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# MassINC

Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth: expanding opportunity through research, journalism, and civic engagement in Massachusetts

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://massinc.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Updates](https://massinc.org/updates/)
- [The Massachusetts Middle Class Status Report](https://massinc.org/research/the-massachusetts-middle-class-status-report/) - As MassINC marks its 30th anniversary, the Massachusetts Middle Class Status Report revisits a foundational question: whether households in Massachusetts can achieve economic security, stability, and full participation in civic life. Using a multidimensional economic capacity framework, the report offers a rigorous, data-driven assessment of whether the Commonwealth’s economy is delivering broadly shared prosperity.
- [Beacon Hill makes progress, but Mass. downtowns missing key supports](https://massinc.org/2026/08/02/beacon-hill-makes-progress-but-mass-downtowns-missing-key-supports/) - $5millon per year would transform what cities can do.
- [Don't let growth stop at Route 128](https://massinc.org/2026/08/14/dont-let-growth-stop-at-route-128/) - The economic development conference committee can give all regions fuel for growth.
- [The Greg Bialecki Leadership Seminar launches with a day of learning, collaboration, and celebration](https://massinc.org/2026/08/03/greg-bialecki-leadership-seminar-launches-with-a-day-of-learning-collaboration-and-celebration/) - On July 22, MassINC brought together municipal officials, economic development practitioners, real estate developers, state leaders, and civic partners at the UMass Club for the inaugural Greg Bialecki Leadership Seminar and kickoff reception. The day honored Greg Bialecki, former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, and reflected the qualities that defined his career: ambitious
- [Critical Shortages Ahead: Aligning the Nursing and Allied Health Education Pipeline with Growing Employer Demand](https://massinc.org/research/critical-shortages-ahead-aligning-the-nursing-and-allied-health-education-pipeline-with-growing-demand/) - Executive Summary Employer demand far exceeds the supply of workers in six key nursing and allied health fields. Education programs recognize this intense shortage, and the vast majority want to grow to help address it. However, a variety of barriers severely constrain their ability to add capacity. This has substantial and unsustainable consequences for the
- [2026 Greg Bialecki Leadership Seminar](https://massinc.org/2026/07/20/2026-greg-bialecki-leadership-seminar/) - Agenda Welcome André Leroux, Program Director, Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Remarks and Conversation with Secretary Juana Matias, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities MassINC Policy Center Updates Ben Forman, Director, MassINC Policy Center André Leroux, Program Director, Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Panel I: Partnerships for Growth Peter Dunn, Chief Development Officer, City of Worcester
- [How Massachusetts Sees AI: Approaches and Opportunities](https://massinc.org/2026/07/17/how-massachusetts-sees-ai-approaches-and-opportunities/) - The MassINC Polling Group will present new statewide polling on Massachusetts voters’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence, including how residents are using AI in their everyday lives, how they weigh its opportunities against its risks, and what role they believe state policymakers should play as the technology continues to evolve. The poll and release event are
- [Massachusetts voters support state oversight of powerful AI models to mitigate risks of catastrophic impacts](https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/massachusetts-voters-support-state-oversight-of-powerful-ai-models-to-mitigate-risks-of-catastrophic-impacts) - New poll shows Massachusetts voters use AI regularly, but fear potential catastrophic impacts if tools are allowed to develop without government oversight.
- [Progress on housing and Gateway City downtowns in House Economic Development bill](https://massinc.org/2026/07/16/progress-on-housing-and-gateway-city-downtowns-in-house-economic-development-bill/) - Last week, the House passed an omnibus economic development bill that included important wins for Gateway Cities on both HDIP and downtown vitality. The legislation now moves on to the Senate, where there are opportunities to lock in these gains and make some modifications that would produce an even stronger package. Let’s start with a
- [Harnessing the Full Potential of Regional Rail with a No Regrets Capital Investment Strategy](https://massinc.org/research/harnessing-the-full-potential-of-regional-rail-with-a-no-regrets-capital-investment-strategy/) - Introduction Massachusetts faces growing economic challenges, from housing shortages and labor market constraints to demographic headwinds and uneven regional growth. Meeting these challenges will require the commonwealth to build on its existing strengths. Few assets offer greater potential than the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) 400-mile commuter rail network. With sustained investment and focused execution,
- [To keep welcoming immigrants, Gateway Cities need the state’s partnership now more than ever](https://massinc.org/2026/06/04/to-keep-welcoming-immigrants-gateway-cities-need-the-states-partnership-now-more-than-ever/) - ateway Cities across Massachusetts have borne the brunt of harsh immigration enforcement over the past year. The negative consequences for children and families are apparent to all. Less visible, but potentially just as concerning, are the public safety implications if fear within immigrant communities makes residents less likely to seek help from law enforcement or
- [Shaping the Next Chapter for Massachusetts](https://www.wgbh.org/events/shaping-the-next-chapter-for-massachusetts)
- [An Uncertain Future: How the Immigration Crackdown Threatens the Massachusetts Labor Force](https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/videos/2026/june/recap-an-uncertain-future-immigration-crackdown)
- [New survey finds that, despite challenges, Mass. homeowners find financial and personal benefits from homeownership](https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/press-releases/2026/june/homeownership-survey-release-massinc-polling-group)
- [Component 4: Financial Security](https://massinc.org/research/component-4-financial-security/) - Making it into the middle class has always meant more than having enough income to live well from month-to-month. It also implies some measure of financial stability and independence. The previous sections measured the share of Massachusetts households able to attain a middle-class standard of living. We derived these figures by comparing actual household incomes
- [Harnessing the Full Potential of Regional Rail with Variable Pricing and Equitable Fare Policies](https://massinc.org/research/harnessing-the-full-potential-of-regional-rail-with-variable-pricing-and-equitable-fare-policies/) - This analysis outlines a practical path to increasing ridership and expanding access on the commuter rail through variable pricing and more equitable fare structures. The report shows how Massachusetts can make measurable progress toward Regional Rail by leveraging existing system capacity to strengthen economic mobility across the Commonwealth.
- [Component 3: The Middle-Class Time Budget and Civic Participation ](https://massinc.org/research/component-3-the-middle-class-time-budget-and-civic-participation/) - Many Massachusetts households have the income required to afford a middle-class lifestyle. But income alone does not complete the picture. If reaching this standard now requires households to devote more of their time to paid work or commuting, then middle-class status may come with rising stress, personal sacrifice, and crucially, lower civic engagement. This matters because the middle class has always been more
- [Component 2: Who Can Afford a Middle Class Lifestyle ](https://massinc.org/research/component-2-who-can-afford-a-middle-class-lifestyle/) - When middle-class status is defined not by income percentiles but by the ability to live the American Dream, the answer is fewer households are making it in Massachusetts than some might assume. However, the Bay State is by no means an outlier in this regard. While Massachusetts is among the most expensive places to live
- [Component 1: The Middle Class Budget by Household Type](https://massinc.org/research/component-1-the-middle-class-budget-by-household-type/) - While this question is hotly debated, comprehensive data to examine it carefully are not readily available. Component 1 of the Middle Class Status Report attempts to fill a key information gap by measuring what it actually costs to achieve and sustain a middle-class standard of living. By building a household budget that includes childcare, health
- [Introducing the Massachusetts Middle Class Status Report](https://massinc.org/research/introducing-the-massachusetts-middle-class-status-report/) - The middle class has long stood at the center of America’s economic story and civic imagination. A healthy middle class validates a promise that effort and contribution will yield stability and opportunity. For policymakers, business leaders, and families alike, the status of the middle class serves as a barometer to gauge whether economic progress is generating broadly shared economic opportunity and prosperity. Three decades after MassINC first placed the
- [School segregation lawsuit opens a new battlefield in the fight for the middle class in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2026/05/22/school-segregation-lawsuit-opens-a-new-battlefield-in-the-fight-for-the-middle-class-in-massachusetts/) - The MassINC Policy Center has long sought to draw attention to the growing concentrations of poverty in Gateway City schools and the extreme consequences for both individuals and the social and economic fabric of our Commonwealth. This work has often felt like screaming into the wind. Education leaders and policymakers largely ignore it. Instead, they focus on
- [Gateway City students and educators receive good news at Early College Day 2026  ](https://massinc.org/2026/04/13/gateway-city-students-and-educators-receive-good-news-at-early-college-day-2026/) - Early College Day 2026 highlighted major state commitments to expand access and strengthen coordination across K–12 and higher education, signaling a shift toward a more robust, systemwide approach.
- [2025 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor | Chapter 2: Housing Affordability](https://massinc.org/research/2025-gateway-cities-housing-monitor-chapter-2-housing-affordability/) - Another year of homes getting more expensive for Gateway City residents. For generations, Gateway Cities have been the commonwealth’s affordable places to live, offering families a foothold in both the rental and homeownership markets. Affordability in these communities has mostly come from an abundance of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH)—older homes and apartments that rented
- [Level the playing field: Gateway Cities need permitting reforms](https://massinc.org/2025/06/22/level-the-playing-field-gateway-cities-need-permitting-reforms/) - Unnecessarily detailed environmental impact studies add cost and time
- [The American dream is wobbling in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2026/01/25/the-american-dream-is-wobbling-in-massachusetts-gateway-cities/) - Housing, entrepreneurship stats should set off alarm bells
- [Uneven Gateway Cities housing production may indicate bigger problems ahead](https://massinc.org/2025/10/05/uneven-gateway-cities-housing-production-may-indicate-bigger-problems-ahead/) - Western Mass. bypassed by the recent building surge
- [Massachusetts Poll Shows College Interest Slipping Amid Growing Gaps in Readiness and Access](https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/parents-divided-as-ai-rapidly-reshapes-massachusetts-classrooms-x2d5x)
- [Who cares about Main Street? Not Massachusetts, apparently](https://massinc.org/2025/09/14/who-cares-about-main-street-not-massachusetts-apparently/) - Beacon Hill lets a vital support structure disappear.
- [Massachusetts has a second chance on Opportunity Zones. Let’s not blow it](https://massinc.org/2026/05/24/massachusetts-has-a-second-chance-on-opportunity-zones-lets-not-blow-it/) - Opportunity Zones 2.0 can fund more than real estate speculation in high-profile cities
- [An Uncertain Future: How the Immigration Crackdown Threatens Massachusetts' Labor Force](https://massinc.org/research/an-uncertain-future-how-the-immigration-crackdown-threatens-massachusetts-labor-force/) - Recent federal immigration restrictions could have significant implications for Massachusetts’ economy and labor force. While much of the public discussion has focused on the human impact of these policies, this report examines their potential economic effects, with particular attention to labor force dynamics in three key industries. The analysis comes at a time of heightened uncertainty for the Massachusetts economy, as shifts in federal policy — including changes to research funding and the social safety net — may further affect the state’s workforce, employers, and communities.
- [Poll: Massachusetts voters weigh in on ballot questions, transportation, and elections](https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/poll-massachusetts-voters-weigh-in-on-ballot-questions-transportation-and-elections)
- [Reimagining Neighborhoods Through Schools: Highlights from Across Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2026/03/17/reimagining-neighborhoods-through-schools-highlights-from-across-massachusetts/) - This spring, the MassINC Policy Center is partnering with the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses and the United Way to organize a tour exploring how cities can build stronger mixed-income neighborhoods and expand opportunity by aligning education, housing, and community development. Each stop will offer an up-close view of how School-Centered Neighborhood
- [Laying the Groundwork for School-Centered Neighborhood Development: A Guide to Backbone Organizations](https://massinc.org/research/laying-the-groundwork-for-school-centered-neighborhood-development/) - Executive Summary This brief offers guidance to cities stepping up to tackle the difficult work of School-Centered Neighborhood Development (SCND). With rising costs and growing economic segregation steadily eroding access to opportunity, these ambitious efforts to build more mixed-income neighborhoods and schools are absolutely essential to sustaining upward economic mobility in Massachusetts. Fundamentally, this approach
- [Downtowns get a little love](https://massinc.org/2026/02/17/downtowns-get-a-little-love/) - Massachusetts is giving its downtowns some Valentine’s Day attention with a new MDI Capital program aimed at funding local planning and streetscape improvements to spark economic vitality and replace last year’s defunded initiative.
- [Commuter Rail transformation gains steam](https://massinc.org/2026/01/17/commuter-rail-transformation-gains-steam/) - Last month, the MassINC Policy Center and TransitMatters released a study on Harnessing the Full Potential of Regional Rail. The report shows how the MBTA’s initial steps to transform commuter rail into a modern Regional Rail system are already delivering tangible benefits to Gateway Cities. It also identifies several straightforward actions to further increase ridership. The massive, multi-year
- [Supportive Housing in Jeopardy: What Gateway City Leaders Need to Know ](https://massinc.org/2026/01/30/gateway-cities-journal-supportive-housing-in-jeopardy-what-gateway-city-leaders-need-to-know/) - A critical shift in federal homelessness policy threatens the future of permanent supportive housing in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities, raising housing stability risks for vulnerable residents and laying out what local leaders need to understand and act on now.
- [Turning potential into place-based investment](https://massinc.org/2026/03/10/turning-potential-into-place-based-investment/) - Targeted investments in Gateway City growth districts can unlock private development and strengthen regional economies across Massachusetts.
- [A quality, diverse teacher workforce is the foundation of a strong Gateway City](https://massinc.org/2026/03/24/a-quality-diverse-teacher-workforce-is-the-foundation-of-a-strong-gateway-city/) - A decade after the founding of Teach Western Mass, Pema Latshang examines what it will take to build, sustain, and equitably distribute a strong educator workforce across Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities.
- [MassINC Announces the 2026-2028 Greg Torres Senior Fellows](https://massinc.org/2026/04/09/massinc-announces-the-2026-2028-greg-torres-senior-fellows/) - We are pleased to introduce the 2026–2028 Greg Torres Senior Fellows, a new cohort of leaders from across sectors who will partner with MassINC to advance research, policy leadership, convening, journalism, and public-facing storytelling that strengthens civic dialogue in Massachusetts. Over the next two years, Fellows will work alongside our teams to explore new ideas, convene
- [Case Study: Teach Western Mass ](https://massinc.org/research/case-study-teach-western-mass/) - Vital lessons for systems change initiatives seeking to solve education equity challenges.
- [2025 Gateway City Housing Monitor | Chapter 3: Conditions for Growth](https://massinc.org/research/2025-gateway-city-housing-monitor-chapter-3-conditions-for-growth/) - Cities are doing more to unlock housing, but large financial gaps remain a major barrier. Gateway Cities are increasingly working to lower the financial, regulatory, and infrastructure-related barriers to new housing development. But the high cost of construction makes it economically challenging to produce new housing, especially in communities with lower home values. Many still
- [Beyond Programs: Regional Nonprofits as Architects of Systems Change for Educational Equity](https://massinc.org/2026/03/04/beyond-programs-regional-nonprofits-as-architects-of-systems-change-for-educational-equity/) - On February 24, the MassINC Policy Center hosted a virtual conversation exploring how regional nonprofits can drive systems change in education.
- [The State of the American Dream in New England](https://massinc.org/research/the-state-of-the-american-dream-in-new-england/) - Download the Executive Summary MassINC's first policy report asked the region's best labor market economists one simple question: what has happened to families in New England economically over the past 15 years? Their answers provide reams of useful information for any candidate for office. Want to know the median family income in Massachusetts in 1979,
- [Unprecedented Prosperity? Household Income Poverty Developments in Massachusetts and the U.S. at the End of the 1990s](https://massinc.org/research/unprecedented-prosperity/)
- [An alternative tool for helping small businesses stay alive in post-industrial Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2026/01/15/an-alternative-tool-for-helping-small-businesses-stay-alive-in-post-industrial-massachusetts/) - Small businesses in Massachusetts are having a hard time staying afloat. Since the pandemic, the rate of openings and closings has been volatile. Between 2020 and 2022, according to data from the US Small Business Administration (SBA), the state gained 19,000 small businesses. But these gains started to shrink in 2023, and in 2024, the
- [Fixing the Foundation Report Release and Forum](https://massinc.org/2025/10/10/fixing-the-foundation-report-release/) - The MassINC Policy Center and the Worcester Regional Research Bureau convened leaders at the State House to discuss new research on inequities in school facilities and the urgent need for more equitable state investment.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | What Makes a Gateway City?](https://massinc.org/2025/12/05/gateway-cities-journal-what-makes-a-gateway-city/) - MassINC coined the term “Gateway City” in 2007 to describe a small group of cities shaped by a wave of deindustrialization but still possessing the density, infrastructure, and location to drive regional economic growth beyond Greater Boston. A lot of time has since passed, and the term has begun to take on a life of
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Healey-Driscoll deliver on MEPA](https://massinc.org/2025/09/22/gateway-cities-journal-healey-driscoll-deliver-on-mepa/) - Governor Healey’s new proposal to streamline environmental regulations could be a game-changer for Gateway Cities, slashing permitting timelines and clearing the way for more housing and revitalization projects.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Rolling up our sleeves to build the schools students deserve](https://massinc.org/2025/10/03/rolling-up-our-sleeves-to-build-the-schools-students-deserve/) - Massachusetts’ current school construction funding system reinforces inequities, leaving Gateway City students in outdated and inadequate facilities while suburban districts benefit disproportionately. There must be bold, collaborative solutions to ensure all students can learn in modern, 21st-century schools.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | School-Centered Neighborhood Development has its day on Beacon Hill ](https://massinc.org/2025/10/16/school-centered-neighborhood-development-has-its-day-on-beacon-hill/) - Gateway City leaders push for policies that link schools, housing, and community development to create vibrant, mixed-income neighborhoods where families and students can thrive.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Legislative hearing focuses on empowering Gateway City residents with Community Schools](https://massinc.org/2025/11/14/gateway-cities-journal-legislative-hearing-focuses-on-empowering-gateway-city-residents-with-community-schools/) - Gateway City leaders filled Beacon Hill to champion a new Community Schools Commission that could help scale a model proven to strengthen neighborhoods, deepen trust, and expand opportunity for children and families.
