MAPC accepts applications on a rolling basis. Funding is typically awarded in early spring and fall.

Questions? Please contact: [email protected].

Applications for 2027 Projects – Initial Deadline: 12/7

MAPC is accepting project concepts for the 2026 Technical Assistance Program (TAP). This is an opportunity for you to work with MAPC on local programs and planning initiatives that advance regional goals. While TAP accepts project concepts on a rolling basis, apply by Monday, December 7, 2026 for your project to be considered when the greatest amount of funding is available.

Preview the Application (PDF format)

Submit Your FY27 TAP Application

Go to:

How to Submit an Application

Criteria for Project Selection

TAP Project Examples

Selection Process

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Gloria Huangpu at [email protected] if you have questions about the application process, to submit your application, or to learn about the status of your submittal.

Reach out to the relevant MAPC department directors and managers to discuss a potential project.

Apply for FY27 TAP

Preview FY27 Call for Proposals Concepts

MAPC Contact List

November 12, 2025
Informational Webinar
Watch the webinar recording to learn more about TAP and the 2026 funding priorities.

Watch the Informational Webinar

Additional Resources:

Eligible Projects by Practice Area

Incorporating Equity

TAP Program Showcase

Criteria for Project Selection

MAPC funds a diverse range of projects through TAP. Each year, MAPC sets priorities for funding based on MetroCommon2050 goals, the agency’s Strategic Plan, the State of Equity for Metro Boston Policy Agenda, and the investment priorities of partner funding sources (e.g., the State’s District Local Technical Assistance program).

In FY27, projects that include one or more of the following priorities will be prioritized for funding.

Advancing racial and social equity by breaking down barriers to housing, economic mobility, positive health outcomes, emergency preparedness, and public safety. Projects that demonstrate strong partnerships between municipalities and community anchors or organizations are preferred.
Multiple communities working together to better understand and address shared challenges. This also includes projects that can serve as a model for other communities. Projects that include documenting and evaluating the process for the purpose of sharing lessons, implementation tips, and other best practices will be prioritized.
Projects that advance MetroCommon2050 goals and MAPC’s Strategic Plan, especially those projects that demonstrate meaningful advancement to achieve outcomes from the Strategic Plan.

Projects that advance the following Strategic Plan outcomes, which MAPC seeks to take a concerted effort at advancing in 2027:
- - Strategic Priority 1, Outcome A: Resources and policies allow for more stable and affordable housing choices that meet high housing need and minimize displacement of low-income households and people of color.
  - Strategic Priority 5, Outcome C: Municipalities increase local and regional revenue so they can provide better, more reliable services.

Project proposals that do not consider how to advance equity or include multiple communities may be awarded grants, if funding remains. MAPC staff is available to help applicants identify equity considerations and potential municipal partners as projects are developed to ensure competitiveness in the application process.

Additional information about the types of projects eligible for funding is available here: Eligible Projects by Practice Area

More Information on Preferred Projects that advance MetroCommon 2050

Regional Community Impact

Advancing Racial Equity

MAPC supports projects that implement recommendations from the State of Equity for Metro Boston Policy Agenda (see https://equityagenda.mapc.org). MAPC projects that break down barriers to equity on issues such as housing, economic mobility, public health, public safety, and the integration of marginalized populations into municipal planning and decision-making are prioritized. Projects that partner with community and constituency-based organizations, such as Community Development Corporations (CDCs), faith-based organizations, chambers of commerce and other small business associations, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), arts and cultural groups, etc. demonstrate a commitment to equitable engagement and will be prioritized.

Advancing Commonwealth Priorities: Compliance with the MBTA Community Provision of Housing Choice

Enacted as part of the economic development bill in January 2021, new Section 3A of M.G.L. c. 40A (the Zoning Act) requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria outlined in the statute. MAPC prioritizes TAP projects that seek to enact multifamily zoning with provisions that also expand affordable housing near transit and other smart growth locations.

Additional factors that MAPC will consider regarding project concepts:

Regional collaboration: The project will encourage collaboration in the land use field or municipal service delivery among multiple municipalities.

Replicability: The project could be a model or template for use in other municipalities or groups of municipalities.

Impact: The project will, when implemented, have a significant impact on the region, either in itself or through the potential for replicability throughout other areas of the region.

