News Flash Home
The original item was published from 8/9/2021 1:10:55 PM to 8/10/2022 12:00:02 AM.

News Flash

City of Malden News

Posted on: August 9, 2021

[ARCHIVED] MRA Becomes City Department

MRA

It’s official! The Malden Redevelopment Authority (MRA) has become a City of Malden department now known as the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD).

In a recent ceremony, the various parties to the “Management and Consolidation Agreement” between the City of Malden and the MRA gathered in the Mayor’s office to witness the signing of the legal documents. Signers included Mayor Gary Christenson, Council President Neal Anderson and MRA Board Chair Robert Rotondi. Others attending the signing ceremony were: MRA Board Members Albert Spadafora, Sharon Santillo and Robert Foley (Member Mike Williams was absent) and MRA Executive Director Deborah Burke, who will direct the newly created OSPCD.

Mayor Christenson noted: “This is a bold new way of thinking about the future. 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 consolidation is the culmination of nearly a year’s worth of weekly meetings with MRA Director Burke and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Ron Hogan. The newly created OSPCD integrates the former MRA staff into a new City department focused on land use and transportation planning, community and business development, climate resiliency, affordable housing, and grants management. The plan was fully supported by Mayor Christenson and approved on a unanimous vote of the Malden City Council.

“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. 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,” MRA Board Chair Rotondi said.

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.

Pictured:

(Back row, standing, from left) MRA Board Chair Robert Foley, OSPCD Executive Director Deborah Burke, MRA Board members Sharon Santillo and Albert Spadafora. (Seated) MRA Board Member Robert Rotondi, City Council President Neal Anderson, Mayor Gary Christenson.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City of Malden News

Grand Opening

Grand Opening of Ultimate Tango

Posted on: November 15, 2023
Wonder Women in Malden

Wonder Women in Malden Celebrated

Posted on: October 17, 2023
Mayor Christenson and Tony Bartolo

Tony’s Autobody - 45 Years in Malden!

Posted on: October 4, 2023
Tree Planting2

Implementation Grant in Action

Posted on: September 14, 2023
Prestige Car Wash

Prestige Car Wash opens Malden Location

Posted on: August 17, 2023
AAAW

City Awards ARPA Funds to AAAW

Posted on: August 8, 2023
Disability Commission

2023 National Night Out

Posted on: August 3, 2023
Celia Denehy

Celebrating a Century!

Posted on: July 13, 2023
Memorials2

Malden Celebrates Memorial Day

Posted on: June 1, 2023
Triangle Clients

Triangle, Inc. Visits City Hall

Posted on: April 24, 2023
Arab American Heritage month

Arab American Heritage Month

Posted on: April 20, 2023
Chief Sullivan Retirement

Fire Chief Bill Sullivan Retires

Posted on: March 30, 2023
Black Earth Compost

Malden Announces Composting Program

Posted on: April 4, 2023
GREEN MALDEN FAIR Banner

Malden to Hold Green Malden Fair

Posted on: April 4, 2023
MTEC field trip

MTEC Camping Trip

Posted on: March 22, 2023
103 Birthday

Celebrating a 103rd Birthday!

Posted on: March 22, 2023
ARPA - YMCA

City Awards ARPA Funds to YMCA

Posted on: February 21, 2023
rock spot

Grand Opening of Rock Spot Climbing

Posted on: January 12, 2023
City of Malden Trash Holiday (2)

“Trash Holiday”

Posted on: December 13, 2022
Butch Lessard

Longtime City Employee Celebrates 25 Years

Posted on: December 14, 2022
Trash Tag 2023 Greenpng

2023 Trash Tags Now Available!

Posted on: December 13, 2022