Mass Timber Accelerator Programs

New Funding for Sustainable Construction in U.S. Cities

As cities across the globe intensify their efforts to lower their carbon footprint, mass timber has emerged as a revolutionary material in sustainable construction. Known for its ability to significantly reduce a building’s embodied carbon emissions, mass timber offers a compelling alternative to traditional building materials. Its benefits, including storing carbon, reducing material waste, and enhancing occupant experience through biophilic design, align perfectly with the sustainability goals of many cities. 

In response to this growing trend, the Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) has funded mass timber accelerator programs in Boston, New York City, and Atlanta and is seeking additional cities and program partners for 2026.

Expanding the Impact to More Cities

The SLB is inviting cities with strong sustainability goals to join this movement by applying for funding and project support for their own mass timber accelerator programs. With the success of the inaugural programs, the SLB is eager to expand its impact and support the growth of mass timber construction nationwide through combined investments of $100,000 to $250,000 per selected city.

Ready to build a greener, more sustainable urban landscape? Submit the form below to express your city’s interest and request more information from the SLB.

Mass Timber Accelerator Request for Information

Success in Boston, New York City, and Atlanta

Three recent mass timber accelerator programs in Boston, New York City, and Atlanta demonstrate the impact of a coordinated approach between cities, federal agencies, and lumber industry organizations. These programs utilized investments from the SLB, the USDA Forest Service, and other organizations to provide funding for active mass timber development projects in the early phases of project planning and design. These projects also receive technical assistance from WoodWorks, an SLB-funded program staffed with technical experts on wood construction. To lay the groundwork for these projects, the accelerator programs bring together local officials and the building community to explore funding sources, optimal construction types, and labor and supply chain considerations for mass timber projects in the cities.

Although Atlanta, New York City, and Boston have constructed notable mass timber projects, these accelerator programs provide crucial funding and expertise to less experienced project teams, building momentum in these cities.