UMass Lowell touts $25M state investment, workforce programs as LINC/Link project advances

UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen told the Lowell City Council on Oct. 28 that the university's Link (also called LINC) development is advancing with new state and private backing and a range of workforce programs meant to connect residents to higher‑paying jobs.

"Yesterday at the Statehouse the governor and lieutenant governor made a great announcement, which was a $25,000,000 investment in a Draper building that will be on in the HCID District," Chen said, describing the state support that university leaders say made financing for a microelectronics manufacturing building possible. She also said the university just received a $5,000,000 award from MassTech Collaborative for a human performance center.

The presentation framed the Link as more than new buildings on campus: Chen described it as a catalyst for economic development that will connect UMass Lowell, Middlesex Community College, nearby high schools and the commuter rail, and that will attract companies seeking local talent. She highlighted workforce initiatives including a MassBio program (referred to in the presentation as "biodiversity") and "VetsRise," which aim to prepare people — from high‑school graduates to veterans — for entry‑level roles in life sciences, cybersecurity and microelectronics.

Councilors repeatedly praised the plan. "We will soon be a powerhouse as far as innovation, research and development... the partnership there has never been stronger," Councilor Balenja said. Councilor Yam summarized the local stakes in numeric terms during the discussion, saying the Link constitutes an "$800,000,000 project that will bring about 2,000 permanent jobs" and add about "490 new housing units" for staff and students.

Chen and council members named private firms and partners involved in recruitment and training, including Vertex, Thermo Fisher and SAIC, and described 201 Cabot as an early site for university‑industry activity. Chen also noted Draper, Liberty Mutual and National Grid among partners and said Draper has renovated space to anchor early tenants while larger new buildings are designed.

City officials asked about next steps and timing. Chen said the state's commitment makes a near‑term groundbreaking possible "within the next several months, either end of this year or early into next year" for the Draper building, and that other parts of the broader project remain in schematic and conceptual design.

What happens next: councilors pledged continued cooperation; city staff and UMass representatives will continue design and developer discussions as projects advance. The presentation concluded with a brief Q&A and acknowledgement of the university's project team.