
Nate Hunt
Research Director, BW Research
Nate is a Research Director at BW Research Partnership, specializing in the strategic direction of economic development and workforce transition projects. Nate joined BW Research in 2018 and brings more than six years of experience in the field. His core responsibilities include leading and advising project plans and identifying and answering research questions while overseeing day-to-day project management. His expertise lies in place-based economic development, the intersection of workforce and economic growth, and strategies for facilitating local economic transitions that improve economic opportunities and accessibility.
Nate has led several high-impact initiatives at BW, including the Massachusetts Clean Energy Workforce Needs Assessment—a pioneering report that has guided millions of dollars in workforce development funds and clean energy investments. He has also consulted for notable organizations, including the Department of Energy (DOE), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), managing millions of dollars across dozens of projects. Nate was instrumental in supporting climate pollution reduction grant applications for the Bay Area and the state of Pennsylvania, which was able to secure nearly $400 million in EPA funding for industrial decarbonization. Nate has also recently developed a strategic playbook for policymakers and public officials to support the transition to manufacturing electric vehicles while supporting high-quality employment.
Nate’s strengths lie in his ability to understand and explain the context and limitations of quantitative and qualitative data, allowing him to offer nuanced and actionable insights. He is adept at balancing data insights with real-world applications, which enhances the relevance and impact of his recommendations. His technical expertise, combined with strong leadership and communications skills, makes him a key contributor to BW’s research team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Environmental Science from the College of the Holy Cross, and a Master of Public Policy from the University of California Berkeley.
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Constructing the Future: Strategies to Help Massachusetts Meet Its Clean Energy and Housing Goals
June 17, 2025
- Construction output has declined in recent years. Prompt action to stimulate demand is necessary to sustain this critical workforce and preserve long-term industry capacity.
- Assuming continued economic growth, scaling up the training system to meet workforce needs for housing and clean energy should be an attainable goal.
- Recent progress in racial, ethnic, and gender diversity presents an opportunity to expand the industry’s future labor pool.
- Reducing construction costs while maintaining competitive, family-sustaining wages will require meaningful gains in productivity.