New Bedford’s Custom House Square Park will be a “lush green outdoor living room for the city,” one of its designers told South Coast Today, whose Auditi Guhta reported (behind paywall) on the groundbreaking ceremony for the project earlier this month. The park, which will replace a downtown parking lot, was developed by New Bedford
Reentry programs need coordination, more carrots and sticks, says DOJ-sponsored report
Reentry programs can be an effective strategy against recidivism, but not enough prisoners are released into such programs, according to a recent report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. MassINC also called for stronger reentry programs in a report released last month, “Crime, Cost, and Consequences: Is it
Key resource in creative placemaking threatened by budget cuts
A key resource for Gateway City revitalization efforts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, would be significantly weakened by the state budget proposal released last week by the House Committee on Ways and Means. The MCC reports that the House budget allocates only $8.1 million for the agency during the next fiscal year: This would represent a
MassINC study cites exorbitant cost and significant shortcomings in state’s criminal justice policies
MassINC study cites exorbitant cost and significant shortcomings in state’s criminal justice policies Newly-formed Criminal Justice Reform Coalition calls for bold moves such as a moratorium on new prisons to bring Massachusetts into line with other states Since the early 1980s, the percentage of the Massachusetts population confined in the state’s prisons and jails has
New MassINC poll finds voters open to revenues for transportation improvements
Polls, focus groups find voters open to revenues for transportation improvements Voters recognize potential benefits of raising revenue; support rises with specifics on spending Massachusetts voters see the potential benefits of raising additional revenue for transportation improvements and are open to several possible sources of revenue, according to a report on a series of polls
MassINC is looking for a Web Developer
MassINC & CommonWealth magazine Web Developer MassINC is looking for a Web Developer to design, develop and maintain the continuity of the MassINC and CommonWealth magazine websites. This person must work hands-on with CommonWealth writers, MassINC staff and outside engineers to maximize the value of our online content, our users’ experience, and the organization’s mission.
New MassINC report on economic impact of transit in Gateway Cities
New MassINC report cites heavy economic toll of insufficient transit in Gateway Cities along with above average support for transit investment among voters in these communities Provides “roadmap” for how to use potential RTA revenue for short and long-term economic growth Inadequate public transit in Gateway cities, with service gaps for workers and double time
Upcoming forums and new MassINC report on transit investment in Gateway Cities
Media Advisory Strategic Directions: Investing in Public Transportation for Regional Economic Growth MassINC and Transportation for Massachusetts will host a series of ten public forums and panel discussions in Gateway Cities on regional transportation investments. The forums will be preceded by a presentation of a new MassINC report which provides a roadmap for how
Gateway Cities eligible for Boston Fed Working Cities Challenge
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has recently announced a new initiative that will support cross-sector collaboration among small cities, including the Gateway Cities. The program, called “The Working Cities Challenge,” aims to create stronger partnerships between key institutions, agencies, organizations, and businesses in these cities to improve the quality of life, especially for low
Aligning Transportation and Transformative Investment
Governor Patrick’s The Way Forward plan provides an infusion of funds for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) serving Gateway Cities, including $100 million annually for enhanced service and $400 million in capital funds to purchase new buses and modernize facilities. If state leaders are able to support RTAs at this level, it could radically change the