On Thursday, November 14th, over 250 attendees came together in Worcester for our 12th annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit. Leaders and community members from across the state participated in a dynamic day of discussion and reflection focused on efforts to address housing challenges. We also recognized Gateway City innovators and champions at the leading edge of this work.
The Summit began with a presentation of the MassINC Policy Center’s inaugural Gateway Cities Housing Monitor, led by senior research associate, Elise Rapoza. Following the introduction of key findings from the report, Lowell City Manager Tom Golden, New Bedford chief operating officer Christina Connelly, and Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia shared their reactions to the report from a municipal perspective.
The Summit included three breakout sessions, offering a deeper exploration of the intersections between housing, education, transportation, and downtown vitality. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of leaders collaborating to address the state’s housing needs and highlighting how Gateway Cities can continue to drive economic growth in Massachusetts.
The event concluded with our Gateway Cities Innovation Awards Ceremony, celebrating those making outstanding contributions in the housing sector. Congratulations to our Innovation Award winners: Chelsea Housing Authority, the City of Everett, the Fall River and Methuen Housing Authorities, Way Finders, Westfield Legends, and Worcester Common Ground. We also honored the Cities of Lynn and Salem with the Mayor Carpenter Award for Excellence in Gateway City Leadership, and Secretary Ed Augustus and MassHousing with the Gateway City Champion Award.
