Steven Joncas, Joncas Associates

Steven Joncas’s formidable expertise in economic development has indelibly shaped Lowell’s urban revitalization. He grew up in the city’s Back Central neighborhood and in the late 1960s and early 70s worked for the Development Authority (also known as the Urban Renewal Authority). In 1975 he joined the staff of Congressman Paul Tsongas as a member of the economic and community development team and then District Director. Upon Tsongas’ election to the U.S. Seante, Joncas assumed the positions of State Manager and Director of Economic Development. Between 1993-1995 he served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Martin Meehan. In conjunction with his political work, Joncas actively engaged with Lowell’s non-profits that also focused on the city’s redevelopment: he served as the Executive Director of the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation (LDFC) and Lowell Plan from 1982-85, and as  And then from 1995-2006 as the president and a board member of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF). From the mid-1980s to the present, Joncas has worked in real estate development with a focus on affordable housing.

Members of Paul Tsongas’ congressional staff in 1980 at the Olympia Restaurant in Lowell at a going-away party for the press secretary, Nancy Gilmartin. Image by Collection of Steven Joncas
Members of Paul Tsongas’ congressional staff in 1980 at the Olympia Restaurant in Lowell at a going-away party for the press secretary, Nancy Gilmartin. Back row left to right: Theda Leonard, Effie Poulakis Dragon, Kay Petruzziello, Steven Joncas, Paul Tsongas, Nancy Gilmartin, Doug McGarrah, Toby Dilworth, Eleanor Abbott. Bottom row left to right: Suze Kohak, Maura Smith, Theresa Thebault, Mona Blumstein, Yvonne Shepard.

The Interview

In his interview, Joncas not only provides insight on Paul Tsongas’ political skills but also recalls other individuals, such as Frank Keefe, Kurt Shork, and Joseph Tully, who had an instrumental role in the city. He relates the initial challenges that faced the implementation of programs like the Lowell Plan, or the restructuring of the school system’s governance (see Michael Gallagher interview), as well as background on the founding of the GLCF (see also the George Duncan and Jay Linnehan interviews). He worked closely with both Dick and Nancy Donahue and shared memories of stories and conversations with them concerning the non-profits within the city. The second half of the interview focuses on his work in real estate, first with Larry Ansin (former CEO of Joan Fabrics) and Paul Tsongas (after he left the U.S. Senate), and then more recent collaborations, such as the Lowell Community Health Center consolidation and expansion (see also Michael Gallagher interview), and the mixed-use project, Acre Crossing and Suffolk Place on the Merrimack and Market Street corridors. Joncas ends the interview by reminding the next generation that the challenges facing communities continue and that we cannot be complacent; getting involved can make a difference.