- [New Roadmap Charts Bold Path for Equitable Public Higher Education in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2025/11/13/new-roadmap-charts-bold-path-for-equitable-public-higher-education-in-massachusetts/) - A new report outlines a strategic blueprint to expand access, improve student outcomes, and strengthen the public higher education system in Massachusetts.
- [2025 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor](https://massinc.org/research/2025-gateway-cities-housing-monitor/) - The MassINC Policy Center’s annual deep dive into the housing trends shaping opportunity and growth across Massachusetts.
- [Fixing the Foundation: Uneven Access to Modern Schools and a Blueprint for a More Equitable Future](https://massinc.org/research/fixing-the-foundation/) - This report examines disparities in school facility conditions across Massachusetts and their implications for student learning.
- [2025 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor | Special Analysis on Homeownership: The Supply Side Perspective](https://massinc.org/research/2025-gateway-cities-housing-monitor-special-analysis-on-homeownership-the-supply-side-perspective/) - Findings from the Special Analysis section of the 2024 Gateway City Housing Monitor show that the balance between rental and ownership housing affects the scale of the housing shortage, the amount of public subsidy required to close financial gaps, and the level of unmet demand for homeownership. This year’s Special Analysis digs deeper into homeownership—particularly
- [13th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit](https://massinc.org/2025/10/30/13th-annual-gateway-cities-innovation-summit/) - On October 28, leaders from across Massachusetts gathered in Lowell to explore how regional collaboration can drive inclusive growth in a changing economy.
- [2025 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor | Chapter 5: Equitable Development](https://massinc.org/research/2025-housing-monitor-chapter-5-equitable-development/) - Slight increases in homeowners of color are overshadowed by declining homeownership overall and mounting displacement pressures. This chapter delves into the critical question of whether revitalization in Gateway Cities is benefiting all residents. We examine trends in homeownership and home appreciation at the neighborhood level, including variation by race and ethnicity. We also explore the
- [2025 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor | Chapter 4: Neighborhood Revitalization](https://massinc.org/research/2025-gateway-city-housing-monitor-chapter-4-neighborhood-revitalization/) - Gateway Cities neighborhoods are revitalizing, though unevenly. This chapter assesses the degree to which Gateway City neighborhoods are improving by examining key indicators of economic and community well-being. Neighborhood conditions heavily influence the extent to which Gateway Cities provide a launch pad for upward economic mobility. Taking stock of revitalization at the neighborhood level also
- [2025 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor | Chapter 1: Housing Production and Supply](https://massinc.org/research/2025-gateway-cities-housing-monitor-chapter-1-housing-production-and-supply/) - Housing production surges, but momentum may not be sustainable. To bring housing costs under control, Gateway Cities can’t just build a little more—they need to build fast enough and at a large enough scale to get ahead of both today’s pent-up demand and tomorrow’s growth. The inaugural Gateway Cities Housing Monitor estimated that this means
- [Announcing the 2025 Gateway Cities Innovation Award Honorees](https://massinc.org/2025/10/20/announcing-the-2025-gateway-cities-innovation-award-honorees/) - Each year, the Gateway Cities Innovation Awards celebrate visionary local leaders and organizations driving inclusive growth, creativity, and opportunity across Massachusetts. These projects and people exemplify what’s possible when communities work together to reimagine their futures. This year’s honorees reflect the innovation, collaboration, and perseverance that define the Gateway Cities movement. Berkshire Blueprint 2.0 –
- [Gateway Cities Journal | A Season of Change: What’s Ahead for Gateway Cities This Fall](https://massinc.org/2025/09/08/gateway-cities-journal-a-season-of-change-whats-ahead-for-gateway-cities-this-fall/) - From housing and education research to municipal elections and policy debates, this fall promises to be a pivotal season for Gateway Cities and the work we’re advancing together.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Summer in the City](https://massinc.org/2025/08/08/gateway-cities-journal-summer-in-the-city/) - Summer in the Gateway Cities bursts with cultural festivals and community gatherings that not only celebrate local pride and diversity, but also fuel small business growth and economic resilience.
- [MassINC Matters: August 2025](https://massinc.org/2025/08/19/massinc-matters-august-2025/) - As summer draws to a close, we hope you had a chance to enjoy some of the events we highlighted across Massachusetts. For a different kind of outing, explore Mass Mini Golf’s top ten list of the state’s best (miniature) courses to play before fall begins. In the meantime, we’re excited to share another round-up
- ['Gateways' Goes to Early College: Salem](https://massinc.org/2019/06/05/gateways-goes-to-early-college-salem/) - This episode is the first in a series of three exploring the unique power of Early College pathways. We begin with Joel Vargas, a national leader in the Early College movement at Jobs for the Future.
- [MassINC Polling Group, MassDOT and Way Finders Release New Report on Transit Barriers in Western Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2025/08/14/36881/) - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced the release of the People and Transportation Project Report, a groundbreaking community-based participatory study that offers new insights into the lived experiences of residents using the transportation system in the Springfield region. “We are proud to release the People and Transportation Project Report, created through the partnership of MassDOT,
- [Kick Off at the Ballot Box](https://massinc.org/2024/10/15/event-recap-kick-off-at-the-ballot-box/) - With the General Election fast approaching, Massachusetts’ top law enforcement official — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell — discusses the importance of voting in 2024, and her efforts to promote voter access and participation, and ensure voter protection in the Commonwealth.
- [Tapping The Power of Health Pathways in Early College](https://massinc.org/2023/05/23/event-recap-tapping-the-power-of-health-pathways-in-early-college/) - On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, we gathered for Tapping The Power of Health Pathways in Early College at Mass General Hospital's Simches Research Center. While we all acknowledged how difficult it will be to realize Early College’s potential to put students on faster and firmer pathways to clinical health careers, we were buoyed by the
- [11th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit](https://massinc.org/2023/11/22/event-recap-11th-annual-gateway-cities-innovation-institute-awards-summit/) - Event recognizes Gateway City clean energy efforts and presents strategies on building decarbonization and transportation in Gateway Cities
- [Second Annual Friends of Longitudinal Data Systems (FOLDS) Fall Symposium](https://massinc.org/2023/10/26/event-recap-second-annual-friends-of-longitudinal-data-systems-folds-fall-symposium/) - Symposium showcases valuable insights Massachusetts gleans from cross-agency data sharing
- [Birthing Justice: Finding a New Way Forward](https://massinc.org/2024/05/20/event-recap-birthing-justice-finding-a-new-way-forward/) - In this forum, legislators, healthcare experts and advocates discuss the state of maternal health in the Commonwealth, and how better access to care can ensure that giving birth is safe, nurturing and survivable.
- [MassINC Welcomes Three Distinguished Leaders to the Board of Directors Board of Directors](https://massinc.org/2025/07/28/massinc-welcomes-three-distinguished-leaders-to-the-board-of-directors-board-of-directors/) - MassINC is pleased to announce the appointment of three exceptional new members to its Board of Directors: Kim Gainsboro Brooks, Mary Jo Meisner, and Dr. Amie Shei, Ph.D. These dynamic leaders bring a wealth of expertise spanning finance, public health, journalism, and civic engagement, strengthening MassINC’s mission to foster inclusive economic growth and vibrant communities
- [Gateway Cities Leadership Summit 2025: Reclaiming Growth, Rebuilding Opportunity, and Redefining What’s Possible](https://massinc.org/2025/07/28/gateway-cities-leadership-summit-2025-reclaiming-growth-rebuilding-opportunity-and-redefining-whats-possible/) - On July 22, 2025, municipal leaders, policymakers, and economic development practitioners came together for the 2025 Gateway Cities Leadership Summit, hosted by the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute. Held during a pivotal moment for Massachusetts, when federal uncertainty looms and local needs are mounting, the day was rooted in a simple idea: Gateway Cities are ready
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Big Beautiful Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2025/07/25/gateway-cities-journal-big-beautiful-gateway-cities/) - Whatever you think about the current federal administration, there’s no doubt that they’re pursuing their agenda with an unprecedented level of ambition, novelty, and devil-may-care attitude. In confronting this federal upheaval , Massachusetts may find a lesson to learn. Our state, liberal in many ways, has long been conservative in its approach. We tend to
- [Aligning Policy with Opportunity: Expanding ESOL Access to Strengthen Massachusetts’ Workforce ](https://massinc.org/2025/07/21/aligning-policy-with-opportunity-expanding-esol-access-to-strengthen-massachusetts-workforce/) - MassINC’s research sits at the center of a powerful public-private partnership that has driven a combined $20 million investment in ESOL.
- [Gateway Cities Journal: FY 2026 Budget Provides Much-Needed Fuel for Early College Expansion   ](https://massinc.org/2025/07/10/gateway-cities-journal-fy-2026-budget-provides-much-needed-fuel-for-early-college-expansion/) - Last week, Governor Healey signed a $61 billion state budget. This new spending blueprint was crafted amid ongoing economic uncertainty and federal changes that will put significant strain on state resources. Despite these monumental challenges, legislative leaders once again made a deliberate choice to invest big in Early College expansion. Estimates suggest 11,000 students will
- [Constructing the Future Report Release](https://massinc.org/2025/06/30/event-recap-constructing-the-future/) - MassINC and partners explore the path ahead for Massachusetts’ skilled construction workforce.
- [The Time is Now: Ending the College Affordability Crisis in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2023/01/27/event-recap-the-time-is-now-ending-the-college-affordability-crisis-in-massachusetts/) - On Wednesday, January 25th, MassINC, uAspire, One Goal, Bottom Line, and The Education Trust hosted a forum on the future of public higher education finance in Massachusetts. The hybrid event brought together more than 200 education practitioners, policymakers, and leaders for a timely dialogue on how Massachusetts deploys Question One funding to increase college access
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Two Recent Events Offer Lessons from Massachusetts' Innovation Frontlines ](https://massinc.org/2025/06/13/gateway-cities-journal-two-recent-events-offer-lessons-from-massachusetts-innovation-frontlines/) - While our state remains a global leader in research and innovation, the challenge of translating breakthrough technologies into thriving businesses that create jobs in our Gateway Cities has never been more urgent. Two recent events illuminate both the opportunities and the obstacles ahead. The Innovation Pipeline Challenge At its Cambridge headquarters, The Engine's Make It in
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Can Gateway Cities grab skilled construction workers from Boston? ](https://massinc.org/2025/06/27/gateway-cities-journal-can-gateway-cities-grab-skilled-construction-workers-from-boston/) - New MassINC Policy Center research on construction labor shows Massachusetts likely has enough skilled workers to stay on top of its housing and clean energy goals for the foreseeable future. This is largely thanks to the sharp slowdown in commercial construction in Boston. However, our analysis reflects aggregate totals at the state level. We know
- [10th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit](https://massinc.org/2022/11/18/event-recap-10th-annual-gateway-cities-innovation-institute-awards-summit/) - On Tuesday, November 15th, MassINC hosted the 10th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit. Together with leaders from across the state, we celebrated a decade of Gateway City collaboration, focusing on the theme of social infrastructure. Gateway Hubs director Andre Leroux previewed findings and policy recommendations from a new MassINC report, Social Infrastructure:
- [4th Annual Gateway Cities Leadership Summit](https://massinc.org/2023/07/28/event-recap-4th-annual-gateway-cities-leadership-summit/) - On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, we gathered at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for the first in-person Gateway Cities event since 2019. MassINC Board member Michael Hunter and MassDevelopment’s President and CEO, Dan Rivera, kicked off the morning with opening remarks on the importance of working together to help Gateway Cities excel in the
- [Reclaiming Vacant Property: Continuing the Conversation](https://massinc.org/2025/06/04/event-recap-reclaiming-vacant-property-continuing-the-conversation/) - MassINC’s latest virtual convening brought together housing experts, nonprofit developers, municipal leaders, and policymakers to continue the urgent conversation around reclaiming Massachusetts’ vacant and distressed properties. Building on the momentum of April’s in-person event, the discussion delved deeper into practical strategies, legal pathways, funding mechanisms, and early implementation models aimed at transforming these properties into
- [MassINC Matters: June 2025](https://massinc.org/2025/06/25/massinc-matters-june-2025/) - We hope you're staying cool and safe as temperatures continue to reach record highs across the Bay State. Our latest edition of MassINC Matters is served best with an ice-cold Polar Seltzer and features updates from our research, journalism, and polling teams. Event RecaP Constructing the Future: Building Trades Report Housing North Central Massachusetts Last month, senior
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Gateway City leaders have ambitious plans for the new legislative session](https://massinc.org/2025/01/29/gateway-cities-journal-gateway-city-leaders-have-ambitious-plans-for-the-new-legislative-session/) - The Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus, chaired by Rep. Antonio Cabral (New Bedford) and Sen. John Cronin (Fitchburg/Leominster), led a busy bill filing season. To help identify policy priorities in advance of the January 17th bill filing deadline, MassINC’s Gateway Cities Innovation Institute surveyed local municipal officials and hosted several discussions with local economic development leaders
- [Gateway Cities Journal | We got the keys — unlocking housing production in Gateway Cities   ](https://massinc.org/2025/02/27/gateway-cities-journal-we-got-the-keys-unlocking-housing-production-in-gateway-cities/) - The Unlocking Housing Production Commission’s newly released report offers bold recommendations to tackle housing barriers while addressing key challenges that have long hindered development in Gateway Cities.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Free Gateway Cities from the heavy burden of legacy pension costs](https://massinc.org/2025/04/03/gateway-cities-journal-free-gateway-cities-from-the-heavy-burden-of-legacy-pension-costs/) - A study released by the MassINC Policy Center last week shows how unfunded municipal pension obligations keep many Gateway Cities from achieving their full potential as regional economic hubs. The weighty and longstanding pension problem dates back more than a century, but it has never gotten the attention it deserves. When the issue surfaces, it
- [School Centered Neighborhood Development](https://massinc.org/2025/02/20/event-recap-school-centered-neighborhood-development/) - On Wednesday, February 12 MassINC and Urban Edge hosted School Centered Neighborhood Development: From Theory to Action to explore how schools and neighborhood partners can work together to advance holistic community development. The morning opened with remarks from Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge and Ben Forman, Director of the MassINC Policy Center. Both shared their insights on the importance of building
- [The 12th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit](https://massinc.org/2024/11/14/event-recap-the-12th-annual-gateway-cities-innovation-summit/) - On Thursday, November 14th, over 250 attendees came together in Worcester for our 12th annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit. Leaders and community members from across the state participated in a dynamic day of discussion and reflection focused on efforts to address housing challenges.
- [False Narratives: Understanding Contemporary Native concerns, including harmful images, and why change matters](https://massinc.org/2024/12/04/event-recap-false-narratives-understanding-contemporary-native-concerns-including-harmful-images-and-why-change-matters/) - Representatives from Native communities and tribal serving organizations make the case for revamping school mascots, the state seal and flag, and addressing other important issues necessary to strengthen the fabric of Massachusetts and its Indigenous communities.
- [Reclaiming Vacant Property Conference](https://massinc.org/2025/04/15/event-recap-reclaiming-vacant-property-conference/) - On April 8, housing and community development leaders from across Massachusetts came together in Springfield to explore strategies for reclaiming vacant properties and expanding access to affordable homeownership.
- [Five Years Later: Reflecting on the Legacy of George Floyd](https://massinc.org/2025/06/18/event-recap-five-years-later-reflecting-on-the-legacy-of-george-floyd/) - Local civic leaders and law enforcement reflect on a powerful community rally and renewed police pledge, united in their commitment to lasting peace and justice.
- [Constructing the Future: Strategies to Help Massachusetts Meet Its Clean Energy and Housing Goals](https://massinc.org/research/constructing-the-future-strategies-to-help-massachusetts-meet-its-clean-energy-and-housing-goals/) - Executive Summary The MassINC Policy Center (MPC) partnered with BW Research to produce this analysis prior to recent dramatic shifts in climate and economic policy at the federal level. We began with a simple hypothesis: To achieve the state’s ambitious housing and clean energy goals over the next decade, Massachusetts would need to grow the
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Strengthen our local economies amidst headwinds ](https://massinc.org/2025/05/29/gateway-cities-journal-strengthen-our-local-economies-amidst-headwinds/) - The state shouldn’t miss its chance to launch the Downtown Vitality Fund.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | ESOL in Massachusetts: Short-term relief, long-term strategy](https://massinc.org/2025/05/15/gateway-cities-journal-esol-in-massachusetts-short-term-relief-long-term-strategy/) - Progress in the quest for a more robust and more dynamic ESOL training system in Massachusetts.
- [MassINC Matters: April 2025](https://massinc.org/2025/04/15/massinc-matters-april-2025/) - From a first-hand ride on the South Coast Rail, to awards for our newsroom and a top 20 ranking for MPG, to a bevy of new reports — there's a lot to catch up on. Here's a look at what we've been up to over the past two months.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Legislature Establishes Downtown Vitality Fund](https://massinc.org/2024/12/06/gateway-cities-journal-legislature-establishes-downtown-vitality-fund/) - Gateway City leaders achieved an important victory recently when the Legislature established a Downtown Vitality Fund with a bond authorization of $9.5 million.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | A Big Idea Succeeds: Free Transit Outside Boston ](https://massinc.org/2025/02/12/gateway-cities-journal-a-big-idea-succeeds-free-transit-outside-boston/) - Massachusetts' test of fare-free regional transit is proving to be a game-changer, with skyrocketing ridership, economic benefits, and improved accessibility for the state's most vulnerable residents.
