Dudley’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) is a town committee, established by bylaw in 2011, charged with strengthening existing businesses and attracting new ones — while the town’s stated aim, in its own planning documents, is to do that without losing the agricultural, historic, and rural character that defines Dudley.
Who Decides This
- Sets local economic development priorities: Economic Development Committee, which by bylaw must prepare and present an updated five-year economic development plan to Town Meeting every year.
- Reviews commercial site plans: Planning Board.
- Issues health/food-service permits: Board of Health.
- Advises on farm-related business activity: Agricultural Advisory Commission.
What the Economic Development Committee Does
By town bylaw (Chapter 19 of the Town Code), the EDC’s five-year plan must be developed in consultation with the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, and the Finance Committee, and must be reviewed and revised annually. The committee also maintains a community economic resource guide for businesses considering Dudley.
The town’s most recent published five-year plan identifies Dudley’s advantages — including highway access via I-395 and I-84 and proximity to the Mass Pike — and flags specific opportunities, including redevelopment interest around the historic Stevens Linen Mill complex.
Agriculture and Small Business
Because farming remains part of Dudley’s economy and identity, the Agricultural Advisory Commission works alongside the EDC on right-to-farm protections, which are intended to reduce conflict between working farms and neighboring property owners while preserving agricultural land use.
Where to Start if You’re Opening or Growing a Business in Dudley
- Contact the Economic Development Committee for a general orientation and the community resource guide.
- Check zoning for your intended location with the Planning Board or Building Department.
- File any required site plan, health, or building permit applications with the relevant department.
Sources & Public Documents
- Economic Development Committee — Town of Dudley
- 5-Year Economic Development Plan — Town of Dudley
- Chapter 19 — Economic Development Committee — Town of Dudley Code (eCode360)
- Boards & Commissions — Agricultural Advisory Commission and others