Downtown Mixed-Use Development Overlay Zoning. In 2000, the Town of Framingham adopted Mixed Use Regulations (Special Regulation, Section IV.N "Mixed Use Regulations") which permit Mixed-Use Development (MXD) in the downtown area. Urban planners recognize that downtown MXD provides opportunities for (a) shared parking, (b) greater transit use and (c) walking to shopping and cultural destinations. That can make downtown a more vibrant place during both daytime and evenings, improve traffic flow and reduce air pollution (compared to traditional single-use development) and expand the tax base for all Framingham residents.

Recognizing these advantages, the Mixed-Use regulations approved for the downtown area by Framingham Town Meeting were designed to encourage and facilitate such development by providing the Planning Board has greater flexibility in its site plan review and approval processes. This includes the ability to allow for reduced parking requirements and special waivers of other development requirements, providng a capability to work with developers to help make these more difficult and complex projects become a reality. FDR encourages this type of cooperative and mutually supportive process to enable projects that can enhance the tax base and quality of life downtown, to the benefit of all Framingham residents.

Transit-Oriented Development Program. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a special "Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Bond Program" to further encourage compact, mixed-use, walkable development close to transit stations. To accomplish this objective, the Program authorization (Chapter 291 of the Acts of 2004) provides financing for pedestrian improvements, bicycle facilities, housing projects, and parking facilities within .25 (1/4) miles of a commuter rail station, subway station, bus station, bus rapid transit station, or ferry terminal.The Program is part of an integrated, multi-agency strategy to promote Smart Growth and Smart Energy development in the Commonwealth.

Other Programs. The Town of Framingham's Facade & SIgn Improvement Program offers rebates to qualified business owners and commercial property owners in downtown Framingham to defray a portion of the cost of a new business sign or building façade improvements.T he program is designed to encourage the rehabilitation of commercial building façades and signs and to assist in the revitalization of downtown Framingham. The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce offers small business support and training programs for Framingham businesses. Several agencies offer loan funds for small businesses in designated areas, which encompass downtown Framingham. For more information, see links below:

Town of Framingham programs:

Community & Economic Development Division

Sign and Façade Improvement Program

Licensing and Permitting

Zoning Bylaws(see Section IV.N for Mixed Use regulations)

State and SBA programs

Transit-Oriented Development Bond Program

New Markets Loan Fund

HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program

Clark University: Framingham Small Business Development Center

Metrowest Chamber of Commerce

Business Training Workshops

Accion

Micro Loan Fund