- [MassINC Matters | February 2025](https://massinc.org/2025/02/18/massinc-matters-february-2025/) - We're thrilled to bring you the first MassINC Matters newsletter of 2025, sharing the latest updates from across our organization.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Gateway City students call for more Early College](https://massinc.org/2025/03/12/gateway-cities-journal-gateway-city-students-call-for-more-early-college/) - Gateway City students flocked to Beacon Hill this week for Early College Day. Wide-eyed, the aspiring college graduates shared their many positive experiences in programs across the state. They also urged legislators to give more students access to this unique opportunity. Their message resonated warmly against the chilling backdrop of looming federal cuts to education
- [Gateway Cities Journal | South Coast Rail’s Journey from Skepticism to Reality: A Rider's Perspective](https://massinc.org/2025/03/26/gateway-cities-journal-south-coast-rails-journey-from-skepticism-to-reality-a-riders-perspective/) - After decades of doubt and delays, South Coast Rail is finally a reality—proving that persistence, vision, and bold ambition can transform communities. A reflection from Elise Rapoza of MassINC.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Restoring Homes and Reviving Hope](https://massinc.org/2025/04/17/gateway-cities-journal-restoring-homes-and-reviving-hope/) - Dina Fein reflects on key insights from the Reclaiming Vacant Property Conference and outlines a path forward for transforming abandoned spaces into stable homes.
- [Gateway Cities Journal | Abundance and Scarcity in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2025/05/01/gateway-cities-journal-abundance-and-scarcity-in-gateway-cities/) - As cities like Lawrence continue to grapple with the challenges of housing affordability, the importance of naturally occurring affordable housing has never been clearer — and neither has the urgent need for innovative solutions.
- [Massachusetts Democrats want delegation to fight Trump. The rest of the state? Not so much.](https://massinc.org/2025/04/03/massachusetts-democrats-want-delegation-to-fight-trump-the-rest-of-the-state-not-so-much/) - Massachusetts Democrats are more eager than Democrats nationwide to push back against Republicans, according to a new poll.
- [Kerry Healey was right: we should discuss senior ‘overhousing’](https://massinc.org/2025/04/02/kerry-healey-was-right-we-should-discuss-senior-overhousing/) - Making it easier for seniors to downsize would be welcomed by those who want to move — and be a boon for families squeezed by our housing shortage.
- [Reckoning with Historic Unfunded Municipal Pension Obligations](https://massinc.org/research/reckoning-with-historic-unfunded-municipal-pension-obligations/) - This report examines the historical decisions that contributed to these unfunded liabilities and highlights how current taxpayers are paying more than their fair share.
- [Early College Life Sciences Pathways](https://massinc.org/research/early-college-life-sciences-pathways/) - Expanding Early College access and strengthening career-connected learning are critical to ensuring Massachusetts maintains a competitive, skilled workforce. This report outlines four key objectives to guide an expansion strategy that state leaders are currently developing.
- [Opening the Doors to the Jobs of the Future](https://massinc.org/research/opening-the-doors-to-the-jobs-of-the-future/) - Expanding Early College access and strengthening career-connected learning are critical to ensuring Massachusetts maintains a competitive, skilled workforce, and this report outlines four key objectives to guide the state's expansion strategy.
- [Policy Center recommends rule changes to facilitate building renovations](https://massinc.org/2024/12/16/policy-center-recommends-reforming-accessibility-requirements-for-renovations/) - Public comment takes a deeper dive into the "30% Rule” and its impact on property owners in Gateway Cities.
- [MassINC Welcomes Joe Kennedy III to the Board of Directors](https://massinc.org/2025/01/10/massinc-welcomes-joe-kennedy-iii-to-the-board-of-directors/) - MassINC is pleased to announce that Joe Kennedy III, former U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District and former U.S. Special Envoy for Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, is joining the organization’s Board of Directors. Kennedy currently serves as President of Citizens Energy, a diversified renewable energy non-profit that donates millions of dollars to those
- [Merry MassINC Greetings](https://massinc.org/2024/12/19/merry-massinc-greetings/) - As we reflect on a year of growth, collaboration, and progress, we’re reminded of the unique power of policy and research to unite people and inspire meaningful change.
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Can the Tech Ecosystem Reach Gateway Cities?](https://massinc.org/2024/10/25/gateway-cities-journal-can-the-tech-ecosystem-reach-gateway-cities/) - New collaboration between the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute and The Engine Accelerator explores emerging industries.
- [Greg Bialecki: A remembrance](https://massinc.org/2024/11/26/greg-bialecki-a-remembrance/) - Joe Kriesberg, the CEO of MassINC, and Andre Leroux, Program Director for the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, were longtime colleagues of Greg Bialecki. They wrote this tribute upon his passing.
- [2024 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor](https://massinc.org/research/2024-gateway-cities-housing-monitor/) - To recover from an affordable housing crisis that has been decades in the making, Massachusetts needs Gateway City housing markets to produce new homes in line with increasing demand.
- [Rooting Out Racial Bias](https://massinc.org/2021/02/05/rooting-out-racial-bias/) - Focusing on criminal justice information systems, MassINC and panel experts review efforts to increase transparency, improve data collection, and root out racial bias.
- [New Data Shows Early College is Delivering as Promised for Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/early-college-impact-brief/) - Massachusetts’ Early College initiative is quietly establishing a new standard for rigorously evaluating a strategic effort that aspires to increase educational outcomes for students across the state. This research brief sheds light on this evaluation framework and the impressive performance that the methods reveal to date. We then surface unanswered research questions and evaluation challenges
- [Getting Question 1 Right: Investment Options for Equity in Public Higher Education](https://massinc.org/research/getting-question-1-right-investment-options-for-equity-in-public-higher-education/) - Since voters approved Question 1 in November 2022, several proposals to invest the surtax revenue in higher education have been presented. Legislators tasked with quickly allocating the proceeds from the ballot initiative in the FY 2024 budget have difficult choices to make. Their decisions will have long-term implications for higher education, and by extension, the
- [Early College as a Scalable Solution to the Looming Workforce Crisis](https://massinc.org/research/early-college-as-a-scalable-solution-to-the-looming-workforce-crisis/) - Previous MassINC research shows Massachusetts’s relatively young Early College programs are demonstrating impressive performance increasing college access and persistence. This discussion paper looks at the potential to build on this success, leveraging Early College as a strategy to meet our growing need for skilled workers. We explore this opportunity through the lenses of developmental psychology
- [Tapping the Power of Health Pathways in Early College High Schools](https://massinc.org/research/tapping-the-power-of-health-pathways-in-early-college-high-schools/) - In a complementary discussion paper, we suggest Massachusetts can meet a growing need for skilled workers by weaving more robust career pathways into Early College programs. To demonstrate what this approach might look like in practical terms, MassINC partnered with the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education to produce this blueprint for Early College health pathways.
- [Connected Communities](https://massinc.org/research/connected-communities/) - Providing Affordable Housing Residents with Unfettered Access to Digital Opportunity in Massachusetts
- [Criminal Justice Reform in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/criminal-justice-reform-in-massachusetts/) - A Five-Year Progress Assessment
- [In Pursuit of Greatness](https://massinc.org/research/educator-diversity/) - Bold Strategies to Grow a Strong and Diverse Educator Workforce
- [Housing for All](https://massinc.org/research/housing-for-all/) - Forward-Looking Strategies for a Growing New Bedford
- [Accelerating Inclusive Growth in the Pioneer Valley](https://massinc.org/research/accelerating-inclusive-growth-in-the-pioneer-valley/) - A Prospectus for Transformative Economic Investment
- [The Massachusetts School Centered Neighborhood Development Playbook](https://massinc.org/research/the-massachusetts-school-centered-neighborhood-development-playbook/) - Neighborhood vitality and public school performance are closely linked, yet education improvement efforts are generally siloed from planning, housing, and community development.
- [Massachusetts Needs an Actionable Strategy to Expand ESOL Services](https://massinc.org/research/massachusetts-needs-an-actionable-strategy-to-expand-esol-services/) - Adults with limited English skills comprise one-tenth of the commonwealth’s workforce. This makes English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) services key to the Massachusetts economy.
- [Support CommonWealth's civic reporting](https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/community-campaign?code=CW-Community-MassINC-Banner#new_tab) - Help us continue to report on the news that matters most to you - local, civic issues that affect Massachusetts residents from the Berkshires to Province Town and everything in between.
- [Unleashing the Potential of Entrepreneurs of Color in Massachusetts](https://www.tbf.org/events/2021/march/unleashing-the-potential-033021#new_tab) - A Blueprint for Economic Growth and Equitable Recovery
- [TTOD "Transformative Transit-Oriented Development" Talks](https://forum-network.org/series/ttod-transformative-transit-oriented-development-talks/#new_tab) - Presented by MassINC and the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, the TTOD (Transformative Transit-Oriented Development, pronounced “TOD”) Talks are a series of lectures and panels designed to explore the many ways in which planning, development and local policies affect the socioeconomic and political inequities in our communities – with a special focus on the legacy cities outside of
- [Forecasting the Impact of Transit Cuts on Equitable Transit Oriented Development](https://wgbh.zoom.us/webinar/register/9716106479729/WN_SUINywWfT3KfddbbTgikUA#new_tab) - In December 2020, the MBTA approved widespread cuts to bus and commuter rail service despite objections from officials and transit advocates. Starting in January, twenty bus lines will be shut down, and weekend commuter rail service will end for communities along the Fitchburg, Franklin, Greenbush, Haverhill, Kingston/Plymouth, Lowell and Needham lines. What impacts will the
- [Support MassINC this Giving Tuesday!](https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/massinc?code=Giving-Tuesday-Home-Page#new_tab)
- [Yes, Transit and Dense Urban Places Are Safe – Even In a Pandemic](https://mass.streetsblog.org/2020/09/18/guest-column-yes-transit-and-dense-urban-places-are-safe-even-in-a-pandemic/#new_tab)
- [COVID-19 cost Mass. households $673m last week](https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/covid-19-cost-mass-households-673m-last-week/#new_tab) - New CommonWealth Article
- [Corrections data raise big questions](https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/corrections-data-raise-big-questions/#new_tab) - Where is the ‘justice reinvestment’ as inmate populations fall?
- [District Management for Downtown Vitality](https://massinc.org/research/district-management-for-downtown-vitality/) - Commercial districts need a high volume of foot traffic to support thriving small businesses. Supplemental district management services can dramatically increase this pedestrian activity.
- [Community Capital for Small Businesses](https://massinc.org/research/community-capital-for-small-businesses/) - A Study of the CDFI and CDC Ecosystem in Massachusetts
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Summer preview—a sales tax holiday worth celebrating](https://massinc.org/2024/05/24/summer-preview-a-sales-tax-holiday-worth-celebrating/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Local Accountability](https://massinc.org/research/local-accountability/) - The Forgotten Element in Education Reform
- [Will Recent Homebuying Trends Intensify Racial Wealth Gaps?](https://massinc.org/research/homebuying-trends/) - Data show Black and Latino residents increasingly purchasing in unstable Gateway City neighborhoods
- [Going for Growth](https://massinc.org/research/digital-divide/) - Exploring how efforts to increase digital inclusion can yield large benefits for Gateway Cities, their residents, and similar cities.
- [Viewing Justice Reinvestment from a Correctional Officer’s Perspective](https://massinc.org/research/viewing-justice-reinvestment-from-a-correctional-officers-perspective/) - This paper highlights Massachusetts's unprecedented opportunity to make better use of limited public safety resources. By reducing the incarcerated population and reinventing correctional practices with more leadership and direction from those on the frontlines, state and local leaders can create healthier environments and more successful outcomes for the incarcerated population.
- [Unleashing the Potential of Entrepreneurs of Color in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/entrepreneurs-of-color/) - This report highlights both the need and the opportunity to put inclusive entrepreneurship at the core of the state’s economic growth in 2021 and beyond.
- [Early College as a Force for Equity in the Post-Pandemic Era](https://massinc.org/research/early-college-post-pandemic/) - New report from MassINC analyzes the success of the first two Early College cohorts, and how the program can address gaps in college completion.
- [Gateway Cities Journal: A Toast to Brockton Beer](https://massinc.org/2024/10/08/a-toast-to-brockton-beer/) - Brockton Beer closed its doors for the final time this past Saturday. Losing this Black-owned business in the heart of a revitalizing downtown is painful.
- [MassINC Research Provides Common Ground for Win-Win Chapter 70 Compromise](https://massinc.org/2019/07/24/massinc-research-provides-common-ground-for-win-win-chapter-70-compromise/) - Uncovering the need for more focus and attention on local accountability
- [Budgeting for the transformation of commuter rail](https://massinc.org/2019/07/26/budgeting-for-the-transformation-of-commuter-rail/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Opportunity Zones and Transformative Transit-Oriented Development in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/research/opportunity-zones-and-transformative-transit-oriented-development-in-gateway-cities/) - This policy brief is the first in a series exploring state and local level approaches to generating transformative transit-oriented development (TTOD) in Gateway Cities. Here, we examine strategies to maximize the benefits of the new federal Opportunity Zone Program. The analysis centers on Massachusetts’ census tracts designated as Opportunity Zones. Our findings show that the
- [Moving Forward with Mobility: What will the post-COVID future of transportation hold?](https://massinc.org/2020/07/16/moving-forward-with-mobility-what-will-the-post-covid-future-of-transportation-hold/) - In response to the pandemic, the MBTA allowed for back-door boarding on buses, making rides effectively free. But is that the right plan? Two guests stop by the Gateways Podcast to continue the transportation conversation — Jarred Johnson, director of TransitMatters and Brenna Robeson, lead coordinator at Zero Fare WRTA Coalition.
- [Budget Update: What Gateway Cities Need to Know](https://massinc.org/2021/05/24/budget-update-what-gateway-cities-need-to-know/) - This week the FY 2022 budget moves to the Senate for debate. MassINC is tracking several amendments that are critically important for Gateway Cities, including funding for Early College expansion, neighborhood stabilization, small business assistance, and Regional Transit Authorities.
- [Advancing low-income fares beyond Boston](https://massinc.org/2021/06/25/advancing-low-income-fares-beyond-boston/) - Since 2017, the FMCB has been pushing hard on the agency to provide discounts to low-income riders. In one of their final votes, they choose to instruct agency staff to prepare scenarios for a pilot program. On the one hand, this last-ditch effort makes sense. However, from the Gateway City perspective, the board’s actions are disappointing and a bit perplexing.
- [A Make or Break Moment for Gateway City Renewal](https://massinc.org/2021/08/25/a-make-or-break-moment-for-gateway-city-renewal/) - With all the eye-popping numbers flying around in relation to the stimulus bills, federal budget, and infrastructure deal, you might think our transportation woes are solved. But down in the trenches, Massachusetts communities still lack many of the basic tools used around the country to control their own destiny.
- [For the Good of the Commonwealth](https://massinc.org/2022/08/05/for-the-good-of-the-commonwealth/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Social Infrastructure: Towards More Walkable, Resilient, and Inclusive Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/research/social-infrastructure-towards-more-walkable-resilient-and-inclusive-gateway-cities/) - This report looks at how the built environment supports social interaction and the formation of social capital. We measure the “social infrastructure” provided by active streetscapes, ground-floor establishments, civic spaces and institutions, and public transportation in five Gateway City downtowns. Our analysis draws on information collected from walk audits, which were conducted in partnership with
- [Tis’ the season for social infrastructure](https://massinc.org/2022/12/05/tis-the-season-for-social-infrastructure/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Gov. Healey can make a bold statement with HDIP, commuter rail fares, and RTA funding in FY24 budget](https://massinc.org/2023/02/22/gov-healey-can-make-a-bold-statement-with-hdip-commuter-rail-fares-and-rta-funding-in-fy24-budget/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Rockin' Around the MassINC Tree](https://massinc.org/2023/12/21/rockin-around-the-massinc-tree/) - Our 2023 Year-End Wrap-Up
- [Poll: More than three-quarters of Massachusetts residents support boosting funding for regional bus service](https://massinc.org/2023/04/18/poll-more-than-three-quarters-of-massachusetts-residents-support-boosting-funding-for-regional-bus-service/) - 79% of Massachusetts residents support increasing funding for the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs)
- [MassINC Matters: The March/April Round-Up](https://massinc.org/2024/05/02/massinc-matters-the-march-april-round-up/) - The latest from our research, journalism, and polling
- [Event Recap | First Annual Friends of Longitudinal Data Systems Fall Symposium](https://massinc.org/2022/10/28/event-recap-first-annual-friends-of-longitudinal-data-systems-fall-symposium/) - On Thursday, October 27th, MassINC and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston co-hosted the First Annual Friends of Longitudinal Data Systems Fall Symposium. The Friends of Longitudinal Data Systems (FoLDS) is a new group dedicated to advancing cutting-edge social policy research in Massachusetts. A collection of education advocates, researchers, philanthropic funders, and policymakers, FoLDS elevates
- [Statewide Poll of Parents Highlights Challenges Massachusetts Faces in Addressing Students’ COVID Recovery Needs](https://massinc.org/2023/01/17/statewide-poll-of-parents-highlights-challenges-massachusetts-faces-in-addressing-students-covid-recovery-needs/) - New poll sheds light on parents’ thoughts on the necessary supports and resources to help students recover academically
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Early College is a beacon for Gateway City progress](https://massinc.org/2023/01/23/early-college-is-a-beacon-for-gateway-city-progress/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) Updated Analysis of Program Data](https://massinc.org/2023/02/21/housing-development-incentive-program-hdip-updated-analysis-of-program-data/) - Data provided to MassINC by DHCD as result of public records request (Jan. 2023)February 3, 2023 Bottom Line: HDIP is the state’s most efficient housing development program to date, costing an average of only $23,664 per unit and resulting in the production of 2,687 new units in Gateway City downtowns and transit areas so far.
