Businesses and Nonprofits

About the Department:

In 2022, the City of Melrose hired its first Director of Economic Recovery and Business Development. The role was created to help the City compete regionally for economic development opportunities and to effectively resource existing local businesses, non-profit and arts organizations that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The position is also involved with recruiting, retaining and supporting businesses and fostering economic growth within the City's downtown and major commercial business districts.

The Economic Development Director fosters municipal/business partnerships, offers business assistance, communicates important City information and manages a business and nonprofits database.

All existing and potential Melrose business owners and nonprofit leaders are invited to reach out to Lauren Grymek with any ideas, questions and/or feedback, at lgrymek@cityofmelrose.org. Businesses and organizations seeking to expand or improve their operations can receive assistance from Lauren directly.

Stay up to date with relevant local ordinances and programs that impact Melrose businesses. Click on a link below to learn more:

Polystyrene Ordinance - Changes for Melrose Businesses
Melrose business owners who sell food and beverage or packing material and any businesses who offer food and beverages at City events must eliminate polystyrene food and beverage containers from their establishment. Beginning January 2022, foam and rigid polystyrene are banned as food and beverage packaging in Melrose in the largest retailers.  On July 1, 2022, the law took effect across all retailers in Melrose.

• For establishments over 8,000 square feet, the ordinance takes effect January 1, 2022.
• For establishments under 8,000 square feet, the ordinance takes effect July 1, 2022.

Learn what the new ordinance means for your business and how to comply here.

Reusable and Recyclable Bag Ordinance

Checkout bags must be either a Recyclable Paper Bag or a Reusable Bag.  See definitions below.

Recyclable Paper Bag - A compliant paper bag meets all three criteria:

1. Is 100% recyclable, including the handles;
2. Contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled paper content; and
3. Displays the words “Recyclable” and “made from 40% post-consumer recycled content” (or greater amount) in a visible manner on the outside of the bag.

Reusable Bag - A compliant reusable bag is specifically designed for multiple uses. It meets all five of these criteria:

1. Sewn bag with stitched handles;
2. Can carry 25 pounds;
3. Is machine washable or is made of a material that can be cleaned or disinfected 125 times;
4. Is made of either polyester, polypropylene, cotton or other natural fiber material; and
5. Has a thickness of greater than 4.0 mils.

For additional information on this ordinance visit: https://ecode360.com/32887069

Merchant (Business) and Employee Parking Pass Information
The City of Melrose offers two types of Merchant Permits for Melrose business owners and employees for parking within the Downtown Melrose Municipal Parking Lots. Both permits enable permit holders to park Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in downtown Melrose without needing to adhere to the posted maximum time restriction.

Read more about the parking pass program including how to obtain your free pass, here.

Business Site Registration Form for Office of Emergency Management
To ensure the City can reach business, building and facility owners both during and outside of normal operating hours, in the case of an incident or emergency at the location, please complete the Business Site Registration Form and return it to the Office of Emergency Management.

Access the site registration form to complete it and return it, here.