Mayors and their housing and economic development directors gathered on Beacon Hill this week for the institute’s annual Gateway Cities Leadership Summit. While Senators geared up for the main event of the biennial session—the economic development bill debate—Gateway City leaders huddled with Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities; Ashley Stolba, Undersecretary of Economic Development; and leaders from the Gateway Cities caucus, including Chair Rep. Antonio Cabral and Sen. Pavel Payano.

The meeting took place at the UMass Club, which is on the 32nd floor of the One Beacon tower. A block away from the hubbub of the State House, the small forum provided an opportunity to thoughtfully review progress on shared policy priorities and discuss end-of-session strategy. The room’s spectacular views of Boston provided a beautiful illustration of the city-building possible when the public sector partners with private investors; a powerful reminder of why we work so hard to bring more capital to Gateway Cities.

Before the meeting concluded, Undersecretary Stolba shared some good news; the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, which has been dry for several years, will receive a large infusion of cash. Both cities and private developers will once again have this vital tool to prepare contaminated parcels for redevelopment.

With some wind in their sails, Gateway City leaders departed to the State House to meet with legislators and advocate for their priorities, including the Downtown Vitality Act. Good news on this front arrived late last evening; Sen. Cronin’s amendment to create a $9.5 million capital authorization for a new grant program to support downtowns and main streets passed in the Senate bill. The fate of this provision is now in the hands of the conference committee.

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Many other matters with major importance to Gateway Cities also remain in play as conference committees work to complete the FY 25 budget, the Housing bond bill, and the economic development bill (see table below).

One subtle, but essential issue to resolve is how Massachusetts responds to a recent Supreme Court ruling on how municipalities deal with residual home equity, when taking properties for tax delinquency. Gateway Cities have thousands of properties in this position.

The Senate budget included language that is urgently required to bring tax-taking practices into compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, allowing municipalities to proceed with these sales. While the provisions in the Senate budget are a start, Gateway City leaders are concerned that the language effectively forces them to sell properties to the highest bidder, which can sometimes lead to further speculation and disinvestment. City leaders should have the opportunity to use these properties to advance public goals like affordable homeownership and blight reduction, while still ensuring that property owners receive any excess equity to which they are entitled. Gateway City Leaders also believe the new state statute must be clearer on how cities apportion the costs that they incur managing vacant properties, including legal fees, costs to conduct third-party valuations, and expenses to temporarily maintain vacant properties to protect health and safety. Municipalities are also eager for statutory language on how they resolve excess home equity when the chain of ownership is unclear, as is so often the case.

This is a classic example of the minutiae legislators are tasked with working out at the end of a long session, and a reminder of why it is so important for Gateway City leaders to organize and advocate collectively from the beginning of each session until the final bell.

 

HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

With over 500 units across 11 Gateway Cities, the Healey-Driscoll administration announces the largest-ever round of Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) awards.

MassDevelopment issues bonds for a 52-unit affordable housing development in the Acre neighborhood of Lowell.

New Bedford is clamping down on sober homes and lodging houses.

The Worcester city council, which unanimously approved creating a rental property registry program, votes 9-2 to change the program’s fines and introduce exemptions for newer properties and owner-occupied properties of three units or less.

Following guidance from leaders in the Healey-Driscoll administration, the Senate looks to combine the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp with MassDevelopment.

The Brookings Institution publishes a Buy Back the Block playbook for inclusive ownership of commercial real estate.

 

EDUCATION

Lowell receives more money for its high school rebuild.

Brockton taps Priya Tahiliani to serve as interim superintendent.

The Worcester School Committee approves budget cuts for the 2024-2025 school year, closing a $22 million deficit by slashing 86 classroom teachers, 70 student support staff, five school psychologists, and 22 administrative positions.

To make cities more friendly to children and families, look to Bratislava.

 

ENVIRONMENT/PUBLIC HEALTH

Two local nonprofits bring fresh produce to homeless families and individuals in Lowell.

While homicides are way down in Boston and many other big cities, they are alarmingly high Springfield.

A new urban forest plan in Worcester invests an extra $500,000 annually to boost the city’s urban tree canopy.

 

TRANSPORTATION

The ferry company Seastreak, which says it’s seen rapid expansion of its New Bedford service to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, makes a pitch for redeveloping the New Bedford state pier.

Brockton Area Transit buses will stay fare-free through end of 2024.

Its timeline may still be up in the air, but South Coast Rail will offer weekend service.

 

COMMUNITIES & PEOPLE

Dan Rivera, former Lawrence mayor and MassDevelopment CEO, will serve as interim director of the Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell.

 

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