Past Events

A decades-long decline in small business formation has slowed economic growth in regional economies throughout the state. Increasing diversity is at the root of this problem. While entrepreneurs of color are starting businesses at high rates, too often they lack access to relationships, capital, and customers to grow their young enterprises. The pandemic has demonstrated new models for supporting these entrepreneurs. A growing collection of leaders are working to build on the lessons of the past year. Their efforts could…

Given a national platform in 2020 by Democratic candidate Andrew Yang, the concept known as ‘guaranteed income’ has gained popularity and momentum in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Proponents of the idea say giving direct cash assistance to people in need has the potential to address wealth and income inequality exacerbated by the pandemic, while others have balked at expanding the social safety net.

The question remains: Does giving people money make for good policy?

Please join the Boston Foundation and MassINC for the release of a new report on the employment and earnings outcomes of community college students and graduates in Massachusetts. As open-access and affordable institutions of higher education, community colleges offer a potential solution to the college affordability crisis; they have emerged as a high-profile policy prescription in President Biden’s infrastructure plan. Drawing on a new statewide system linking data across high schools, postsecondary institutions, and employers, this research explores important and timely questions…

As vaccinations roll out and summer approaches, The MassINC Polling Group (MPG) returns with a new statewide survey of K-12 parents in Massachusetts. The poll asked parents to reflect on the lessons they’ve learned, what kinds of resources their child will need to catch up, and how districts and schools should spend expected recovery funds.

The pandemic has led to dramatic decreases in ridership on mass transit. In response the MBTA is cutting and reducing service on bus and subway routes, commuter rail and ferries. Officials say when the pandemic eases and demand comes back, service will return. But will it? And if it does, will it look like it did before? What does this mean for cities and towns across the state and how should we adapt?   With a focus on equity and…