In March 2020, the Worcester office for the Department of Transitional Assistance moved to a new location on the southeast side of the city of Worcester. Prior to the move, the office was located in downtown Worcester – a central location for the region’s residents and easily accessible by many forms of public transportation. While the move provided the needed new space, the new location created significant challenges for those who rely on the office, including single parents, families with small children, and low-income residents – many of whom do not have reliable access to a car.

Under this legislation, strict benchmarks must be met before closing or moving community service offices, including:

At least 120 days for legislators, local leaders, and the community to comment

Detailed data, proposals, and plans for how the closure or relocating of the office affects the community and how low-income and underserved residents will be able to access the next closest location