The MRA plays a significant role in helping to shape the City of Malden with its Strong Past...Proud Future. The MRA is a self-sustaining agency that works in partnership with city government leaders and community groups to help Malden maintain its edge as a great place to live, work and explore. The agency has a long history, having been created by an Act of the State Legislature in 1958. On beha
lf of the City, the MRA administers the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs, oversees development in urban renewal areas, administers low-interest loan and mortgage programs, manages a variety of public works improvement projects and oversees the downtown off-street parking program. From 1958 through 1972, much of its attention was devoted to the clearance of dilapidated property and the reconstruction of the city's residential, commercial and industrial areas under one state-funded and four federally-funded urban renewal programs. In the 1960s those activities overlapped with the institution of a comprehensive housing rehabilitation program that continues to operate by providing loans and grants to income-eligible homeowners to address code violations and to abate lead-based paint. The MRA boasts a seasoned staff with expertise in grant writing, administration, home improvement and infrastructure upgrades. In its 57-year history, there have been six executive directors including Deborah A. Burke, the present Executive Director who was appointed January 1, 2014. The Executive Director is a member of the City's Sign Design Review Committee, a member of the Master Plan Steering Committee and a member of the Advisory Committee for the building of a new Malden Police Station.
