MassINC’s Gateway Cities Innovation Summit returns this fall for its 13th year as the Commonwealth’s premier event focused on urban policy and inclusive economic development.
Join us for the 13th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit on Tuesday, October 28, at the historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium. This year’s theme, Fueling Growth through a New Age of Economic Transition, sets the stage for a day of dialogue, discovery, and celebration.
During the morning plenary and break-out sessions, we will explore new research, learn from local practitioners, and discuss opportunities for collective action. We will also recognize and celebrate the efforts of innovative Gateway City leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Agenda
Welcome & Remarks
- Joe Kriesberg, CEO, MassINC
- Mayor Daniel Rourke, City of Lowell
- Dina Scianna, Foundation Fellow, Eastern Bank Foundation
Five Big Ideas for Economic Development
- André Leroux, Program Director, Gateway Cities Innovation Institute
Lowell Case Study: LINC, the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor
- Anne Maglia, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Leadership for Economic Growth
- Moderator: Darnell Dunn, Director of Business Recruitment, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Rep. Carole Fiola, House Chair, Joint Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technology
- Mayor Jon Mitchell, City of New Bedford
- City Manager Tom Golden, City of Lowell
- Anne Maglia, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Breakout Sessions
- Session 1: Building Effective Economic Partnerships (Main Hall)
- Moderator: Carolyn Kirk, CEO, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
- Roberta Brien, Executive Vice President, Worcester Business Development Corporation
- Xiomara DeLobato, Vice President & Chief of Staff, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council
- Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development, 1Berkshire
- Session 2: Creating Homeownership Opportunities (Veteran’s Wing, Level 3)
featuring the 2025 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor
- Moderator: Elise Rapoza, Senior Research Associate, MassINC Policy Center
- Yvette Dyson, Executive Director, Worcester Common Ground
- Sarah Meier-Zimbler, Director of Development, Holyoke Housing Authority
- Carolyn Read, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
- Session 3: What’s Happening on Main Street? (Veteran’s Wing, Level 1)
- Moderator: Aaron Vega, Director of Planning & Economic Development, City of Holyoke
- Anabelle Rondon, Director of Transformative Development, MassDevelopment
- Allison (Ali) Carter, Director of Economic Development, City of Lowell
- Elizabeth Wurfbain, Executive Director, Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District
Lunch
Presentation of Gateway Cities Innovation Awards
- Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, 1Berkshire
- CAFETERIA Food Hall & theJav, Jowamar Companies
- City of Chelsea
- Holyoke Housing Authority
- Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives
- Shirley Ave TDI Partnership & SANA
Presentation of Mayor Bill Carpenter Award
- Mayor Jon Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford
Presentation of Gateway Cities Champion Awards
- Emmy Hahn, Program Coordinator, Massachusetts Downtown Initiative
- Jim Canales, President and Trustee, Barr Foundation
Fireside Chat with Secretary Eric Paley, Executive Office of Economic Development
- Moderator: Jon Chesto, Reporter, The Boston Globe
Closing
Submit a question for today's panelists
Can’t wait to join the conversation? Throughout the Gateway Cities Innovation Summit, audience questions will be collected virtually. Submit your question in real time, and MassINC staff will share selected submissions with our moderators during Q&A.
