There’s a lot to like in Governor Healey’s economic development bill. The wide-ranging law includes several smart provisions on issues that matter to Gateway Cities, most notably, small business and inclusive entrepreneurship. But there are also some missing components, and big existential questions about our Commonwealth’s priorities and needs that merit reflection, as the bill
MassINC Matters: The January/February Round-Up
The latest from our research, journalism, and polling
Welcome to our first “MassINC Matters” newsletter of 2024. As a valued member of our community, you’ll receive an email update from us every other month providing you with an insider’s perspective into the latest work happening across our organization. While we wrap up the final days of the month, here’s a round-up of
An Act to Promote Downtown Vitality, February 2024 Fiscal Analysis and Recommendations
How much tax revenue is 5% of the state’s remote retailer (online) sales tax collections? MassINC’s Policy Center spent several months in dialogue with the MA Department of Revenue requesting this data. Ultimately, DOR informed us that they cannot disaggregate sales tax proceeds. For example, when Walmart pays its sales taxes to the commonwealth, the
New Bedford’s leadership on housing is a model for Gateway Cities
The Gateway Cities Journal
A new analysis of local and regional housing needs by New Bedford’s Regeneration Project marks an inflection point in the statewide housing crisis. Produced by MassINC, this in-depth report provides insight into rapidly escalating housing costs, and actions that private and public sector leaders in Greater New Bedford can take to get to the root
It’s cold outside, but things are heating up fast on Beacon Hill
The Gateway Cities Journal
The legislature is back for the final six months of the 2023-2024 session, and the FY 2025 budget process is in full swing. On Wednesday, Gov. Healey presented her second budget. While managing through the first difficult fiscal year in a long time, the administration’s blueprint makes bold investments in Gateway Cities. Here’s a quick
Gateway City mayors show collective support on several bills
With the February 7th Joint Rule 10 deadline for reporting bills out of committee approaching, Gateway City mayors voice collective support for the Downtown Vitality Act, the Affordable Homes Act, and a bill making smart investments in regional transit agencies. Re: H.228/S.130– An Act to Promote Downtown Vitality Dear Chairs McMurtry and Payano, and
Event Recap | 11th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit
Event recognizes Gateway City clean energy efforts and presents strategies on building decarbonization and transportation in Gateway Cities
On November 14th, the 11th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards and Summit brought municipal officials together with experts on renewable energy, housing, and transportation to explore the pivotal role that our regional urban centers will play steering the commonwealth’s transition to a clean energy future. With Fitchburg State University graciously hosting us, the event
Beacon Hill Roars Back to Life
The Gateway Cities Journal
Summer recess is a distant memory as Beacon Hill roars back to life. Monday featured two prime-time hearings with major implications for Gateway Cities. Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson appeared before the education committee to testify in support of legislation to remedy inequitable flaws in school construction funding. Filed by Lynn Rep. Dan Cahill and Sen. Brendan Crighton,
26 Gateway City mayors and managers write to state legislators for HDIP
Letter of support to state senate leaders from mayors and managers representing 26 Gateway Cities
September 5, 2023 The Honorable Ron Mariano, Speaker of the House The Honorable Karen Spilka, Senate President The Honorable Aaron Michlewitz, Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means The Honorable Michael Rodrigues, Chair, Senate Committee on Ways and Means State House Boston, MA 02133 via email Time-sensitive: Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) Dear Speaker Mariano,
Midsummer/midsession updates from the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute
The Gateway Cities Journal
With the first post-Question 1 budget under development and major tax reform packages moving through the legislature, these last few weeks leading up to the summer recess have been especially consequential for Gateway Cities. Here is our take on where things stand as we turn the corner into the second half of the 2023-2024 legislative