Find the event photos here.
Find our LinkedIn recap post here.
Find UMass Lowells Presentation here.
Thank you to our opening speakers
Christopher Hayes, Director of Housing and Economic Development, Northern Middlesex Council of Governments
Learn more about NMCOG's Housing Strategy here.
Bethann Valentine, Research Development Specialist, UMass Lowell
Thank you to our panelists:
Jay Stephens, President & CEO at Lowell Five Bank
Kyle Dupell, Executive Manager at Seaver Construction
Matt D'Amico, Chief Operating Officer at Cabot, Cabot & Forbes
Melissa Robbins, Partner at Farrell & Robbins, P.C.
Thank you to our panel Moderator:
Key takeaways:
Regional Housing Demand and Long-Term Need – Greater Lowell is projected to need between 10,000 and 18,000 new housing units over the next decade. While new development and ADUs are expected, additional strategies will be needed to fully meet demand and support growing communities.
Project Feasibility and the Cost of Development – Rising construction costs, financing gaps, infrastructure needs, and added regulatory requirements continue to make many housing projects difficult to move forward. Developers and lenders noted that more creative financing and partnerships are often required.
Opportunities in Gateway Cities and Emerging Corridors – Developers are increasingly looking to gateway cities and communities along major corridors where there is local support for housing and access to workforce and transit. Lower land costs and proximity to employment centers are helping drive interest in these areas.
Policy, Infrastructure, and the Path Forward – Zoning changes, housing initiatives, and regional collaboration are creating new opportunities, but permitting timelines, utility availability, and evolving policies remain important factors. Continued coordination among public and private stakeholders will be key to advancing housing solutions.
Thank you to Lowell Five Bank for hosting this event!