Community & Economic Development

Mission

The Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) supports economic activity, opportunity, and resident’s quality of life. 

The CEDO works collaboratively with residents and businesses, as well as municipal departments and commissions, to plan for Clinton. The CEDO develops projects that further community goals, and then secures funding and administers these projects, including downtown revitalization, infrastructure improvements, open space acquisition, brownfields remediation, and social services. The CEDO maintains constructive relationships with regional and statewide entities that support communities and economic vitality. It is a point of contact within the community for existing and emerging businesses.

Your business

Aerial view of High Street and Church Street

Growing Your Business in Clinton

Planning to open or expand your business? The Community & Economic Development Office can assist you in many ways, including:

  • Connecting you with resources that will help you create a business plan, to learn the basics of operating a small business, and to become part of our local business community
  • Connecting you with lenders and other financial resources for new and small businesses
  • Referring you to local real estate brokers and property owners
  • Assisting you with local permitting and licensing
Business Guide Book cover page

Our Opening Your Business in Clinton: A How-To-Guide is designed for new and small businesses. In it, you will find a wealth of information, resources, and links to help you!

Permitting Guide cover- photo of Central Park

The Clinton Permitting Guide provides an overview of common building project permitting requirements, with particular reference to the Town of Clinton Zoning By-laws.

Commercial Improvements Program

The Town of Clinton can provide up to 85% of project cost to businesses that wish to make improvements to the exterior of their property- facade improvements, signs, awnings, architectural lighting, flower boxes, outdoor dining, painting and repointing, and accessibility improvements are eligible. Maximum award is $3,000. Contact the Community & Economic Development Office for more information.

Commercial Improvements Program Guidelines

Commercial Improvement Program Application

Property Owner Permission Form

Downtown Clinton Design Guidelines- Signage excerpt

Opportunity Zones

The 2017 federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act enabled the creation of Opportunity Zones, areas in which certain investments in businesses, property, and real estate may qualify for meaningful tax benefits. In April, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated two of Clinton's three census tracts as qualified Opportunity Zones. 

Information on the Opportunity Zone Program may be found here.

Boundary map of Clinton's Opportunity Zones may be found here.


Vacant Storefront Tax Credit

The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program provides a refundable state tax credit of up to $10,000 to businesses that occupy designated properties within Clinton's downtown district. Property Owners may also be eligible to apply for the credit. Contact the Community & Economic Development Office for more information.

Vacant Storefront District Map

List of Eligible Storefronts, as of June, 2023

Clinton Accessible Ramp Program

Funded by a generous donation from the Clinton Home Foundation, the Accessible Ramp Program provides temporary ramps and other temporary accessibility installations for Clinton residents in need. Contact the Community & Economic Development Director, Phil Duffy, for more information.

Your Community

Clinton Housing Improvement Program

The Clinton Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) assists income-qualifying owners who wish to make needed repairs to their properties. There are eligibility requirements, but if you are a property owner who wishes to know more, please download a pre-application form (PDF). You may also contact the Phil Duffy in the Community and Economic Development Office at  978-365-4113, or email for more information.

The Clinton Housing Improvement Program is made possible by funding from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.

please note: the Clinton Housing Improvement Program is not currently funded.