- [Massachusetts has a plan to increase affordable housing — now it needs the budget](https://massinc.org/2023/03/01/massachusetts-has-a-plan-to-increase-affordable-housing-now-it-needs-the-budget/) - Gateway City mayors and managers' opinion piece in the Boston Globe
- [CommonWealth's A Little Goes a Long Way Campaign](https://massinc.org/2023/03/06/commonwealths-a-little-goes-a-long-way-campaign/) - Donate to CommonWealth's Spring Fund Drive
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Governor Healey’s budget invests in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2023/03/15/governor-healeys-budget-invests-in-gateway-cities/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: The Senate makes bold investment in regional transit](https://massinc.org/2023/05/15/the-senate-makes-bold-investment-in-regional-transit/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [K.I.S.S Early College and HDIP](https://massinc.org/2023/04/04/k-i-s-s-early-college-and-hdip/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Amendment to House budget seeks to untap Gateway City housing reservoir](https://massinc.org/2023/04/19/amendment-to-house-budget-seeks-to-untap-gateway-city-housing-reservoir/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Secretary Hao Meets with Gateway City Leaders](https://massinc.org/2023/07/10/secretary-hao-meets-with-gateway-city-leaders/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Senate tax bill spurs mixed-income housing production](https://massinc.org/2023/06/12/senate-tax-bill-spurs-mixed-income-housing-production/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Save the Date! 11th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit](https://massinc.org/2023/08/08/save-the-date-11th-annual-gateway-cities-innovation-institute-awards-summit/) - Join us in Fitchburg on Tuesday, November 14, 2023
- [CommonWealth’s Invest with Us Campaign](https://massinc.org/2023/09/19/commonwealths-invest-with-us-campaign/) - Donate to CommonWealth's Fall Fundraiser
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Follow the lead of Gateway Cities on school integration](https://massinc.org/2024/06/21/follow-the-lead-of-gateway-cities-on-school-integration/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Like the Celtics, Gateway City legislators are working to finish strong](https://massinc.org/2024/06/11/like-the-celtics-gateway-city-legislators-are-working-to-finish-strong/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [24 Gateway City mayors and managers write to state legislators for An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership](https://massinc.org/2024/05/24/26-gateway-city-mayors-and-managers-write-to-state-legislators-for-an-act-relative-to-strengthening-massachusetts-economic-leadership/) - May 7, 2024 Representative Jerry Parisella, Co-ChairSenator Barry Finegold, Co-ChairJoint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies24 Beacon StreetBoston, MA, 02133Re: H.4459– An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership Dear Chairs Parisella and Finegold, and members of the Committee, We, the undersigned mayors and managers of Gateway municipalities, ask you to include An Act
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Will April showers bring May flowers?](https://massinc.org/2024/05/06/will-april-showers-bring-may-flowers/) - April rained federal money down on Massachusetts.
- [MassINC Announces Greg Torres Senior Fellows Program and Inaugural Cohort of Participants](https://massinc.org/2024/04/09/massinc-announces-greg-torres-senior-fellows-program-and-inaugural-cohort-of-participants/) - Press Release
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Rep. Roy’s a Champion for Gateway City Students](https://massinc.org/2024/04/01/rep-roys-a-champion-for-gateway-city-students/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: First take—Gov. Healey’s economic development bill](https://massinc.org/2024/03/15/first-take-gov-healeys-economic-development-bill/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: New Bedford’s leadership on housing is a model for Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2024/02/15/new-bedfords-leadership-on-housing-is-a-model-for-gateway-cities/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Sec. Augustus hits stride with new plans and policies to combat the housing crisis](https://massinc.org/2024/01/16/sec-augustus-hits-stride-with-new-plans-and-policies-to-combat-the-housing-crisis/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Musings on the House budget, the SOA, families, and the state’s long-term fiscal health](https://massinc.org/2024/04/18/musings-on-the-house-budget-the-soa-families-and-the-states-long-term-fiscal-health/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [New MPG Poll: Fare-free SRTA pilot off to strong start on South Coast](https://massinc.org/2024/05/01/new-mpg-poll-fare-free-srta-pilot-off-to-strong-start-on-south-coast/) - Two-thirds of South Coast residents support extending free buses past June
- [New MPG Poll: Worcester-area residents back fare-free buses](https://massinc.org/2024/03/22/new-mpg-poll-worcester-area-residents-back-fare-free-buses/) - 70% want to see the program extended for a 5th year; riders say they will ride less if fares return
- [MassINC Matters: The May/June Round-Up](https://massinc.org/2024/07/02/massinc-matters-the-may-june-round-up/) - The latest from our research, journalism, and polling
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Gateway City leaders are collectively advocating for shared priorities until the final bell](https://massinc.org/2024/07/15/gateway-city-leaders-are-collectively-advocating-for-shared-priorities-until-the-final-bell/) - Mayors and their housing and economic development directors gathered on Beacon Hill this week for the institute’s annual Gateway Cities Leadership Summit. While Senators geared up for the main event of the biennial session—the economic development bill debate—Gateway City leaders huddled with Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities; Ashley Stolba, Undersecretary of Economic
- [MassINC Matters: The January/February Round-Up](https://massinc.org/2024/02/27/massinc-matters-the-january-february-round-up/) - The latest from our research, journalism, and polling
- [An Act to Promote Downtown Vitality, February 2024 Fiscal Analysis and Recommendations](https://massinc.org/2024/02/23/an-act-to-promote-downtown-vitality-february-2024-fiscal-analysis-and-recommendations/) - MassINC’s Policy Center spent several months in dialogue with the MA Department of Revenue requesting this data. Ultimately, DOR informed us that they cannot disaggregate sales tax proceeds. For example, when Walmart pays its sales taxes to the commonwealth, the state does not ask for a breakdown between online sales and in-person sales. Comparative research
- [Gateway City mayors show collective support on several bills](https://massinc.org/2024/01/26/gateway-city-mayors-show-collective-support-on-several-bills/) - With the February 7th Joint Rule 10 deadline for reporting bills out of committee approaching, Gateway City mayors voice collective support for the Downtown Vitality Act, the Affordable Homes Act, and a bill making smart investments in regional transit agencies. Re: H.228/S.130– An Act to Promote Downtown Vitality Dear Chairs McMurtry and Payano, and members
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Gateway Cities need actionable strategies to expand access to ESOL services](https://massinc.org/2024/07/26/gateway-cities-need-actionable-strategies-to-expand-access-to-esol-services/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Fall Preview](https://massinc.org/2024/09/24/fall-preview/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Historic tax credit increase is a big win for Gateway City housing production](https://massinc.org/2024/08/20/historic-tax-credit-increase-is-a-big-win-for-gateway-city-housing-production/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [MassINC Adds 5 New Members to Board of Directors](https://massinc.org/2023/09/25/massinc-adds-5-new-members-to-board-of-directors/) - Diverse group brings additional expertise in business, nonprofit and public sector work
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Gateway Cities look to the corner office for leadership on school integration](https://massinc.org/2022/12/19/gateway-cities-look-to-the-corner-office-for-leadership-on-school-integration/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Hello from Joe Kriesberg, MassINC's new CEO](https://massinc.org/2023/01/23/hello-from-joe-kriesberg-massincs-new-ceo/) - Dear Friends, I’m excited to be writing this email from my desk at the MassINC offices at 11 Beacon Street in downtown Boston. After transitioning jobs for the past two months, it is great to focus my full attention on MassINC’s extensive and impactful work. I applied for and accepted the job of CEO at
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Five Gateway City bills to watch this session](https://massinc.org/2023/01/26/five-gateway-city-bills-to-watch-this-session/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Three Ideas to Boost Gateway Cities’ Housing Production](https://massinc.org/2023/02/01/three-ideas-to-boost-gateway-cities-housing-production/) - Ben Forman featured in Banker & Tradesman
- [23 Gateway City mayors and managers write to state legislators for HDIP](https://massinc.org/2023/06/09/23-gateway-city-mayors-and-managers-write-to-state-legislators-for-hdip/) - Letter of support to state senate leaders from mayors and managers representing 23 Gateway Cities
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Midsummer/midsession updates from the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute](https://massinc.org/2023/08/22/midsummer-midsession-updates-from-the-gateway-cities-innovation-institute/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Celebrating summer in the city](https://massinc.org/2023/08/22/celebrating-summer-in-the-city/) - Last weekend the Latin American Festival returned to Worcester Common for its 31st annual run. The event is a bookend of sorts, as Worcester started the summer by hosting the largest and oldest Albanian Festival in America. These revelries are by no means unique to New England’s second-largest city. Summer in the Gateway Cities stands out for its full blossom
- [26 Gateway City mayors and managers write to state legislators for HDIP](https://massinc.org/2023/09/05/26-gateway-city-mayors-and-managers-write-to-state-legislators-for-hdip/) - Letter of support to state senate leaders from mayors and managers representing 26 Gateway Cities
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Beacon Hill Roars Back to Life](https://massinc.org/2023/09/25/beacon-hill-roars-back-to-life/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: Gov, Legislature deliver big for Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2023/10/06/gc-journal-gov-legislature-deliver-big-for-gateway-cities/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway Cities Journal: It’s cold outside, but things are heating up fast on Beacon Hill](https://massinc.org/2024/01/26/its-cold-outside-but-things-are-heating-up-fast-on-beacon-hill/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Massachusetts political parties are fading away](https://massinc.org/2024/03/22/massachusetts-political-parties-are-fading-away/) - By the Numbers
- [MassINC Announces New Slate of Accomplished Civic Leaders to Join Board of Directors](https://massinc.org/2024/07/15/massinc-announces-new-slate-of-accomplished-civic-leaders-to-join-board-of-directors/) - New members bring diverse perspectives to 25-member board
- [Testimony on the Baker-Politio economic development bill from the Gateway City perspective](https://massinc.org/2016/04/06/an-act-to-promote-opportunities-for-all/) - Benjamin Forman Testimony Regarding House Bill 3983
- [Ben Forman offers testimony to Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary](https://massinc.org/2017/06/19/ben-forman-testifies-before-massachusetts-legislatures-joint-committee-on-the-judiciary-2/) - In support of "An Act Implementing the Joint Recommendations of the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Review"
- [Steve Koczela offers testimony to Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary](https://massinc.org/2017/06/20/steve-koczela-testifies-before-massachusetts-legislatures-joint-committee-on-the-judiciary/) - On the results of polls and focus groups conducted by MPG
- [Ben Forman’s testimony on Gateway Cities and the Promise Act](https://massinc.org/2019/03/22/ben-formans-testimony-on-gateway-cities-and-the-promise-act/) - Ben Forman submitted written testimony on the Promise Act. His remarks focus on how MassINC’s recent research on local accountability can inform the debate over whether additional funding should also come with provisions requiring additional accountability for increasing student achievement. Click here to read his written testimony.
- [Ben Forman and Dr. Tracy Corley offer testimony to the Joint Committee on Revenue](https://massinc.org/2019/06/18/ben-forman-and-dr-tracy-corley-offer-testimony-to-the-joint-committee-on-revenue/) - On Regional Ballot Initiatives for Transportation
- [Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Transportation](https://massinc.org/2021/08/03/andre-leroux-offers-testimony-to-joint-committee-on-transportation/) - The pandemic has permanently changed the way many residents think about where they want to live and work. This offers an unprecedented opportunity for our Gateway Cities to reposition themselves as regional hubs, but this will only be possible if they become multimodal communities anchored by strong regional transit systems.
- [Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Transportation](https://massinc.org/2021/08/25/andre-leroux-offers-testimony-to-joint-committee-on-transportation-2/) - On transportation revenue bills
- [Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Transportation](https://massinc.org/2021/08/25/andre-leroux-offers-testimony-to-joint-committee-on-transportation-3/) - On low-income and zero-fare bills
- [Ben Forman offers testimony to Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies](https://massinc.org/2021/12/02/ben-forman-offers-testimony-to-joint-committee-on-economic-development-and-emerging-technologies/) - Ben Forman testifies in support of S.270/H. 505 in the hopes that it will be of value as legislators work to position the Commonwealth for strong economic recovery.
- [Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets](https://massinc.org/2022/06/28/andre-leroux-offers-testimony-to-joint-committee-on-bonding-capital-expenditures-and-state-assets/) - Gateway Hubs Director Andre Leroux testified at the State House about expanding housing support in Gateway Cities, establishing a small business district fund, and improving state procurement.
- [Ben Forman offers testimony to Joint Committee on Higher Education](https://massinc.org/2023/09/18/ben-forman-offers-testimony-to-joint-committee-on-higher-education/) - An Act Committing to Higher Education the Resources to Insure a Strong and Healthy Public Higher Education System
- [Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies](https://massinc.org/2024/05/24/andre-leroux-offers-testimony-to-joint-committee-on-economic-development-and-emerging-technologies/) - On H.4459– An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership
- [Are coworking spaces the key to transforming Gateway Cities?](https://massinc.org/2020/12/03/are-coworking-spaces-the-key-to-transforming-gateway-cities/) - Gateway City coworking facilities can provide space and resources for residents to join the digital workforce while positioning downtowns as regional hubs.
- [Diversity, competitiveness remain low in Mass. politics](https://massinc.org/2020/11/25/diversity-competitiveness-remain-low-in-mass-politics/) - In summary, electoral competitiveness remains at an all-time low and people of color continue to be underrepresented by similar margins.
- [With prison populations halved, it’s time for a reinvestment strategy](https://massinc.org/2020/06/24/with-prison-populations-halved-its-time-for-a-reinvestment-strategy/) - All told, state and county correctional agencies maintain a complex of nearly 500 buildings with approximately 10 million square feet among them.
- [Gateway Cities at the center of the digital divide in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2020/05/05/gateway-cities-at-the-center-of-the-digital-divide-in-massachusetts/) - 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.
- [Why Gateway Cities Could Be Headed for a Fiscal Emergency](https://massinc.org/2020/04/24/gateway-cities-are-headed-for-a-financial-emergency/) - 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.
- [Week 5: E-Over-P](https://massinc.org/2016/02/22/week-5-e-over-p/) - Despite the wall-to-wall coverage, one fact about the early primary states you probably didn’t pick up is that they’ve both got nice looking employment-to-population ratios. The E/P ratio measures the proportion of the state’s working-age population (ages 16 to 64) that is employed. Since the Great Recession, economists have been tracking this measure closely because
- [From Transactional to Transformative](https://massinc.org/research/equity-report/) - The Case for Equity in Gateway City Transit-Oriented Development
- [MassINC Matters: The Summer Round-Up](https://massinc.org/2024/10/08/massinc-matters-the-summer-round-up/) - The latest from our research, journalism, and polling
- [Community college is key to rethinking higher-ed](https://massinc.org/2020/05/21/early-college-is-key-to-rethinking-highered/) - With coronavirus drawing attention to widespread socioeconomic disparities, many are calling for renewed effort to combat inequality. From near universal health care to paid family leave, Massachusetts is already a leading state when it comes to progressive policies. But pubic higher education—perhaps the strongest economic leveler—stands out as an area where Massachusetts trails. So many
- [Commissioner pick will signal direction for education policy](https://massinc.org/2018/01/23/commissioner-pick-will-signal-direction-for-education-policy/) - 3 finalists each bring a different profile
- [The Topline: Wait Wait, Don’t Primary Me](https://massinc.org/2019/08/29/the-topline-wait-wait-dont-primary-me/) - 2018 saw the most contested Democratic primaries for the House in decades; will 2020 top it?
