Technical Assistance

> Overview

District Local Technical Assistance

GIS

Expedited Permitting

Call for Planning Assistance and Project Ideas

For several decades, the NMCOG Technical Assistance Program has enabled and assisted our communities in creating plans, implementing projects, and providing funding for regional plans that benefit member communities. Additionally, NMCOG has limited funding to support our communities in identifying, applying for, and administering grants.

This year, we invite our communities to submit their project ideas via the 2025 application form emailed to Chris Hayes, Housing and Economic Development Program Manager (chayes@nmcog.org) and Kelly Lynema, Deputy Director (klynema@nmcog.org). The ideas submitted will be considered for any and all funding programs available to NMCOG. Please reference the 2025 Call for Planning Assistance and Project Ideas for full information, including eligibility and project prioritization.

For priority consideration, please apply by Friday, December 6, 2024. However, municipalities are encouraged to submit an application form at any time throughout the year for project assistance. Requests received after December 6 will be evaluated as funding allows. In some cases, NMCOG staff may be able to identify and assist communities in applying for outside funding sources to complete a project. Please refer to the following documents to apply for technical assistance:

• 2025 Call for Planning Assistance and Project Ideas (PDF, 115 KB)

• 2025 Call for Planning Assistance and Project Idea Application Form (DOCX, 381 KB)

• Attachment A: DLTA Project Areas (PDF, 126 KB)

• Attachment B: Best Practices (PDF, 4,352 KB)

• Attachment C: At Home in Greater Lowell Goals (PDF, 47 KB)

• Attachment D: Greater Lowell Vision Zero Goals (PDF, 120 KB)

Technical Assistance Program for 2025

NMCOG’s work is funded through a variety of sources: state and federal funding, community assessments, and grant programs. This includes, but is not limited to:

·         Grant Assistance Program (GAP) funding provided by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities,

·         District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) funding provided by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and

·         Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) funding provided by a combination of state and federal transportation sources.

We will work with project contacts to evaluate each ideas’ alignment with these funding sources’ priorities, develop a scope of work for selected projects, and outline a schedule that meets the requirements of a particular funding source and applicable compliance deadlines for a community.

The intent of this approach is to simplify the application process for our communities while providing insight into the breadth of assistance that our communities need. Additionally, through this collaborative approach, our staff may be able to identify additional funding sources for projects beyond NMCOG’s available funding and help our communities align projects with regional, state, and federal goals.

About NMCOG Technical Assistance

NMCOG provides technical assistance to its nine member communities through the agency's transportation program, under the District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) program, or through other state, regional and local contracts and programs. NMCOG staff serve as the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the communities of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Littleton, Lowell, Tewksbury and Westford. In addition, NMCOG GIS provides technical assistance in parcel mapping, data collection, aerial imagery acquisition, and other GIS-related services.