Equity: The project addresses regional equity issues by enhancing the quality of life for low-income households, minorities, people with disabilities, or other disadvantaged groups, as identified in MetroCommon2050 and the Commonwealth's Sustainable Development Principles.

Civic engagement: The project concept suggests an appropriate level of civic engagement that aligns with the deliverables and outcomes of the project.

Readiness for implementation: The project is likely to result in near-term "changes on the ground" (e.g., new construction, approved zoning changes, inter-municipal collaboration on service delivery). The community has a stated goal and timeline for implementation.

TAP Project Examples

The Technical Assistance Program supports local and regional projects that work toward creating a more equitable, sustainable, collaborative, and climate resilient future. You can learn about our past and ongoing projects in the newly launched TAP Projects Map.

Access the TAP Projects Map

Three columns of information showing. Left column is a regional map. Middle section is a list of hyperlinked TAP projects. Right column is information on the current project chosen in this case ADUs.

Read more about TAP project examples below.

DLTA Spotlight: Rockland Master Plan 2030

February 2, 2021

DLTA Spotlight: COVID-19 Small Business Support

January 7, 2021

Creative Placemaking Forum: Forging Community Development and Creative Communities

October 5, 2017

Selection Process

After project concepts are submitted, MAPC will work with the applicant to determine the best funding source(s) based on the specific ideas presented and the timetable and criteria of the funding sources that are best suited for the work.

Approved projects are awarded a funding allocation that is based on an assessment of anticipated tasks. If a project cannot be fully funded through TAP, MAPC will work with the applicant to pursue additional funding from other sources. Most awards will draw upon a variety of funding sources - including District Local Technical Assistance, Planning for MetroCommon2050 Technical Assistance, grants from private foundations, leveraged grants from state programs, and fee-for-service contributions.

Selected projects are assigned to a project manager, who works with municipalities to develop detailed scopes of work.

Questions?

Contact Gloria Huangpu at [email protected] if you have questions about the application process and the status of your submittal.

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the relevant MAPC department directors to discuss a potential project.

Leverage TAP Funding with State Grant Programs

MAPC can help you apply!

MAPC often provides TAP funds to complement grants from state programs that advance MetroCommon2050 goals for smart growth. This partnership has enabled a variety of projects, from Housing Production Plans to multifamily and mixed-use zoning efforts. MAPC can assist municipalities in preparing applications for projects where the municipality would like to work with MAPC. Grant application programs include but are not limited to:

- Community One Stop for Growth

- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Planning Assistance Grants

- Chapter 40R Smart Growth Overlay Districts

- Complete Streets

- Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program

If you are interested in partnering with MAPC on a project and applying for a state grant program, contact [email protected].

District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Funded Projects

A significant share of the TAP is funded by District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA), money appropriated annually by the State Legislature and Governor to regional planning agencies. To view a comprehensive list of projects from a variety of practice areas, browse the DLTA project summary reports that MAPC delivers to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development on an annual basis:

2025 Mid-Year Legislative Report	2021 Mid-Year Legislative Report
2024 Mid-Year Legislative Report	2020 Mid-Year Legislative Report
2023 Mid-Year Legislative Report	2019 Mid-Year Legislative Report
2022 Mid-Year Legislative Report

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does my project concept need to align with local, regional, and state goals?

What is MetroCommon2050?

MetroCommon2050 is a plan that aims to better the lives of the people who live and work in Metropolitan Boston between now and 2050. MetroCommon2050 is more than a land use plan with maps and charts. It includes a detailed vision for the future; specific goals and objectives to assess whether the region is moving in that direction; and detailed implementation strategies that will serve as a roadmap for policy, advocacy, planning, and development decisions. It is based on an understanding that Metro Boston is an interconnected system: regional trends shape local conditions, and every local decision has a broader impact on our regional well-being.

The MetroCommon2050 Regional Plan consists of 10 goals, and your concept will likely align with at least one or more of the goals and objectives in the plan.

What are MAPC's priorities in its strategic plan?

MAPC adopted a five-year strategic plan in 2025. Project concepts that advance one of more of the five strategic priorities will be given special consideration.

1. Advance the economic well-being, health, and safety of our region’s residents.

2. Accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to help achieve the Commonwealth’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050 while improving the region’s resilience to climate change.

3. Encourage sustainable development and mobility with a focus on affordable homes, good jobs for low-income workers, a healthy environment, and non-auto transportation options throughout the region.

4. Expand our region’s commitment to support artists, advance the arts, and celebrate our region’s diverse cultural heritage.