- [On transgender rights, Massachusetts and Trump administration moving in opposite directions](https://massinc.org/2018/10/26/on-transgender-rights-massachusetts-and-trump-administration-moving-in-opposite-directions/) - The Topline
- [Opinion Analysis | Inclusive Economies come from Including People](https://massinc.org/2019/08/06/inclusive-economies-come-from-including-people/) - EOHED MetroWest Engagement Session
- [Emerging out of the Gateway Cities Vision](https://massinc.org/2016/06/06/emerging-out-of-the-gateway-cities-vision/) - The NGLAC is born from a multi-year effort to advance an education agenda for small-to-midsize urban districts in Massachusetts
- [Leading Together](https://massinc.org/research/leading-together/) - The Five District Partnership Case Study
- [Leading Together](https://massinc.org/research/leading-together-2/) - The Lawrence Community Partnerships Case Study
- [Leading Together](https://massinc.org/research/leading-together-3/) - The Holyoke Safe and Successful Youth Initiative Case Study
- [Leading Together](https://massinc.org/research/leading-together-4/) - Developing a Fresh Generation Of Civic Leaders in Worcester
- [Justice Reinvestment At-A-Glance](https://massinc.org/research/justice-reinvestment-at-a-glance/) - Community Corrections
- [Workforce Development Transformation Case Studies](https://massinc.org/research/workforce-development-transformation-case-studies/) - Three Examples of Systems Change through Collaborative Gateway City Leadership
- [The Promise and Potential of Transformative Transit-Oriented Development in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/research/the-promise-and-potential-of-transformative-transit-oriented-development-in-gateway-cities/) - With generous support from the Barr Foundation, this groundbreaking MassINC research explores the opportunity for TOD in regional urban centers with varying market contexts and estimates the positive outcomes possible if we realize the development potential for TOD in these cities. The report concludes with a strategy to help Massachusetts capture the promise of Gateway
- [Criminal Justice in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/criminal-justice-in-massachusetts/) - Putting Crime Control First
- [Criminal Justice in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/criminal-justice-in-massachusetts-the-publics-view/) - The Public's View
- [Closing the Gap](https://massinc.org/research/closing-the-gap/) - Raising Skills to Raise Wages
- [Lessons Learned](https://massinc.org/research/lessons-learned/) - 25 Years of State Economic Policy
- [The Road Ahead](https://massinc.org/research/the-road-ahead/) - Emerging Threats to the Massachusetts Economy
- [Prisons and Sentencing in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/prisons-and-sentencing-in-massachusetts/) - Waging a More Effective Fight Against Crime
- [The Changing Workforce](https://massinc.org/research/the-changing-workforce/) - Immigrants and the New Economy in Massachusetts
- [Opportunity Knocks](https://massinc.org/research/opportunity-knocks/) - Training the Commonwealth's Workers for the New Economy
- [New Skills for a New Economy](https://massinc.org/research/new-skills-for-a-new-economy/) - Adult Education's Key Role in Sustaining Economic Growth and Expanding Opportunity
- [From Cell to Street](https://massinc.org/research/from-cell-to-street/) - A Plan to Supervise Inmates After Release
- [The State of the American Dream in Massachusetts, 2002](https://massinc.org/research/the-state-of-the-american-dream/) - The new research finds that the path to economic success for Massachusetts families and workers is narrow and unforgiving, and those who stumble pay dearly. The report argues that the difficulty today in obtaining, or holding onto, a reasonably secure middle-class standard of living is the result of fundamental changes in the “recipe” for achieving
- [The State of the American Dream in New Hampshire](https://massinc.org/research/the-state-of-the-american-dream-in-new-hampshire/) - This research report uses data from the 2000 and 1990 Censuses to track developments in median income for New Hampshire families over the past two decades. Among its key findings is that the typical New Hampshire family, which enjoyed above average real income growth over the 1980s, struggled to keep ahead of the increases in
- [Getting the Job Done](https://massinc.org/research/getting-the-job-done/) - Advancing the New Skills Agenda
- [Gaining Ground](https://massinc.org/research/gaining-ground/) - Value-Added Analysis for Massachusetts
- [Improving Early Childhood Education](https://massinc.org/research/improving-early-childhood-education/) - Framing the Options and Imperatives for State Action Policy Brief
- [Pathways to Graduation](https://massinc.org/research/pathways-to-graduation/) - Supporting All Students to Mastery A Retrospective Look at the Class of 2003
- [Massachusetts Charter Schools and Their Feeder Districts](https://massinc.org/research/massachusetts-charter-schools/) - A Demographic Analysis
- [The Massachusetts Nonprofit Sector](https://massinc.org/research/the-massachusetts-nonprofit-sector/) - An Economic Profile
- [Reaching Capacity](https://massinc.org/research/reaching-capacity/) - A Blueprint for the State Role in Improving Low Performing Schools and Districts
- [Reconnecting Massachusetts Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/research/reconnecting-ma-gateway-cities/) - Lessons Learned and an Agenda for Renewal
- [Mass Jobs](https://massinc.org/research/mass-jobs/) - Meeting the Challenges of a Shifting Economy
- [Building for the Future](https://massinc.org/research/building-for-the-future/) - Foundations for a Springfield Comprehensive Growth Strategy
- [Going for Growth](https://massinc.org/research/going-for-growth-housing-reinvestment/) - Promoting Residential Reinvestment in Massachusetts Gateway Cities
- [Going for Growth](https://massinc.org/research/going-for-growth-promoting-access-to-wealth-building-financial-services/) - Promoting Access to Wealth Building Financial Services in Massachusetts Gateway Cities
- [Next stop, Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/next-stop-massachusetts/) - Strategies to Build the Bay State’s Transportation Future and Keep our Economy Moving
- [Going for Growth: New Education-Housing Partnerships to Stabilize Families and Boost Student Achievement](https://massinc.org/research/going-for-growth-promoting-student-mobility/) - Going for Growth: New Education-Housing Partnerships to Stabilize Families and Boost Student Achievement, the fourth brief in a series exploring policy innovations to spur reinvestment and renewal in the state's key regional cities. Extensive research documents the negative consequences that student mobility – the churn of youth entering and exiting classrooms during the school year
- [MassINC's Middle Class Index](https://massinc.org/research/massincs-middle-class-index/) - The first-of-its-kind Middle Class Index is designed to serve as a barometer of the status of middle class residents. Composed of 26 different indicators, the overall score for Massachusetts in 2010 was 97.4, down 2.6 points from the benchmark figure of 100 for the year 2000. Nationally, the index number was 94.2. The index number
- [Creative Places](https://massinc.org/research/creative-places-public-perceptions-of-arts-culture-and-economic-development-in-gateway-cities/) - Public Perceptions of Arts, Culture, and Economic Development in Gateway Cities
- [Building Vibrancy](https://massinc.org/research/building-vibrancy/) - Creative Placemaking Strategies for Gateway City Growth and Renewal
- [Crime, Cost, and Consequences](https://massinc.org/research/crime-cost-and-consequences/) - Is it Time to Get Smart on Crime?
- [Going for Growth](https://massinc.org/research/going-for-growth-promoting-immigrant-entrepreneurship-in-massachusetts-gateway-cities/) - Promoting Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Massachusetts Gateway Cities
- [Going for Growth](https://massinc.org/research/going-for-growth-enhancing-the-economic-impact-of-public-transit-in-gateway-cities/) - Enhancing the Economic Impact of Public Transit in Gateway Cities with Comprehensive Service Planning
- [At the Apex](https://massinc.org/research/at-the-apex-the-2030-educational-attainment-forecast/) - The 2030 Educational Attainment Forecast and Implications for Bay State Policy Makers
- [Crime, Cost & Consequences](https://massinc.org/research/crime-cost-consequences/) - A Two Year Progress Report
- [Looking for Leadership](https://massinc.org/research/looking-for-leadership/) - Public Opinion in Massachusetts on the Response to Global Warming
- [Building Community-Wide Social and Emotional Support Systems in Massachusetts Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/research/building-community-wide-social-and-emotional-support-systems-in-massachusetts-gateway-cities/) - Assessing Progress from the Perspective of Local Educators
- [Exploring the Potential for Pretrial Innovation in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/exploring-the-potential-for-pretrial-for-pretrial-innovation-in-massachusetts/) - Many states involved in Justice Reinvestment—a data-driven approach to reduce incarceration and increase public safety—have taken aim at the practice of holding defendants on cash bail. These efforts are backed by research that shows many defendants held in jail awaiting trial do not pose a serious risk. Keeping low-risk defendants out of jail allows states
- [Leading Together](https://massinc.org/research/leading-together-5/) - Four Case Studies of Successful Gateway City Initiatives
- [Leading Together](https://massinc.org/research/leading-together-6/) - Building Private Nonprofit Economic Development Organizations for Gateway City Growth & Renewal
- [Viewing Justice Reinvestment Through a Developmental Lens](https://massinc.org/research/viewing-justice-reinvestment-through-a-developmental-lens/) - New approaches to reducing young adult recidivism in Massachusetts
- [Reducing Recidivism in Massachusetts with a Comprehensive Reentry Strategy](https://massinc.org/research/reducing-recidivism-in-massachusetts-with-a-comprehensive-reentry-strategy/) - More than two-thirds of defendants sentenced to state and county prisons in Massachusetts have had prior incarcerations, according to new analysis presented in this policy brief. Comprehensive change is necessary to reduce this elevated level of repeat offending and improve public safety. The third installment in a series exploring various components of reform, this paper
- [Mounting an Evidence-Based Criminal Justice Response to Substance Abuse and Drug Offending in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/mounting-an-evidence-based-criminal-justice-response-to-substance-abuse-and-drug-offending-in-massachusetts/) - Solutions to better treat and manage substance abuse are paramount to an effective Justice Reinvestment strategy. Too many residents suffering from substance use disorder continue to enter the criminal justice system, which struggles to help these individuals recover from a life-threatening disease. For many offenders, un- or undertreated substance abuse aggravates anti-social behavior and lengthens
- [Harnessing the Power of Data for Justice Reinvestment in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/27533/) - Data are increasingly the lifeblood of an effective criminal justice system. Modern technology allows agencies to collect and exchange high-quality, actionable information. These data help frontline workers make informed decisions that reduce risk. And they provide managers and policymakers with vital information for the optimal allocation of resources. The fifth installment in our Justice Reinvestment Policy
- [Rebuilding Renewal](https://massinc.org/research/rebuilding-renewal/) - An Analysis of State Investment in Gateway Cities and a Work Plan for Delivering Transformative Development
- [Exploring Foundational Questions For Next Generation Accountability](https://massinc.org/research/exploring-foundational-questions-for-next-generation-accountability/) - These reflections have been prepared by the staff of the Next Generation Accountability Learning Community (NGALC). The NGALC is a group of roughly two dozen New England educators interested in the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) from the perspective of small-to-midsize urban districts. In the pages that follow, we summarize foundational questions
- [Establishing Principles for Accountability](https://massinc.org/research/establishing-principles-for-accountability/) - Perspectives from small-to-midsize urban districts and their allies
- [Calling all Gateway City Leaders](https://massinc.org/research/calling-all-gateway-city-leaders/) - An action Guide to Workforce Development Transformation in Massachusetts
- [The Geography of Incarceration](https://massinc.org/research/the-geography-of-incarceration/) - A Special Report from the Boston Indicators Project in Partnership with MassINC and the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Coalition
- [Next Generation Education Accountability](https://massinc.org/research/next-generation-education-accountability/) - Design Ideas from New England’s Small-to-Midsize Urban School Districts
- [Advancing the Gateway Cities Vision](https://massinc.org/research/advancing-the-gateway-cities-vision/) - The Potential of Next-Generation Approaches to Education Accountability
- [Voters Support the Changes to Accountability Envisioned by Gateway City Leaders](https://massinc.org/research/voters-support-the-changes-to-accountability-envisioned-by-gateway-city-leaders/) - Survey of registered voters in Massachusetts
- [The Public’s Take on Education Accountability](https://massinc.org/research/the-publics-take-on-education-accountability/) - Results from a Survey of Massachusetts Voters
- [Getting Tough on Spending](https://massinc.org/research/getting-tough-on-spending/) - An Examination of Correctional Expenditure in Massachusetts
- [Public Opinion on Criminal Justice Reform in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/public-opinion-on-criminal-justice-reform-in-massachusetts/) - Massachusetts voters are ready to embrace major reforms to the state’s criminal justice system. A new MassINC poll shows most support reforms to both the front and back ends of the system to reduce repeat offending and refocus the system on prevention and rehabilitation. Voters perceive the current system as counterproductive; prisons are seen as
- [The Geography of Incarceration in a Gateway City](https://massinc.org/research/the-geography-of-incarceration-in-a-gateway-city/) - The Cost and Consequences of High Incarceration Rate Neighborhoods in Worcester
- [Improving College & Career Outcomes through Research-Practice Partnerships](https://massinc.org/research/improving-college-career-outcomes-through-research-practice-partnerships/) - A Case Study of ILP Implementation in Three Gateway City School Districts
- [Revisiting Correctional Expenditure Trends in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/revisiting-correctional-expenditure-trends-in-massachusetts/) - MassINC is proud to present another installment in our “Justice Reinvestment At-A-Glance” research brief series. Revisiting Correctional Expenditure Trends in Massachusetts updates our 2017 report, Getting Tough on Spending. Our new analysis incorporates final expenditures through FY 2017, and projects outward using the House and Senate Ways and Means FY 2019 budget proposals. We hope
- [Building Communities of Promise and Possibility](https://massinc.org/research/building-communities-of-promise-and-possibility/) - State and Local Blueprints for Comprehensive Neighborhood Stabilization
- [Governing Local Accountability](https://massinc.org/research/governing-local-accountability/) - The Health of School Committees and Councils in Gateway Cities
- [Combining HDIP and OZ for Transformative Transit-Oriented Development in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/research/combining-hdip-and-oz-for-transformative-transit-oriented-development-in-gateway-cities/) - This policy brief is the second in a series exploring state and local level approaches to generating transformative transit-oriented development (TTOD) in Gateway Cities. Here, our thinking is that the state’s commuter rail system would receive much more use—and spur greater, more transformative Gateway City investment—if rail station areas were primed for compact TOD. The
- [Local Accountability](https://massinc.org/research/local-accountability-2/) - An Untapped Strategy for Advancing Student Achievement in Massachusetts Public Schools
- [Investing in Early College](https://massinc.org/research/investing-in-early-college/) - Our Most Promising Pathway
- [Prioritizing Equitable Growth Through Fare Policy](https://massinc.org/research/prioritizing-equitable-growth-through-fare-policy/) - This policy brief explores the concept of fare equity and demonstrates why the current commuter rail fare structure makes train travel uneconomical for many Gateway City residents, especially those living in the immediate station areas. The brief also provides a deeper understanding of why affordable fares are a critical precursor for transformative transit-oriented development and
- [Drafting an Action Plan for Early College Expansion](https://massinc.org/research/drafting-an-action-plan-for-early-college-expansion/) - Building on the June 2019 MassINC report exploring the promise of Early College High Schools, this discussion paper examines strategies to sustainably finance these programs. The analysis describes the additional costs associated with delivering the model with fidelity, and looks at how leading Early College states invest funds to help school districts and their college
- [MassForward](https://massinc.org/research/massforward/) - Advancing Democratic Innovation and Electoral Reform in Massachusetts
- [Using 40R and 43D to Stimulate Transformative Transit-Oriented Development in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/research/using-40r-and-43d-to-stimulate-transformative-transit-oriented-development-in-gateway-cities-copy/) - This policy brief is the third in a series exploring state and local level approaches to generating transformative transit-oriented development (TTOD) in Gateway Cities. This brief examines two additional state incentive programs—43D Expedited Permitting and 40R Smart Growth Zoning—as tools to spur Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Gateway Cities
- [Investing in Success](https://massinc.org/research/investing-in-success/) - Findings From a Cost–Benefit Analysis of Massachusetts Community Colleges
- [Sizing Up Massachusetts’ Looming Skilled-Worker Shortage](https://massinc.org/research/sizing-up-massachusetts-looming-skilled-worker-shortage/) - In an extensive 2014 report with the UMass Donahue Institute, MassINC predicted the 2020’s would be the first decade in Massachusetts history to post a reduction in the state’s working-age, college-educated population. Drawing on the limited data available, this research brief explores how the COVID-19 pandemic disruption could impact our previous estimate. The analysis surfaces
- [Connecting Communities through Digital Equity](https://massinc.org/research/connecting-communities-through-digital-equity/) - An Action Plan for State, Community, and Private and Institutional Partners
- [Empowering Cities to Accelerate Equitable Growth](https://massinc.org/research/empowering-cities-to-accelerate-equitable-growth/) - A State Policy Blueprint for Inclusive Municipal Contracting
- [Building Stronger Community College Transfer Pathways](https://massinc.org/research/building-stronger-community-college-transfer-pathways/) - Evidence from Massachusetts
- [School and District Improvement Plans](https://massinc.org/research/school-and-district-improvement-plans/) - A Review of Local Accountability Practice in Massachusetts Gateway Cities
- [Ready for Reform?](https://massinc.org/research/ready-for-reform-public-opinion-on-criminal-justice-in-massachusetts/) - Public Opinion on Criminal Justice in Massachusetts
- [The Gateway Cities Vision for Dynamic Community-Wide Learning Systems](https://massinc.org/research/the-gateway-cities-vision-for-dynamic-community-wide-learning-systems/) - Download the Executive Summary Developed collaboratively with Gateway City mayors, managers, and education leaders, this vision highlights effective new models to prepare students for the changing economy and ensure an adequate supply of skilled workers for growing regional economies across the Commonwealth. The Vision also calls for strategies that leverage the educational assets of our
- [Reinventing Transit](https://massinc.org/research/reinventing-transit/) - A Blueprint for Investing in Regional Transportation Authorities for Strong Gateway City Economies
- [Transformative Redevelopment](https://massinc.org/research/transformative-redevelopment/) - Strategic State Policy for Gateway City Growth and Renewal
- [Rising to the Challenge](https://massinc.org/research/rising-to-the-challenge/) - Assessing the Massachusetts Response to Climate Change
- [Recapturing the American Dream](https://massinc.org/research/recapturing-the-american-dream-meeting-the-challenges-of-the-bay-states-lost-decade/) - Meeting the Challenges of the Bay State's Lost Decade
- [Moving Forward with Funding](https://massinc.org/research/moving-forward-with-funding/) - New strategies to support transportation and balanced regional economic growth
- [The 80 Percent Challenge](https://massinc.org/research/the-80-percent-challenge/) - A Survey of Climate Change Opinion and Action in Massachusetts
- [Planning for College](https://massinc.org/research/planning-for-college/) - A Consumer Approach to the Higher Education Marketplace
- [Incomplete Grade](https://massinc.org/research/incomplete-grade/) - Massachusetts Education Reform at 15
- [Capital Gains](https://massinc.org/research/capital-gains/) - Avoiding Harm to the State Budget
- [Great Expectations](https://massinc.org/research/great-expectations/) - A survey of young adults in Massachusetts
- [Point of Reckoning](https://massinc.org/research/point-of-reckoning/) - Two Decades of State Budget Trends
- [Mass Economy](https://massinc.org/research/mass-economy/) - The Labor Supply and Our Economic Future
- [Paying for College](https://massinc.org/research/paying-for-college/) - The Rising Cost of Higher Education
- [A Generation in Transition](https://massinc.org/research/a-generation-in-transition/) - A Survey of Bay State Baby Boomers
- [The Changing Face of Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/the-changing-face-of-massachusetts/) - Download the Executive Summary The Changing Face of Massachusetts is a joint project of MassINC and the Center for Labor Market Studies and was made possible by the generous support of a number of sponsors, including the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Verizon, Citizens Bank, Polaroid, and Bank of America’s Frank W. and Carl S. Adams
- [MASS.commuting](https://massinc.org/research/mass-commuting/) - Download the Executive Summary MASS.commuting was produced in partnership with the UMass Donahue Institute and generously sponsored by MassHousing. Our analysis of U.S. Census data reveals that the morning and evening commutes are rapidly worsening compared to the rest of the nation, a situation that erodes our qualify of life and economic health. Massachusetts commutes
- [Examining State Intervention Capacity](https://massinc.org/research/examining-state-intervention-capacity/) - How Can the State Better Support Low Performing Schools & Districts?
