A Shared Vision 

Traditionally, suburban and rural communities have used Comprehensive Master Plans to understand and manage growth and development in their remaining open or undeveloped areas. While certain areas of Lowell are subject to similar development pressures, more than 95 percent of the City has already been "built out." Therefore, Lowell's planning process explores a different and broader range of issues centered around managing and guiding the on-going redevelopment of the City's urban fabric and continuing to promote and maintain a stimulating and diverse economy, as well as attractive and desirable residential neighborhoods.

There are two major trends that Lowell has the potential to capitalize on during the next 20 years. First, after decades of large-scale migration away from urban centers, Americans from a wide range of backgrounds have begun to recognize once again the vitality and energy of cities and embrace them as unique and desirable places to live. Secondly, as the nation's economy has become increasingly driven by service and knowledge-based industries, corporate location decisions are being driven primarily by access to creative and educated employees who can adapt to today’s ever-changing work environments. These Creative Class[1] individuals whom employers are seeking tend to live in communities that are diverse, lively, possess unique character, and offer a wealth of opportunities for a high quality of life. Lowell's renaissance during the past 25 years has enabled the City to preserve and enhance these very qualities in the community, and the master planning process is designed to build upon the momentum caused by recent revitalization efforts.

The Master Plan proposes a four-part vision to build on these trends:

1. Lowell should be a "lifetime city," a place where people can enjoy all stages of life at a variety of income levels. People should be able to find desirable, appropriate, and affordable residential opportunities for all stages of life within Lowell's city limits.
2. Lowell should have a creative workforce that supports a diverse base of employment, retail, and commercial opportunities that meet the needs of the community and capitalize on the City's historic, cultural, natural, and educational resources.
3. Lowell should offer a high quality of life for both current and new residents, while striving to protect and promote the unique character of its neighborhoods.
4. Lowell should retain an independent identity as a unique city, even as it becomes more closely connected to Greater Boston, to preserve the community's pride of place.

Master Plan Documents

• Master Plan Document

• Existing Conditions Report

• Public Opinion Research

• Implementation of the Master Plan's Recommendations

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[1] Economist Richard Florida defines the Creative Class as including those workers who use creativity and knowledge as the primary skills and tools in their jobs. The Creative Class includes architects, computer programmers, educators, craftsmen, bankers, and lawyers, along with artists, writers, and performers.