Department of Community Development

The Department of Community Development is the City of Lynn office responsible for planning, promoting, rehabilitating and improving the city and its natural and built resources. It administers the federal Community Development Block Grant program and the Section 108 Loan program, works to expand housing opportunities, promotes trade, industry and business development, and seeks the funding needed to carry out those goals. Residents, organizations and businesses can turn to the department for information and help.

Its staff handle a wide range of large and small initiatives, from the block grant program to Lynn’s waterfront master plan and the management of the city’s Seaport Marina. The department works with the Mayor’s Office, the City Council, the Lynn EDIC, Inspectional Services, the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, and the Department of Public Works, as well as private partners and public nonprofits, to move projects forward across the city.

What to Know

• James Marsh serves as community development director.
• Shirley Kelley is the department’s project operations director.
• The Downtown Lynn Cultural District lists the department among its local resources.