- [The Graying of Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/research/the-graying-of-massachusetts/) - Aging, the New Rules of Retirement, and the Changing Workforce
- [The Pursuit of Happiness](https://massinc.org/research/the-pursuit-of-happiness/) - A Survey on the Quality of Life in Massachusetts
- [MASS Migration](https://massinc.org/research/mass-migration/) - Download the Executive Summary Through a detailed analysis of IRS migration data and Census 2000, we offer the definitive look at who has been moving in and out of Massachusetts during the last dozen years. While the numbers show us how the Bay State has changed in the recent past, they also herald a future
- [Head of the Class](https://massinc.org/research/head-of-the-class/) - Characteristics of Higher Performing Urban High Schools in Massachusetts
- [Drug Sentencing Opponents Say Poll Shows Public Agrees With Them](https://massinc.org/2015/12/04/drug-sentencing-opponents-say-poll-shows-public-agrees-with-them/) - STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE A majority of Massachusetts voters want to repeal mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses and an even larger percentage supports shifting resources from jails to drug addiction treatment programs, according to a poll commissioned by an advocacy group. Commissioned by Families Against Mandatory Minimums and conducted by the Suffolk University Political
- [Pat Beaudry](https://massinc.org/2018/02/01/pat-beaudry/) - This Month's Gateway Cities Leader
- [Choosing Integration](https://massinc.org/research/choosing-integration/) - A Discussion Paper and Policy Primer
- [Are you there, Massachusetts? It's me, the primaries](https://massinc.org/2018/06/29/are-you-there-massachusetts-its-me-the-primaries/) - The Topline
- [Boston considers non-citizen voting](https://massinc.org/2018/07/27/boston-considers-non-citizen-voting/) - The Topline
- [Can Ocasio-Cortez return the favor for Ayanna Pressley?](https://massinc.org/2018/08/10/can-ocasio-cortez-return-the-favor-for-ayanna-pressley/) - The Topline
- [Kennedy v. Markey is no Pressley v. Capuano](https://massinc.org/2019/09/23/kennedy-v-markey-is-no-pressley-v-capuano/) - The Topline
- [Seth Moulton and the Shifting Sands of Polls](https://massinc.org/2018/12/07/seth-moulton-and-the-shifting-sands-of-polls/) - The Topline
- [Pathways to Economic Mobility](https://massinc.org/research/pathways-to-economic-mobility/) - New research shows that simply attending community college increases employment rates, while a certificate or degree sparks increases in employment and earnings – including an increase of as much as $14,000 annually in salary in some fields.
- [MPG Releases 8th Wave of Shah Foundation Survey of Boston Public School Parents](https://massinc.org/2023/12/08/mpg-releases-8th-wave-of-shah-foundation-survey-of-boston-public-school-parents/) - This is the 8th of multiple waves of surveys of parents of Boston Public School students going back to 2021. This one-of-a-kind longitudinal study is funded by the Shah Foundation and conducted by The MassINC Polling Group. Each wave’s questionnaire includes a series of repeat questions as well as new and timely content. The series
- [MassINC’s Gateway Cities Innovation Institute to Honor Six Clean Energy Efforts at Annual Awards and Summit](https://massinc.org/2023/11/09/massincs-gateway-cities-innovation-institute-to-honor-six-clean-energy-efforts-at-annual-awards-and-summit/) - Event will focus on positioning Gateway Cities to play a leading role in the clean energy transition
- [Remembering Greg Torres](https://massinc.org/2023/08/04/remembering-greg-torres/) - To our friends, partners, and supporters, It is with a heavy heart we share the news that Greg Torres, former CEO and chair of the board of MassINC, passed away earlier this week. Greg's contributions to MassINC are innumerable. He joined MassINC in 2007 as President and CEO. In 2018, he transitioned to be Chair
- [Nominate Gateway City Innovation Award Honorees](https://massinc.org/2023/07/31/nominate-gateway-city-innovation-award-honorees/) - Since 2012, MassINC's Gateway Cities Innovation Institute has celebrated individuals, organizations, and businesses that exemplify the innovative spirit of Gateway Cities. After three years of hosting our event virtually due to the pandemic, we're excited to announce the return of in-person attendance for this highly anticipated convening this Fall. We're looking forward to welcoming Gateway Cities
- [Recommendations to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP)](https://massinc.org/2023/06/12/recommendations-to-the-executive-office-of-housing-and-livable-communities-on-the-housing-development-incentive-program-hdip/) - MassINC has developed draft recommendations to the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities that would improve management of the program. These have been crafted in consultation with municipal housing and economic development staff from Gateway Cities across the state. We look forward to discussing these ideas with EOHLC Secretary Ed Augustus and his
- [New Poll: BPS parents voice concerns about children’s emotional well-being, physical safety](https://massinc.org/2023/05/05/new-poll-bps-parents-voice-concerns-about-childrens-emotional-well-being-physical-safety/) - 68% say they are at least somewhat concerned with their children’s physical safety
- [Playing matchmaker for MassINC](https://massinc.org/2023/03/20/playing-matchmaker-for-massinc/) - By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist
- [Poll: Mass. voters say an even split of millionaire’s tax would be a fair share](https://massinc.org/2023/02/10/poll-mass-voters-say-an-even-split-of-millionaires-tax-would-be-a-fair-share/) - Two-thirds think surtax proceeds should go into a trust fund.
- [Simply Having a Wonderful MassINC Time](https://massinc.org/2022/12/23/simply-having-a-wonderful-massinc-time/) - Our 2022 year-end wrap-up
- [A Gateway Cities Strategy for the Healey–Driscoll Administration](https://massinc.org/2022/12/14/a-gateway-cities-strategy-for-the-healey-driscoll-administration/) - Transition Briefing Memorandum
- [When you give, you receive](https://massinc.org/2022/11/29/when-you-give-your-receive/) - Donate to CommonWealth Magazine's year-end fundraising campaign
- [Joe Kriesberg joining MassINC as new CEO](https://massinc.org/2022/11/10/joe-kriesberg-joining-massinc-as-new-ceo/) - For Immediate Release November 10, 2022 Joe Kriesberg to Become President & CEO of MassINC Experienced leader with proven management skills and expertise around creating vibrant communities and nurturing economic vitality to take helm in January BOSTON, MA – Joe Kriesberg has been named the next President and CEO of MassINC, a nonpartisan think
- [Poll: 78% of voters view transportation system in only ‘fair or poor’ condition](https://massinc.org/2022/10/20/poll-78-of-voters-view-transportation-system-in-only-fair-or-poor-condition/) - New MassINC Polling Group Poll finds 59% of voters support future MBTA shutdowns to expedite improvements
- [Helping a Gateway City gain admittance to the clean energy pilot](https://massinc.org/2022/10/13/helping-a-gateway-city-gain-admittance-to-the-clean-energy-pilot/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Mass Broadband poised to help Gateway Cities win the future](https://massinc.org/2022/09/26/mass-broadband-poised-to-help-gateway-cities-win-the-future/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Poll: Massachusetts small businesses still recovering from COVID](https://massinc.org/2022/09/26/poll-massachusetts-small-businesses-still-recovering-from-covid/) - New MassINC Polling Group Poll finds Massachusetts small businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color see expansion opportunities if capital and space challenges can be overcome
- [State laws to blame for lack of minority contracting](https://massinc.org/2022/09/09/state-laws-to-blame-for-lack-of-minority-contracting/) - Ben Forman featured in CommonWealth Magazine
- [Bravo to Lesser and Driscoll!](https://massinc.org/2022/09/09/bravo-to-lesser-and-driscoll/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [The Baker Administration’s Crowning Achievement](https://massinc.org/2022/08/24/the-baker-administrations-crowning-achievement/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Our take on the end of the legislative session](https://massinc.org/2022/08/16/our-take-on-the-end-of-the-legislative-session/) - At the end of this extraordinary legislative session, the team at MassINC sends a note of gratitude to the many partners who contributed to our various efforts over the past year. This includes funders, who generously underwrite the research; civic leaders, who selflessly lend their time and expertise to inform our work; and most especially,
- [House and Senate move on HDIP, Lesser fighting for inclusive entrepreneurship provisions](https://massinc.org/2022/07/20/house-and-senate-move-on-hdip/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [50 Gateway City economic development leaders write to state legislators for HDIP](https://massinc.org/2022/07/20/50-gateway-city-economic-development-leaders-write-to-state-legislators-for-hdip/) - 50 Gateway City economic development leaders and developers sent a letter to state legislators calling for action to rescue the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP), which is the only state program to address the unique development challenges of our small cities. Most significantly, rents remain comparatively low in most Gateway Cities compared to rising construction
- [22 Gateway City mayors and managers rally behind the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP)](https://massinc.org/2022/07/20/22-gateway-city-mayors-and-managers-rally-behind-the-housing-development-incentive-program-hdip/) - 22 Gateway City mayors and managers weighed in with the House and Senate behind the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP). As MassINC research has shown, there is a six-year backlog of at least 41 projects totaling nearly 2,300 housing units and more than $700 million in total investment. Most Gateway Cities lack housing options for
- [Event Recap | Gateway Cities Leadership Summit: Growing an Inclusive Economy II](https://massinc.org/2022/07/19/2022-gateway-cities-leadership-summit-event-recap/) - On Tuesday, July 12th, MassINC hosted its Annual Gateway Cities Leadership Summit. The forum explored how municipal contracting can support the growth of businesses of color, a timely conversation with an unprecedented influx of federal resources flowing into Gateway Cities through ARPA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. MassINC Research Director Ben Forman and Executive Director
- [Positioning Gateway City leaders to take the lead on digital equity](https://massinc.org/2022/07/07/positioning-gateway-city-leaders-to-take-the-lead-on-digital-equity/) - While leaders responded to their residents’ most acute digital equity needs during the pandemic, the issue appears to be receding among the many competing challenges facing Gateway Cities. We can’t allow this to fall out of sight again, especially with half a billion dollars from the federal infrastructure bill coming to Massachusetts to help communities implement durable solutions.
- [Poll: Massachusetts residents support policies to make transportation cleaner, more equitable, and more affordable.](https://massinc.org/2022/06/28/poll-massachusetts-residents-support-policies-to-make-transportation-cleaner-more-equitable-and-more-affordable/) - New report from The MassINC Polling Group finds Massachusetts residents support policies to make transportation cleaner, more equitable, and more affordable.
- [Committee’s ED bill is a big deal for Gateway Cities and equitable economic growth](https://massinc.org/2022/06/24/committees-ed-bill-is-a-big-deal-for-gateway-cities-and-equitable-economic-growth/) - Learn what the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies' Economic Development bill means for HDIP and inclusive entrepreneurship in Gateway Cities.
- [State has a lot more to do to keep students and educators safe from COVID](https://massinc.org/2022/06/10/state-has-a-lot-more-to-do-to-keep-students-and-educators-safe-from-covid/) - Read Steve Koczela's opinion piece in the Boston Globe on COVID safety in schools, featuring a mix of testing data, "lost day" estimates, and polling results.
- [This is the moment to make transformative investments](https://massinc.org/2022/06/09/this-is-the-moment-to-make-transformative-investments/) - The TDI program has been highly effective in Gateway Cities closer to Boston with relatively strong real estate markets. But the impact has been minimal in weaker markets outside of I-495, where Massachusetts desperately needs new sources of economic growth. Now is the moment to do right by the communities that state economic development policy has neglected for far too long.
- [MassINC receives $350,000 grant from Cummings Foundation](https://massinc.org/2022/05/31/massinc-receives-350000-grant-from-cummings-foundation/) - MassINC is a proud participant of the selective Cummings Foundation $25 Million Grant Program. The nonprofit will receive $350,000 over the next 10 years.
- [Massachusetts’ failure to forestall growing segregation](https://massinc.org/2022/05/24/massachusetts-failure-to-forestall-growing-segregation/) - MassINC Education Equity Fellow, Simone Ngongi-Lukula, argues for integrating Massachusetts schools and initiatives that could forestall growing segregation.
- [Senate budget key to future of housing and transportation in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2022/05/23/senate-budget-key-to-future-of-housing-and-transportation-in-gateway-cities/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [The CommonWealth Community Campaign](https://massinc.org/2022/05/11/the-commonwealth-community-campaign/) - With your donation, Commonwealth's community grows stronger and our reporting goes deeper. Please help us reach our overall goal of $20,000.
- [Baker’s Seminal Economic Development Legislation](https://massinc.org/2022/04/29/bakers-seminal-economic-development-legislation/) - Gateway City economic development leaders huddled on Zoom Wednesday for a call with Sec. Kennealy. The discussion offered valuable insight into how Gov. Baker’s $3.5 billion economic development/ARPA 2.0 bill could sow seeds for growth. Here are our first impressions of the governor’s final major contribution to economic development policy.
- [New report says underfunding community colleges is costing Massachusetts millions](https://massinc.org/2022/04/25/new-report-says-underfunding-community-colleges-is-costing-massachusetts-millions/) - Listen to MassINC Research Director Ben Forman explaining the findings of our newest report, Investing in Success, on WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
- [The House doubles down on Early College expansion](https://massinc.org/2022/04/14/the-house-doubles-down-on-early-college-expansion/) - Massachusetts House Leadership unveiled an FY 2023 budget that includes $19 million for Early College. The FY 2023 budget now moves to the Senate. They must stay at it.
- [Gateway Hubs Project Director advocates for a flexible approach in MBTA Communities letter](https://massinc.org/2022/04/14/gateway-hubs-project-director-advocates-for-a-flexible-approach-in-mbta-communities-letter/) - MassINC’s Gateway Hubs Project Director André Leroux weighed in on DHCD’s draft guidelines for this “transit-oriented zoning” program, called MBTA Communities.
- [What to do with the state’s half-empty prison system](https://massinc.org/2022/03/23/what-to-do-with-the-states-half-empty-prison-system/) - Prison populations have fallen sharply and crime remains low in Massachusetts. Ben Forman asks what to do with the state’s half-empty prison system in CommonWealth op-ed.
- [20 Gateway City Mayors and Managers Urge State to Fund Downtown Housing](https://massinc.org/2022/03/23/20-gateway-city-mayors-and-managers-endorse-letters-requesting-hdip-backlog-be-addressed/) - 20 Gateway City mayors and managers endorsed letters to MA State House and Senate leadership requesting meetings to address the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) project backlog. View their letters here.
- [Gateway Cities Look to Fuel Early College Expansion in the FY 23 State Budget](https://massinc.org/2022/03/23/gateway-cities-look-to-fuel-early-college-expansion-in-the-fy-23-state-budget/) - When the Gateway City Legislative Caucus convened on Monday to review FY 23 budget priorities, additional funding for Early College made their short list. Fully funding Dual Enrollment and Early College line items is critical to meet the growing demand for high-quality Early College programs in Gateway Cities.
- [Event Recap | Advancing the Goal: What is needed for Early College Expansion](https://massinc.org/2022/03/08/event-recap-advancing-the-goal-what-is-needed-for-early-college-expansion/) - On Tuesday, March 8th, MassINC, Latinos for Education, MBAE, and the newly-launched Massachusetts Alliance for Early College co-hosted a virtual legislative briefing on Massachusetts’ Early College Initiative with the chairs of the Joint Committees on Education and Higher Education.
- [Preliminary Thoughts on a 2022 Equitable Economic Development Bill](https://massinc.org/2022/03/07/preliminary-thoughts-on-a-2022-equitable-economic-development-bill/) - Seasonal patterns suggest a large economic development package will land on Beacon Hill during the month of March in an even year. Sec. Kennealy can make a compelling case for filing a bill laden with policies to ensure that the unprecedented federal investments flowing into Massachusetts generate equitable growth.
- [Maria Fernandes-Dominique joins MassINC Board of Directors](https://massinc.org/2022/02/28/maria-fernandes-dominique-joins-massinc-board-of-directors/) - MassINC is pleased to announce the addition of Maria Fernandes-Dominique, Director of Public Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, to the nonprofit’s board of directors. Maria becomes MassINC’s 30th board member and brings valuable experience as a self-described community development practitioner with an impressive background.
- [Preliminary Thoughts on ARPA 2.0](https://massinc.org/2022/02/22/preliminary-thoughts-on-arpa-2-0/) - Governor Baker’s second ARPA spending bill is anticipated in the coming weeks. Rather than responding to emergencies, the state can now use these flexible funds for transformative long-term investments with a heavy focus on parts of the state beyond I-495.
- [Send a little love our way](https://massinc.org/2022/02/14/send-a-little-love-our-way/) - We hope you’ll join our Send a Little Love Our Way Campaign and support Massachusetts' only civic news organization!
- [Gateway Cities are Part of Solution to Mass. Segregation](https://massinc.org/2022/02/03/gateway-cities-are-part-of-solution-to-mass-segregation/) - Research Director Ben Forman offers an effective housing strategy to address economic segregation in Massachusetts public schools in this Banker & Tradesman piece.
- [For the T, Equity is the train that got away](https://massinc.org/2022/02/03/for-the-t-equity-is-the-train-that-got-away/) - The MBTA presented a package of proposed fare reductions to its new governing board late last month. Billed as an effort to increase equity, it’s hard to see how the changes will do anything but prolong and perhaps even amplify current inequities.
- [MassINC 2022 Policy Priorities](https://massinc.org/2022/02/03/massinc-2022-policy-priorities/) - MassINC has worked to promote public policy that creates equitable pathways to opportunity for over 25 years. In the months ahead, we anticipate historic opportunities to continue to advance our mission. Here is a brief snapshot of what you can currently expect from our Policy Center in 2022 across a range of topics.
