Why Massachusetts can’t scale back rail infrastructure

• Policy Center

• May 18, 2020 Policy Center

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Last week, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack indicated it may make sense to slow down planned improvements to the MBTA commuter rail network. Here's why this is the wrong move for Massachusetts.

Closing language barriers and the digital divide in Gateway Cities

Gateways Podcast Episode 57

• Policy Center

• May 7, 2020 Policy Center

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Examining two obstacles preventing many members of our Commonwealth from accessing what they need during the coronavirus crisis.

Gateway Cities at the center of the digital divide in Massachusetts

• Policy Center

• May 5, 2020 Policy Center

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The deep digital divide in Massachusetts is one of many glaring inequities brought into focus by the pandemic. Before schools were hastily forced into remote learning mode, the problem was largely perceived as rural.

TTOD Planning & Design Competition Award Ceremony

• Policy Center

• May 1, 2020 Policy Center

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Learn more about the nine teams that participated in the inaugural TTOD Planning and Design Competition!

Why COVID-19 tells us to embrace transit-oriented development, not reject it

The Gateway Cities Journal

• Policy Center

• May 1, 2020 Policy Center

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Recently, coronavirus has caused some to question the validity and safety of population density and transit. But the real culprits lie in crowding, poverty, pollution, and other socioeconomic factors - which TTOD aims to address.

Why Gateway Cities Could Be Headed for a Fiscal Emergency

• Policy Center

• Apr 24, 2020 Policy Center

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While the state has given municipalities more latitude to adopt local option taxes in recent years, and Gateway Cities jumped at the opportunity, these remain rather anemic funding streams.

For Gateway Cities, Census outreach during COVID-19 matters more than ever before

Gateways Podcast Episode 55

• Apr 22, 2020

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The pandemic has made traditional outreach for the Census all but impossible - but an accurate count is critical to the health of our communities.

Can the Student Opportunity Act Survive Coronavirus?

The Gateway Cities Journal

• Policy Center Education

• Apr 16, 2020 Policy Center Education

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Governor Baker announced that Student Opportunity Act (SOA) plans would be due May 15th, or a later date to be determined by Commissioner Jeff Riley. With the FY 2021 budget influx, Commissioner Riley's choice of a new date will have ripple effects far into the future. 

How public health agencies can protect populations most threatened by COVID-19

Gateways Podcast Episode 55

• Policy Center

• Apr 8, 2020 Policy Center

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Massachusetts' Gateway Cities are home to large numbers of vulnerable populations, including immigrants and people experiencing homelessness. This week, we talk to experts about why certain populations are more at risk when it comes to COVID-19, and how Gateway Cities can respond.

Decline in local news spells trouble for cities

The Gateway Cities Journal

• Policy Center

• Apr 1, 2020 Policy Center

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When local news coverage dwindles, citizens stop voting, serving on boards and commissions, and running for public office. The current pandemic of misinformation underscores the more immediate consequences of lost access to reliable news sources.