Lowell’s going through tough changes. From the closure of arts and cultural organizations and beloved businesses to new challenges with homelessness to fear experienced by newcomers after the presidential election, we’ve got a lot to talk about.
We’ve always been stronger when we come together. This is why DIY Lowell is hosting a series of round table community connection conversations about preserving our vibrancy. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments served and child-friendly activities are available. Interpretation available upon request.
Events are fourth Thursdays. RSVP for the next event today so we know how many snacks to bring!
Our Evolving Vision
Each community member that attends Let’s Talk Lowell has different priorities and hopes. Each community conversation in the series deepens and expands our evolving vision, which is currently focused on five major areas:
DOWNTOWN VITALITY
We want to support small businesses, revitalize vacant storefronts, and promote cultural events to enhance downtown vitality. We want a safe, active, vibrant downtown that people visit every day and contributes to quality of life.
HOMES FOR ALL
We want to address the affordability of housing, making homes more accessible for residents, especially vulnerable populations. This includes long-term expansion of affordable housing availability and policies to keep homes affordable, and shorter-term emergency actions to help unhoused and vulnerable community members.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
We want to increase local and state government transparency, improve civic engagement, and ensure better communication between the city government and residents. Diverse communities should be included in decisions that affect them.
SAFE AND SECURE MOBILITY
We want to make transit more user-friendly with improved frequency and coverage, and ensuring better connections between the downtown and universities. All forms of transportation should be accessible to marginalized communities with safe, walkable, and bikeable infrastructure.
WELCOMING CITY
We want to strengthen neighborhood inclusion and address the needs of marginalized and immigrant communities. We want an immigrant community that feels as welcome and safe in Lowell as possible, including having the opportunities and resources they need.
More information can be found in our organizing document (PDF), which will be updated after each meeting.
Meeting Notes
We record notes at meetings and share them here via PDF:
