Mission Statement

Our Mission Statement

Heart of Taunton, Inc. is a privately funded nonprofit downtown revitalization organization, dedicated to Taunton's economic, physical and cultural improvement.

Our Vision:

To Serve as a center of commerce and culture for the greater Taunton community.

Our Mission:

To serve as a key facilitator of local, regional and national relationships and resources to transform Taunton's downtown into a regional destination for commerce and culture.

About us:

In the fall of 1987, the National Main Street Center requested applications for four $60,000 grants to Massachusetts communities interested in revitalizing their downtown areas. The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce and other interested participants organized, applied for the grant, and received it in 1988. The Heart of Taunton (a.k.a. "HOT") is the longest-surviving recipient of such a grant in the Bay State.

The Heart of Taunton is dedicated to the downtown's growth and prosperity. We are a nonprofit, independent organization made up of retailers, professionals, bankers, service organizations, developers, city officials, historic preservationists, and people who care about downtown Taunton.

HOT's many successes include working to renovate the Taunton Antiques Center and several other buildings, instituting a Farmer's Market, removing parking meters from downtown lots, spearheading the formation of the Arts Collaborative of Taunton, and bringing in thousands of people to experience cultural programs that benefit the city.

We are optimistic about Taunton's future, and we're always looking for members and volunteers to join our ranks. Annual memberships begin at $40 for individuals, $80 for families and $150 for businesses. Won't you consider joining with us as we work to make Taunton a better place to live, work and visit? Your membership is tax deductible, too!

PHYSICAL REVITALIZATION: HOT manages a Facade Grant program to help downtown retailers and property owners maintain their building exteriors. Up to $6,000.00 is available to an applicant each calendar year. The money is intended for signage, painting, awnings, and other repairs which beautify the building in keeping with the historic architecture of the downtown. Applications and brochures are available at the HOT office. Street banners and planters are also part of the physical revitalization efforts.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: When there are vacancies downtown, HOT works to fill them by coordinating with landlords and potential tenants. Our regular newsletter, HOT News, has a real estate feature listing downtown properties for lease and sale.

02/23/07