- [Gateway Cities are ideal proving ground for free fares](https://massinc.org/2022/02/02/gateway-cities-are-ideal-proving-ground-for-free-fares/) - Gateway Hubs Project Director Andre Leroux explains why free fare programs work in Gateway Cities in his letter to the editor at Boston Globe.
- [Event Recap | Choosing Integration](https://massinc.org/2022/01/25/event-recap-choosing-integration/) - On Jan. 20, 2022, MassINC and Policy for Progress hosted a virtual forum showcasing policy recommendations from their latest report, Choosing Integration.
- ['Twas the week before Christmas...](https://massinc.org/2021/12/20/twas-the-week-before-christmas/) - MassINC Research Director Ben Forman takes a poetic approach in describing a wish-come-true Gateway Cities vision for the holidays. Click the links while reading through to catch up on previous Gateway Cities Journal editions.
- [Building Back Better on Main Street](https://massinc.org/2021/12/03/building-back-better-on-main-street/) - Creating a sustainable funding mechanism for organizations that can play vital roles in strengthening commercial areas for the long-term is the kind of forward-thinking policy needed to leverage one-time APRA investments in small business development.
- [Calling on the Coalition for Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2021/12/02/calling-on-the-coalition-for-gateway-cities/) - As we await the ARPA 1.0 bill, one thing is already crystal clear: Gateway Cities need a broad-based coalition of groups to come together and go to bat for them with ARPA 2.0.
- [Event Recap | Early College: Celebrating Leadership and Growth](https://massinc.org/2021/10/29/event-recap-early-college-celebrating-leadership-and-growth/) - On October 28, 2021, MassINC, the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, and Latinos for Education hosted a virtual forum celebrating the legislators, educators, and civic leaders powering the Early College movement.
- [Gateway City representatives introduce vital housing amendments](https://massinc.org/2021/10/28/gateway-city-representatives-introduce-vital-housing-amendments/) - As residential communities home to an outsized share of the state’s population, it is critical that we make the most out of this opportunity and fashion the housing investment in a manner that leads to meaningful improvements in Gateway City housing stock and neighborhoods.
- [Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) Fact Sheet](https://massinc.org/2021/10/26/housing-development-incentive-program-hdip-fact-sheet/) - Data provided to MassINC by DHCD as result of public records request October 26, 2021 Bottom Line: The HDIP program is oversubscribed, with $57 million in applications pending in pipeline. This represents 41 housing projects totaling 2,276 units of housing and $706.6 million dollars of investment in Gateway Cities that could move forward immediately with
- [Harnessing the civic energy ARPA has unlocked](https://massinc.org/2021/10/08/harnessing-the-civic-energy-arpa-has-unlocked/) - As they work to apportion the state’s $5 billion ARPA allocation, legislators have conscientiously collected input from thousands of Massachusetts residents. We’ve compiled our thoughts for investing ARPA funds in a manner that recognizes the post-pandemic challenges and opportunities Gateway Cities face.
- [Event Recap | Ninth Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards and Summit](https://massinc.org/2021/09/30/event-recap-ninth-annual-gateway-cities-innovation-institute-awards-and-summit-infrastructure-for-equitable-economic-growth/) - On Thursday, September 30th, MassINC hosted its Ninth Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards and Summit. During this annual event, a panel of experts explored how Gateway Cities can leverage infrastructure investment to grow businesses owned by people of color and build stronger regional economies.
- [Back on the Road Again: The Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus Tour](https://massinc.org/2021/09/28/back-on-the-road-again-the-gateway-cities-legislative-caucus-tour/) - After 18 months confined to the home office, we jumped at the chance to join the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus on their South Coast tour. In Attleboro, Fall River, and New Bedford, we listened in on firsthand accounts of valiant efforts to help residents through the pandemic.
- [What’s really behind the population increase in Gateway Cities?](https://massinc.org/2021/09/09/whats-really-behind-the-population-increase-in-gateway-cities/) - Gateway Cities are seeing strength in some neighborhoods and market segments, while others continue to present very real concerns. Whatever the case may be, it is imperative to better understand recent growth trends and develop clear-eyed strategy in response.
- [Gateway Cities battle the digital divide](https://massinc.org/2021/08/03/gateway-cities-battle-the-digital-divide/) - At this point last summer, Gateway City educators were furiously at work trying to ensure that all students would have computers and reliable internet service when school resumed in the fall. Their herculean efforts demonstrated that we can temporarily narrow the divide, but a lot of work remains to find durable solutions to this multifaceted problem.
- [Event Recap | Gateway Cities Leadership Summit: Growing an Inclusive Economy](https://massinc.org/2021/07/21/gateway-cities-leadership-summit-event-recap/) - On Thursday, July 22 MassINC hosted its Annual Gateway Cities Leadership Summit where we explored how Gateway Cities can successfully support entrepreneurs of color and promote inclusive entrepreneurship statewide.
- [Building a more engaging high school experience for the new normal](https://massinc.org/2021/07/12/building-a-more-engaging-high-school-experience-for-the-new-normal/) - School climate data collected by the state at the conclusion of the 2019 MCAS test show that engagement drops for all students between middle school and high school, but the decline is sharpest for African-American and Hispanic students.
- [House funds Early College, but is it enough for growth?](https://massinc.org/2021/05/10/house-funds-early-college-but-is-it-enough-for-growth/) - Failing to meet the full need would send the wrong signal at a sensitive moment for Early College expansion.
- [Regional Transit Authorities Win Funding Victory in House Budget](https://massinc.org/2021/05/05/regional-transit-authorities-win-funding-victory-in-house-budget/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Addressing College Completion Gaps Starts with Stable Funding](https://massinc.org/2021/04/20/addressing-college-completion-gaps-in-massachusetts-starts-with-stable-funding/) - Establishing a strong precedent of fully covering the costs of Early College as programs grow is critical to ensuring that communities and state government are aligned when it comes to executing on this strategic initiative.
- [Early College as A Disruptive Force for Equity in the Post-Pandemic Era](https://massinc.org/2021/04/14/early-college-as-a-disruptive-force-for-equity/) - On Wednesday, April 14 MassINC released new research on Early College, an up-and-coming initiative that is making significant gains in the higher education equity gap. No single strategy offers a silver bullet, but Early College has a proven track-record of increasing post-secondary completion, and it has clear potential to interrupt structural inequality in education. Educators,
- [A call to support the expansion of the Early College Initiative](https://massinc.org/2021/04/08/a-call-to-support-the-expansion-of-the-early-college-initiative/) - Nearly 160 education, business, and other community leaders write to expand and deepen the Massachusetts Early College Initiative
- [New MassINC report lays out strategy for empowering entrepreneurs of color post-pandemic](https://massinc.org/2021/03/30/entrepreneurs-of-color-2/) - A new report from MassINC and the newly-formed Coalition for an Equitable Economy lays out the needed elements of a plan to strengthen opportunities for entrepreneurs of color post-COVID.
- [Are free buses closer than they appear?](https://massinc.org/2021/03/18/are-free-buses-closer-than-they-appear/) - Free buses may be the bold idea Massachusetts needs to rebuild a culture of public transportation as we emerge from the pandemic in 2021.
- [Who Will Rescue the Student Opportunity Act?](https://massinc.org/2021/03/04/who-will-rescue-the-student-opportunity-act/) - The problem in a nutshell: The Legislature hasn’t provided certainty that the state will make good on its promise to deliver the funds in equal increments over the law’s seven-year phase-in period. Lacking confidence that they will see these scheduled increases in Chapter 70 aid, school districts have been hesitant to develop plans to deploy the new funds strategically.
- [Correctional Officers Can Lead the Way Out of the Tough-on-Crime-Era](https://massinc.org/2021/02/25/correctional-officers-can-lead-the-way-out-of-the-tough-on-crime-era/) - Massachusetts has an unprecedented opportunity to make better use of limited public safety resources by reducing the incarcerated population and reinventing correctional practices with more leadership and direction from those on the frontlines.
- [Refunding Corrections](https://massinc.org/2021/02/11/refunding-corrections/) - Focusing on criminal justice information systems, MassINC and panel experts review efforts to increase transparency, improve data collection, and root out racial bias.
- [Top Gateway City Budget Priorities for FY22](https://massinc.org/2021/01/25/top-gateway-city-budget-priorities-for-fy22/) - Funding for Early College and lifting the cap on the Housing Development Incentive Program are among the top FY22 priorities for Gateway Cities and their residents.
- [Budgets for the days ahead: A survey of Massachusetts voters](https://massinc.org/2021/01/13/budgets-for-the-days-ahead-a-survey-of-massachusetts-voters/) - With budget deficits created by the COVID-19 pandemic, legislators and political officials across the commonwealth are facing difficult choices. Demands for government services have soared, while revenue projections are uncertain. State and local government are on the frontlines of the public sector response to the crisis as businesses close, unemployment remains high, and a historic
- [7th Annual Policy Summit in Pursuit of Justice](https://massinc.org/2020/12/29/7th-annual-policy-summit-in-pursuit-of-justice/) - Over the course of two sessions, will take a hard look at how to invest in dramatically different approaches to criminal justice with a shared sense of urgency and purpose.
- [FY21 budget offers a beacon for Justice Reinvestment](https://massinc.org/2020/12/14/fy21-budget-offers-a-beacon-for-justice-reinvestment/) - The FY21 budget, which passed both branches last week, goes even further by creating a true “Justice Reinvestment” fund and capitalizing it with a $15 million appropriation. From job training and transitional employment to housing stabilization, a wide range of community-based programs are eligible for these resources.
- [How MBTA cuts would cripple cities like Chelsea](https://massinc.org/2020/11/19/how-mbta-cuts-would-cripple-cities-like-chelsea/) - Cuts to the MBTA service would disproportionately impact minority, lower-income, and Gateway City communities.
- [K-12 Learning Reflects Racial Inequity](https://massinc.org/2020/11/19/k-12-learning-reflects-racial-inequity/) - A Survey of K-12 Parents in Massachusetts
- [Gateway Cities can't afford cuts to MBTA service](https://massinc.org/2020/11/16/gateway-cities-cant-afford-cuts-to-mbta-service/) - By the time we emerge from the pandemic and turn the economy back on, we will be winding down the transportation networks central to an equitable recovery. But an affordable, accessible, and reliable public transit is especially vital to Gateway City revitalization.
- [Preventing a housing crisis in Lawrence](https://massinc.org/2020/11/05/preventing-a-housing-crisis-in-lawrence/) - Gateways Episode 70
- [Chelsea’s David vs. Goliath College Enrollment Battle](https://massinc.org/2020/11/02/chelseas-david-vs-goliath-college-enrollment-battle/) - By building one of the largest Early College High Schools in the state, Chelsea has found a solution that could significantly increase college completion.
- [How Lynn is revamping its housing strategy](https://massinc.org/2020/10/22/how-lynn-is-developing-housing-for-all/) - For decades, planning for the city of Lynn was handled by a patchwork of community organizations, making it difficult to work toward a cohesive vision on housing.
- [Strategies to Support Small Business Diversity and Equity](https://massinc.org/2020/10/22/strategies-to-support-small-business-diversity-and-equity/) - In recent years, MassINC has become increasingly concerned that our civic leaders do not reflect our growing diversity. This has significant ramifications for public policy, and our ability to heal the economic divide that has only deepened since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
- [Strategies to Increase Diversity and Equity in Education](https://massinc.org/2020/10/15/diversity-and-equity-in-education/) - In recent years, MassINC has become increasingly concerned that our civic leaders do not reflect our growing diversity. This has significant ramifications for public policy, and our ability to heal the economic divide that has only deepened since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
- [The Future of the Massachusetts Workplace](https://massinc.org/2020/10/15/the-future-of-the-massachusetts-workplace/) - Decentralizing Massachusetts’ workforce could address the state’s transportation struggles and geographic inequities, magnified by the pandemic.
- [Building generational wealth in the Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2020/10/08/building-generational-wealth-in-the-gateway-cities/) - Home ownership is one of the two main paths toward building wealth— the other is business ownership. It’s crucial that Gateway City residents have access to opportunities to own homes and become entrepreneurs if they choose.
- [Strategies to Increase Diversity and Equity in Civic Leadership](https://massinc.org/2020/10/08/strategies-to-increase-diversity-and-equity-in-civic-leadership/) - In recent years, MassINC has become increasingly concerned that our civic leaders do not reflect our growing diversity. This has significant ramifications for public policy, and our ability to heal the economic divide that has only deepened since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
- [Pre-Covid Homebuying Trends May Widen Racial Wealth Gaps in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2020/09/28/pre-covid-homebuying-trends-may-widen-racial-wealth-gaps-in-massachusetts/) - A new report from MassINC’s Gateway Cities Innovation Institute finds a concerning pattern in Black and Latino homebuying trends that could exacerbate the racial wealth gap.
- [Adam Gomez on his historic victory in Springfield](https://massinc.org/2020/09/23/adam-gomez-on-his-historic-victory-in-springfield/) - Springfield City Councilor Adam Gomez talks his victory over an incumbent state senator despite turnout imbalances that skew the electorate.
- [MassINC Statement on Passing of Chief Justice Gants](https://massinc.org/2020/09/15/massinc-statement-on-passing-of-chief-justice-gants/) - The passing of Chief Justice Ralph Gants is a terrible loss at a time when the Commonwealth hungers for leadership in the long struggle to achieve greater equality. Justice Gants fearlessly confronted structures that undermine the ideals of equal justice. In his first State of the Judiciary address, he took on racially-biased mandatory-minimum sentences, asking:
- [Gateways Live: 3 Gateway City Mayors on Coronavirus Crisis Response](https://massinc.org/2020/09/09/gateways-live-3-gateway-city-mayors-on-coronavirus-crisis-response/) - Mayors of Gateway Cities are on the frontlines, responding to the needs of individuals and navigating a path to economic and social recovery.
- [Eighth Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Awards & Summit](https://massinc.org/2020/08/31/31499/) - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a Strong Recovery
- [The MCAS is flawed – but necessary](https://massinc.org/2020/08/31/the-mcas-is-flawed-but-necessary/) - There’s much to dislike about standardized tests, but doing away with them altogether would put us in the worst possible place coming out of the pandemic.
- [Massachusetts Can’t Wait Any Longer for RBIs](https://massinc.org/2020/08/31/massachusetts-cant-wait-any-longer-for-rbis/) - Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that continue to prevent local and regional efforts to generate revenue to respond to transportation needs. If we pass up on the opportunity to empower communities to act without further delay, this will only become more problematic for Massachusetts.
- [Regional Ballot Initiatives and the promise of local autonomy](https://massinc.org/2020/08/26/regional-ballot-initiatives-and-the-promise-of-local-autonomy/) - A major transit bill with provisions for RBIs would give voters the ability to raise their own transportation funds and invest in their own communities.
- [Gateway City parents are building homeschool pods too](https://massinc.org/2020/08/12/gateway-city-parents-are-building-homeschool-pods-too/) - This form of schooling is getting broader attention now, but “microschools” and “homeschool pods” are nothing new, Keri Rodrigues says. “I know that that’s the fancy way that rich white folks are now calling these things, but this has been what poor Black and brown folks have done forever.”
- [COVID Impact on the Massachusetts Latino Community](https://massinc.org/2020/08/12/covid-impact-on-the-massachusetts-latino-community/) - Zoom Recording
- [Protecting Gateway City small businesses through the pandemic](https://massinc.org/2020/07/31/protecting-gateway-city-small-businesses-through-the-pandemic/) - A new poll paints a damning picture for businesses across the state, but there is cause for additional alarm when it comes to those in Gateway Cities. Can we save them? Dr. Tracy Corley, MassINC TTOD Fellow, says all is not lost.
- [Small Business Needs for an Equitable Recovery](https://massinc.org/2020/07/24/small-business-needs-for-an-equitable-recovery/) - Small businesses in Massachusetts have suffered serious damage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with just one in three reporting they are fully open.
- [The Role of Higher Education in an Equitable Recovery](https://massinc.org/2020/07/16/the-role-of-higher-education-in-an-equitable-recovery/) - New survey finds that access to technology, language barriers and economic status remain obstacles to pursuing a post-secondary degree during COVID-19.
- [New economic development legislation is a boon for Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2020/07/10/new-economic-development-legislation-is-a-boon-for-gateway-cities/) - Without intervention and a new funding stream, the coronavirus crisis will further destabilize vulnerable Gateway City neighborhoods.
- [Ranked Choice Redux: The Promise of Ranked Choice Voting](https://massinc.org/2020/07/08/ranked-choice-redux-the-promise-of-ranked-choice-voting/) - Can ranked choice voting achieve more diverse civic leadership in Massachusetts? MassINC explores how RCV could change the Commonwealth's political landscape to be more representative of residents.
- [How much learning was lost?](https://massinc.org/2020/07/01/how-much-learning-was-lost/) - On Wednesday, July 1, MassINC and The MassINC Polling Group held a Zoom forum exploring the results of a landmark survey of Massachusetts K-12 parents. The poll focused on parents' experiences with remote learning during COVID-19. Event Recording Key Findings According to the findings, Massachusetts’ K-12 parents experienced very different engagement levels from schools and
- [Social-emotional support systems are more important in schools than ever](https://massinc.org/2020/06/24/social-emotional-support-systems-are-more-important-in-schools-than-ever/) - With the next school year just a summer away, educators are planning for what could be an even more intense challenge. They will likely have fewer resources to serve families enduring deeper pain from a prolonged economic downturn.
- [Speaking up for Gateway City Teachers](https://massinc.org/2020/06/22/speaking-up-for-gateway-city-teachers/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Diverse Voices Needed in Gateway City Leadership](https://massinc.org/2020/06/16/actionable-ideas-for-equitable-small-business-recovery-copy/) - Policies that the historically white-dominant Massachusetts Legislature have put in place aren't designed for Gateway City residents who on average take home less pay than those living in Boston's core.
