Rebuilding Renewal
An Analysis of State Investment in Gateway Cities and a Work Plan for Delivering Transformative Development
Over the last decade, Massachusetts has fundamentally shifted its understanding of the needs and opportunities of small-to-medium-sized cities anchoring the Commonwealth’s regional economies. The state now places considerable priority on efforts to make these so-called Gateway Cities stronger drivers of growth. But, despite this focus, economic conditions in Gateway Cities remain fundamentally weak.
As recent efforts have not moved the needle, we must ask what it will take to help Gateway Cities resume their key function as drivers of regional growth and economic mobility. To help answer that question, this study presents new information and analysis on state investment in Gateway Cities. The analysis demonstrates that, if there is to be measurable beneficial impact in Gateway Cities, the state must continue efforts to create a comprehensive transformative development policy framework, as outlined in a 2013 MassINC white paper.
