Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Applications for $75 Million Build for Mass Infrastructure Loan Program

October 20, 2026

Kelsey Schiller, 857-325-3477
kschiller@massdevelopment.com  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that applications are now open for Build for Mass, a new $75 million revolving loan fund to help cities and towns finance critical infrastructure, clean energy, climate resilience, and economic development projects. The program will provide flexible, low-interest financing to help communities cover upfront project costs, access federal funding, and move important projects forward faster.

Announced by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll in July, Build for Mass is administered by MassDevelopment and will prioritize Gateway Cities and rural communities to help ensure more municipalities have access to the financing they need.

“We're making it easier for cities and towns to get important projects off the ground, lower costs and deliver for their residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through our new $75 million Build for Mass program, we're helping communities access affordable financing, make the most of federal funding and move forward with critical infrastructure and clean energy projects. We want every community in Massachusetts to have the resources they need to grow and thrive.”

“As a former mayor, I know firsthand how challenging it can be for cities and towns to find the funding they need to move important projects forward,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Build for Mass gives local leaders another tool to invest in their communities, improve infrastructure and lower energy costs for residents.”

“Reliable infrastructure gives businesses the confidence to invest and communities the capacity to grow,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Chair of MassDevelopment's Board of Directors. “Build for Mass helps cities and towns address financing gaps that can hold back downtown improvements, clean energy investments and other critical projects. As communities repay these loans, those dollars will support the next round of projects, extending the impact of this investment for years to come.”

“Build for Mass is another example of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to using every available tool to deliver meaningful investments in Massachusetts communities,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “Opening applications for Build for Mass is an important step in ensuring municipalities have access to the resources they need, not just to address immediate infrastructure challenges, but to plan for and invest in their long-term needs. Sustained support for municipal infrastructure is essential to building stronger, more resilient communities and ensuring Massachusetts remains competitive for years to come.”

“Our cities and towns are on the cutting edge of clean energy projects,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’re filling gaps so our municipalities can make the best use of federal funding.”

“DOER is delighted to support Build for Mass, and in turn help cities and towns with geothermal and energy storage systems that will lower their monthly energy costs for the long-term and create healthy, comfortable, resilient municipal buildings,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “These low-cost loans, combined with federal tax credits, will maximize municipal budgets and catalyze local clean energy projects that benefit our communities.”

“When we announced Build for Mass, we made a commitment to help cities and towns overcome financial barriers and move critical infrastructure projects forward,” said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “With applications now open, we’re delivering on that commitment and giving communities a new tool to advance local priorities, lower project costs, and maximize federal dollars.”

Build for Mass will offer two low-interest financing options:
•    The General Loan Program provides low-interest loans that help municipalities bridge financing gaps for federally funded infrastructure projects, including neighborhood revitalization, seawalls, and other community improvements.
•    The Green Loan Program provides bridge financing for municipal clean energy projects that qualify for the federal Direct Pay program enabling cities and towns to receive tax credit reimbursements for eligible projects. Projects may include battery energy storage and ground-source heat pump systems that lower energy costs and improve energy efficiency. Private entities with a public purpose, such as health clinics, are also eligible for the Green Loan Program.

Build for Mass is funded through $50 million from the Massachusetts Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund, established through legislation proposed by Governor Healey to help the state compete for federal funding. An additional $25 million from the Department of Energy Resources, in partnership with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, will support clean energy projects and help lower long-term energy costs.

“I am thrilled for MassDevelopment’s launch of Build for Mass!” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “This will help towns, non-profits and businesses get the money they need early on to include battery storage and geothermal in building projects, locking in lifetime energy cost savings.”

“Build for Mass is a new financing tool municipalities can use to more easily fund local infrastructure projects and make affordable energy upgrades,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “MassDevelopment is excited to bring this program online and we look forward to working closely with cities and towns across Massachusetts to deliver important resources statewide.”

The program will operate as a revolving loan fund, with MassDevelopment overseeing loan underwriting, servicing, and compliance. As municipalities repay their loans, those funds will be reinvested into additional projects, allowing the program to support multiple rounds of infrastructure investments over the next 20 years.

About MassDevelopment 
MassDevelopment strengthens communities and advances economic opportunity across Massachusetts through financing, real estate services, and technical assistance. Working with businesses, nonprofits, developers, lenders, and municipalities, the agency financed or managed 538 projects in fiscal year 2026, generating more than $6.52 billion in investment, supporting an estimated 42,113 jobs, and helping create or preserve 4,355 housing units.