5. Assist local governments to become more effective, efficient, and inclusive through capacity building, convening and collaboration, and community engagement.

Do I need to specify the funding source(s) for my TAP request?

What is the general funding amount and scale of technical assistance awarded?

Approved projects include those in which the community needs only a small amount of assistance to achieve the implementation of a local regulatory change (which may take less than 150 hours of technical assistance) to larger multi-community projects that require hundreds of hours of community outreach and engagement, coordination, research, plan-writing, and bylaw/ordinance drafting. Most projects funded solely by TAP range from $25,000 - $60,000. Projects approved with larger budgets are made possible through a combination of funding sources that often includes grant funding and municipal contributions.

What are the funding sources for the TAP?

The District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Program is funded annually by the Legislature and the Governor through a state appropriation. The program is administered by each of the state’s 13 Regional Planning Agencies (RPAs), which together cover the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns. Furthermore, MAPC provides a ten percent match to each DLTA project. Beginning in 2016, MAPC partnered with the Baker Administration to give a portion of funds towards projects aligning with Community Compact Best Practices.

DLTA projects run through the calendar year (January – December.) The DLTA funding priorities are established annually by the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) in concert with the current Administration.

In calendar year 2016, the DLTA contract directed RPAs to allocate DLTA funds between two general categories: 1) “Planning Ahead for Housing” (or to help reach the Statewide Housing Production Goal) or “Planning Ahead for Growth” and 2) Community Compact Activities. At least 30% of DLTA funding was allocated to projects advancing these state goals. The state also asked RPAs to both encourage communities to enter into Community Compacts with the state, and also to use at least 30% of our DLTA funds to assist communities in implementing state priorities, including the Community Compact Cabinet Best Practices that are within our expertise. More information on the DLTA program can be found on the General Court of Massachusetts’ website: https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/parti/titleiii/chapter29/section2xxx

The Planning for MetroCommon 2050 Technical Assistance (PMTA) Program is administered by MAPC and funded by municipal assessments. It serves the 101 cities and towns in our region and aims to advance the implementation of projects that align with the goals and objectives in the MetroCommon2050 regional plan, and the priorities identified in the MAPC Strategic Plan. PMTA projects run through the fiscal year (July – June). It is funded by municipal assessments. As of September 2016, MAPC's PMTA resources are enhanced through a grant from the Barr Foundation. The PMTA program can be coupled with the DLTA program throughout the year.

The PMTA grant is focused on advancing equitable transit-oriented development (e-TOD), climate adaptation planning, and policy education and research focused on advancing a sustainable, climate-friendly region. MAPC is actively looking to create a pipeline of projects, particularly in the area of e-TOD. Elements could include any of the following activities: visioning, zoning recommendations, drafting zoning language, market analysis, buildout analysis, housing plans, preventing displacement, multimodal recommendations, parking analyses, public health implications, and more.

The Community Compact Cabinet (CCC)* is made possible through the Baker’s Administration’s Best Practices Program, the Efficiency and Regionalization Grant Program, and the Information Technology Grant Program. This program reflects the Baker Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns. The Cabinet gages municipal interests across all executive secretariats and agencies to develop mutual standards and best practices for both the state and municipalities. *Cities and towns apply directly to the Baker Administration for CCC funding and can engage MAPC as a technical assistance provider.

As of September 2016, the Community Compact Cabinet is administering three grant programs. The Best Practices Program; the Efficiency & Regionalization Grant Program; and the Information Technology Grant Program. The Best Practices Program has outlined several practice areas, including education; energy and environment; financial management; housing and economic development; human resources; information technology; public accessibility; public safety; regionalization/shared services; and transportation/public works. MAPC is available to consult with municipalities that are considering signing on to the Community Compact Cabinet and which are in the process of identifying CCC best practices. MAPC TAP funding may be available to augment CCC-funded project work that aligns with our areas of expertise. View the full list of CCC Best Practices here.

The Barr Foundation  has provided generous funding and support in several project areas, including arts and culture, equitable transit-oriented development (E-TOD), mobility, and climate adaptation.

MAPC utilizes all of these sources of funding and actively fundraising - in addition to municipal fee-for-service contributions, in-kind resources from municipalities and partners, and local, state, and federal grant funding - to enable staff to provide technical assistance to municipalities on a variety of planning, procurement, and shared services projects.