Brockton (Massachusetts) – May 26, 2023 – By YVES CAJUSTE – Nathalie Jean, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA), was the recent guest on “Small Business Promo”, a GBMBA (Greater Brockton Minority Business Association) television show, hosted by Ronald Bernard who is the Small Business Associate at the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton. This educational TV show is produced by MOSAIC PUBLIC MEDIA in collaboration with MCTV,
Nathalie Jean is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She also holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University. During her interview, Jean shared her professional trajectory as well as insights on how she is approaching her new role.
Jean’s internship with the City of Boston and her work with various municipalities showcased her hands-on experience in urban development. She expressed her intention to leverage her expertise in managing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home investment funds to effectively contribute to her new role as the Executive Director of the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA).
Jean expressed her optimism about the current state of the city, stating, “The City is in a good place right now. I see a very enthusiastic mayor.” She highlighted the numerous ongoing developments and projects in the pipeline, illustrating the active growth and progress within the community. Jean further emphasized the strong engagement of small businesses with the BRA, indicating a collaborative effort to drive positive change. She enthusiastically expressed her desire to utilize her experience and background in order to enhance the community’s overall well-being.
The new Executive Director also shed light on BRA’s relationship with small businesses in Brockton. Jean shared an exciting initiative that the BRA is launching to support the business community, stating, “BRA is about to announce $10,000 grants to over 40 small businesses to help them with their Covid-related expenses. This announcement showcased the BRA’s commitment to providing tangible assistance to local businesses affected by the pandemic”.
About Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA)
The Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is a quasi-public agency dedicated to fostering community revitalization efforts in the city of Brockton. This agency prioritizes the welfare of low- and moderate-income households in this city.
BRA collaborates with the Mayor, the Planning Department and various city departments to establish and accomplish a cohesive strategic development vision. Through this collaborative effort, they aim to plan and executive initiatives that align with the city’s long-term growth and enhance the overall trajectory of development.
In addition, BRA oversees the allocation and management of the city’s funding received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program ensuring effective utilization of these resources.
The primary objective of utilizing these funds is to enhance the well-being of low and moderate-income residents in Brockton focusing on initiatives encompassing economic development, affordable housing, and social programs among others.