- [Take The #TTODTalkChallenge!](https://massinc.org/2020/06/11/ttod-challenge/) - MassINC is on a mission to support livable communities - and that has to start with community residents. Help us show the need for community space, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic changes the way we use public spaces by taking the #TTODTalkChallenge!
- [Making rent and paying the mortgage](https://massinc.org/2020/06/10/making-rent-and-paying-the-mortgage/) - The first of the summer series, How do We Avoid Another Foreclosure Crisis?, took stock of how Massachusetts residents are covering their rent with data from a statewide survey of renters and homeowners.
- [Where equity gaps are deepest, we need more patience](https://massinc.org/2020/06/08/where-equity-gaps-are-deepest-we-need-more-patience/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Actionable Ideas for Equitable Small Business Recovery](https://massinc.org/2020/05/20/actionable-ideas-for-equitable-small-business-recovery/) - Gateways Podcast Episode 58
- [Why Massachusetts can't scale back rail infrastructure](https://massinc.org/2020/05/18/why-massachusetts-cant-scale-back-rail-infrastructure/) - 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](https://massinc.org/2020/05/07/closing-language-barriers-and-the-digital-divide-in-gateway-cities/) - Examining two obstacles preventing many members of our Commonwealth from accessing what they need during the coronavirus crisis.
- [TTOD Planning & Design Competition Award Ceremony](https://massinc.org/2020/05/01/ttod-planning-design-competition-award-ceremony/) - 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](https://massinc.org/2020/05/01/why-covid-19-tells-us-to-embrace-transit-oriented-development-not-reject-it/) - 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.
- [For Gateway Cities, Census outreach during COVID-19 matters more than ever before](https://massinc.org/2020/04/22/for-gateway-cities-census-outreach-during-covid-19-matters-more-than-ever-before/) - 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?](https://massinc.org/2020/04/16/can-the-student-opportunity-act-survive-coronavirus/) - 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](https://massinc.org/2020/04/08/how-public-health-agencies-can-protect-populations-most-threatened-by-covid-19/) - 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](https://massinc.org/2020/04/01/local-leadership-in-the-face-of-covid-19-copy/) - 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.
- [Resiliency in their DNA: Gateway Cities in the face of crisis](https://massinc.org/2020/03/25/resiliency-in-their-dna-gateway-cities-in-the-face-of-crisis/) - This week, Ben and Tracy look at how Gateway Cities are responding to the spread of coronavirus.
- [Local leadership in the face of Covid-19](https://massinc.org/2020/03/20/local-leadership-in-the-face-of-covid-19/) - From Sen. Eric Lesser and Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral, chairs of the Gateway City: from the standpoint of both public health and social and economic well-being, COVID-19 presents an unprecedented challenge for Gateway Cities.
- [Talking Early College Success In Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2020/03/16/talking-early-college-success-in-massachusetts/) - For the first time in Massachusetts state history, the population of college educated residents is predicted to decline, putting long-term economic growth and opportunity for the state — and its residents — in question. A new coalition has set out to disrupt this trend with a simple, effective tool: early college.
- [There's more to transformative TOD than real estate](https://massinc.org/2020/03/11/theres-more-to-transformative-tod-than-real-estate/) - Gateway Cities represent vast opportunity for small businesses to thrive and for the cities themselves to prosper -- but that requires equity.
- [Baker’s Economic Development Bill Builds on Gateway City Strengths](https://massinc.org/2020/03/09/bakers-economic-development-bill-builds-on-gateway-city-strengths/) - The Governor’s bill contains several provisions with the potential to play a particularly powerful role increasing the vitality of Gateway Cities across the state by building on their strengths.
- [Why regional ballot initiatives make sense for Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2020/03/03/why-regional-ballot-initiatives-make-sense-for-massachusetts/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [WANTED: Sharper tools for Gateway City transit-oriented development](https://massinc.org/2020/02/27/wanted-sharper-tools-for-gateway-city-transit-oriented-development/) - If we hope to spur growth and attract residents, jobs, and talent to our Massachusetts Gateway Cities, we need a transportation funding package that includes multiple tools to transform passenger rail.
- [RBIs to the rescue: What happens when locals make their own decisions about transit](https://massinc.org/2020/02/27/rbis-to-the-rescue-what-happens-when-locals-make-their-own-decisions-about-transit/) - This week on Gateways, Tracy is joined by Denny Zane, Executive Director of Move LA. Having lived in Massachusetts, Denny is familiar with the unreliable public transit that Commonwealth riders deal with on a daily basis.
- [MassINC Polling Group Climate Research Launch Event Recap](https://massinc.org/2020/02/12/massinc-polling-group-climate-research-launch-event-recap/) - Getting to net zero in Massachusetts: Energy Secretary Theoharides reacts to new MPG polling on climate
- [Holyoke offers blueprint for pre-k expansion](https://massinc.org/2020/02/12/holyoke-offers-blueprint-for-pre-k-expansion/) - In this episode of Gateways, we visit Holyoke to talk pre-k expansion in the Student Opportunity Act era.
- [Finding inspiration domestically and abroad for bold action on regional transit](https://massinc.org/2020/02/12/finding-inspiration-domestically-and-abroad-for-bold-action-on-regional-transit/) - This week on Gateways, Tracy returns from a visit to Washington, D.C., where she attended the National Conference of Mayors and heard about transportation models from far and wide that could potentially serve as something for our Commonwealth to aspire to.
- [The evolving role of street workers in youth violence prevention](https://massinc.org/2020/02/12/the-evolving-role-of-street-workers-in-youth-violence-prevention/) - This week on Gateways, Ben learns about the role of street workers in public health focused youth violence prevention efforts. UTEC’s Geoff Foster, Nichelle Sadler, and Leslie Rivera share their experiences as street workers.
- [Haverhill ponders pathways to a more inclusive future](https://massinc.org/2020/01/27/haverhill-ponders-pathways-to-a-more-inclusive-future-2/) - At a time when division seems all pervasive, it's reassuring to visit Gateway Cities and find citizens engaging in difficult and potentially divisive issues in an entirely respectful and open-minded manner.
- [Haverhill ponders pathways to a more inclusive future](https://massinc.org/2020/01/27/haverhill-ponders-pathways-to-a-more-inclusive-future/) - At a time when division seems all pervasive, it's reassuring to visit Gateway Cities and find citizens engaging in difficult and potentially divisive issues in an entirely respectful and open-minded manner.
- [Developer Dave Traggorth builds transit hubs with housing](https://massinc.org/2020/01/23/developer-dave-traggorth-builds-transit-hubs-with-housing/) - This week on Gateways, Ben sits down with real estate developer Dave Traggorth of Traggorth Companies, whose developments can be found in multiple Gateway Cities.
- [The local news vanishing act: What Gateway Cities are doing to fix it](https://massinc.org/2020/01/15/the-local-news-vanishing-act-what-gateway-cities-are-doing-to-fix-it/) - This week on Gateways, we look at the state of local journalism in Massachusetts. Bruce Mohl, editor of CommonWealth, joins to talk about the struggle many local news outlets face, calling this era of reporting a "low point," and urging private citizens and lawmakers alike to recognize the severity of the situation.
- [5 ideas for generating better school district improvement plans](https://massinc.org/2020/01/15/5-ideas-for-generating-better-school-district-improvement-plans-2/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Schoenberg joining CommonWealth](https://massinc.org/2020/01/10/schoenberg-joining-commonwealth/) - Spent last 7 years at Republican/MassLive
- [English language learners thrive in Early College](https://massinc.org/2020/01/07/english-language-learners-thrive-in-early-college/) - This week on Gateways, we bring you our very first bilingual episode, featuring two Lawrence High School graduates and former Early College ESL students, Elvianna De Jesus and Emeli Diaz. They discuss the ways in which Early College set them up for success, allowing them them to earn college credit before even
- [Conversations from the Gateway Cities Innovation Summit & Awards](https://massinc.org/2020/01/01/conversations-from-the-gateway-cities-innovation-summit-awards/) - During the Gateway Cities Innovation Summit & Awards, our host Tracy got to speak with some of the awardees who are working toward realizing all the potential our Gateway Cities offer. Nick Giaquinto served as chief of staff for late Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter. Nick accepted the award on behalf
- [TTOD Planning and Design Competition](https://massinc.org/2019/12/30/ttod-planning-and-design-competition/) - Proposal Deadline Approaching + Updated Guidelines
- [Christmas in the City](https://massinc.org/2019/12/20/christmas-in-the-city/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [How Gateway City schools capitalize on new funding](https://massinc.org/2019/12/17/how-gateway-city-schools-capitalize-on-new-funding/) - This week on Gateways, we look ahead to implementation of the Student Opportunity Act. Passed by the legislature in November, the new law will provide Gateway City schools with millions of dollars in additional state aid beginning in 2020.
- [New polling finds voters in largest Northeast, Mid-Atlantic states are open to policy to reduce transportation emissions](https://massinc.org/2019/12/11/new-polling-finds-voters-in-largest-northeast-mid-atlantic-states-are-open-to-policy-to-reduce-transportation-emissions/) - A new set of polls of registered voters across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic finds broad support for a multi-state policy to cap carbon pollution from transportation and invest in transportation improvements. That policy is currently being developed by the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a collaboration between 12 states and the
- [Unpacking the promise of ranked-choice voting in city elections](https://massinc.org/2019/12/11/unpacking-the-promise-of-ranked-choice-voting-in-city-elections/) - In this episode of Gateways, we take a high-speed journey through the land of ranked-choice voting (RCV). Worcester-native Howie Fain helps us understand how RCV leads to more diverse city councils and school committees. The second installment in our series on electoral reform and
- [Recapping the Seventh Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Summit & Awards](https://massinc.org/2019/12/06/recapping-the-seventh-annual-gateway-cities-innovation-institute-summit-awards/) - Catalyzing Transformative Transit-Oriented Development
- [Christopher Coes' Four Crazy Ideas to Catalyze TOD](https://massinc.org/2019/12/04/christopher-coes-four-crazy-ideas-to-catalyze-tod/) - MassINC recently held the Seventh Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit at the DCU Center in Worcester. Today’s episode brings you a highlight from the gathering—the morning keynote delivered by Christopher Coes, Vice President of Land Use and Development at Smart Growth America.
- [Support Our Gateway Cities Work](https://massinc.org/2019/12/04/support-our-gateway-cities-work/) - Help us create impact!
- [MassForward: Advancing Democratic Innovation and Electoral Reform in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2019/11/23/massforward-advancing-democratic-innovation-and-electoral-reform-in-massachusetts/) - Event Recap
- [Gateway City Leadership and Electoral Politics, Part I](https://massinc.org/2019/11/19/gateway-city-leadership-and-electoral-politics-part-i/) - A new MassINC-Tisch College of Civic Life report examines the state of leadership and governance in Massachusetts. The groundbreaking study reveals a number of structural challenges, many of which are especially problematic for Gateway Cities. In the
- [Lighting up Lawrence: how one city is using public art to celebrate and continue its economic growth](https://massinc.org/2019/11/13/lighting-up-lawrence-how-one-city-is-using-public-art-to-celebrate-and-continue-its-economic-growth/) - This week on Gateways, Tracy sits down with some of the members of Iluminación Lawrence, a public and private partnership responsible for lighting up Lawrence. The project’s soft launch in June unveiled LED light displays artistically illuminating the Casey Bridge and the face of the Ayer Mill Clock Tower.
- [Massachusetts government is stubbornly unrepresentative](https://massinc.org/2019/11/13/massachusetts-government-is-stubbornly-unrepresentative/) - Report calls on Legislature to remedy structural forces that keep women, people of color, and Republicans from winning elected office
- [Regional Rail's Visionary Dreamers](https://massinc.org/2019/11/11/regional-rails-visionary-dreamers/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [MassINC Insights, Part II](https://massinc.org/2019/11/11/massinc-insights-part-ii/) - In this second installment of MassINC Insights, we hear from the journalists and thought leaders of MassINC about the education funding debate.As lawmakers on Beacon Hill approach agreement on a school finance package, MassINC members dig in to the history of Massachusetts school funding that’s led
- [TTOD Competition](https://massinc.org/2019/11/06/ttod-competition/) - Community Engagement Update
- [Exploring School-Centered Neighborhood Revitalization](https://massinc.org/2019/11/05/exploring-school-centered-neighborhood-revitalization/) - Last month's hearing on the Gateway Cities legislative caucus' neighborhood stabilization bill sparked a lot of interest. But news coverage mostly dealt with the legislation’s housing tools. The bill also includes provisions to encourage school-centered approaches to neighborhood revitalization.
- [MassINC Insights](https://massinc.org/2019/10/29/massinc-insights/) - This week on Gateways, we bring you an episode of MassINC Insights, the first installment in a series of conversations with the journalists, researchers, and pollsters of MassINC, The MassINC Polling Group and CommonWealth. The nonprofit consistently leads the way in producing nonpartisan research and
- [Gateway City leaders testify before committees weighing neighborhood stabilization bill](https://massinc.org/2019/10/25/gateway-city-leaders-testify-before-committees-weighing-neighborhood-stabilization-bill/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Early College goes to work](https://massinc.org/2019/10/23/early-college-goes-to-work/) - On today’s episode of Gateways, we wrap up a three-part series exploring the power of Early College High Schools. This final installment looks at how Early Colleges contribute to regional economic development efforts by helping high school students pursue pathways that lead to good jobs in growing industries.
- [Extending TTOD Competition proposal deadline to the first week of January!](https://massinc.org/2019/10/17/extending-ttod-competition-proposal-deadline-to-the-first-week-of-january/) - Announcing the new schedule
- [Chief Brian Kyes on increasing public safety in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2019/10/15/chief-brian-kyes-on-increasing-public-safety-in-gateway-cities/) - This week on Gateways, Ben sits down with Chelsea Police Chief Kyes. They talk about how policing has changed over time and unpack the department’s adoption of what's known as the Hub model. Developed in Canada, the approach emphasizes early intervention through collaborative effort with
- [Fall River entrepreneur brings healthy food and a heap of inspiration to Gateway City neighborhoods](https://massinc.org/2019/10/08/fall-river-entrepreneur-brings-healthy-food-and-a-heap-of-inspiration-to-gateway-city-neighborhoods/) - This week on Gateways, we give you Tracy Corley’s live conversation with entrepreneur Luis Gonsalves during the October 2nd Entrepreneurship For All Leadership Summit in Lowell. Luis is an alum of New Bedford High, the US military, and EforAll, which gave him the tools to thrive in the competitive restaurant industry.
- [Gateway City leaders speak on opportunity zones](https://massinc.org/2019/10/07/gateway-city-leaders-speak-on-opportunity-zones/) - On this bonus episode of Gateways, we continue the conversation on federal Opportunity Zones legislation. Last episode, our guests broke down what Opportunity Funds can do and pointed out areas where they are failing the highest-need communities in our Commonwealth.
- [Cultivating allies in the business community with Early College expansion](https://massinc.org/2019/10/03/cultivating-in-the-business-community-with-early-college-expansion/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Are Opportunity Zones sites of misfortune for distressed neighborhoods?](https://massinc.org/2019/10/01/30841/) - When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was unveiled in 2017, much of the national attention was trained on the debate between Republicans and Democrats over whether the cuts disproportionately helped the rich. Woven in the tax code, however, a federal initiative known as Opportunity Zones promised to incentivize
- [Poll: Massachusetts residents support major changes to rail service, restructuring fares](https://massinc.org/2019/09/26/poll-massachusetts-residents-support-major-changes-to-rail-service-restructuring-fares/) - Residents see opportunities to expand rail overall, improve the Commuter Rail system, and show interest in Gateway Cities development possibilities this could unlock
- [New education funding bill spells opportunity for Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2019/09/24/new-education-funding-bill-spells-opportunity-for-gateway-cities/) - This week on Gateways, Ben Forman talks with Rep. Antonio Cabral, chair of the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus, about the state legislature's rollout of a long awaited education funding bill. The bill, known as the Student Opportunity Act, would provide school districts with high percentages of low-income students
- [A guide to help Gateway City schools capitalize on a major opportunity](https://massinc.org/2019/09/20/a-guide-to-help-gateway-city-schools-capitalize-on-a-major-opportunity/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Gateway City TTOD Planning and Design Competition](https://massinc.org/2019/09/19/gateway-city-ttod-planning-and-design-competition/) - Call for Participants
- [Fares for Gateway Cities residents are off the rails](https://massinc.org/2019/09/17/fares-for-gateway-cities-residents-are-off-the-rails/) - MassINC recently published a report on fare equity that confirmed what most of us already know: the lowest-wealth Commonwealth residents pay more of their incomes to get around the state than wealthier folks. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the MBTA’s commuter rail network, a public
- [Building a more diverse police force in Lawrence](https://massinc.org/2019/09/10/building-a-more-diverse-police-force-in-lawrence/) - This week on Gateways, Ben and Juana sit down with Mayor Dan Rivera. Mayor Rivera gives us a behind-the-scenes look at efforts to help the police department become more representative of Lawrence’s diverse population.
- [Reducing train fares to achieve equitable TOD](https://massinc.org/2019/09/06/reducing-train-fares-to-achieve-equitable-tod/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [MassINC study finds Gateway City residents priced-out of public transit](https://massinc.org/2019/09/05/massinc-study-finds-gateway-city-residents-priced-out-of-public-transit/) - Report says state must reduce rail fares in order to achieve more equitable growth
- [Tackling Smog and Congestion with TCI](https://massinc.org/2019/09/03/tackling-smog-and-congestion-with-tci/) - Traffic congestion in Massachusetts has reached crisis proportions. And while some leaders and officials assure it’s a “symptom of success,” that explanation offers little solace to Bay Staters stuck in mind-numbing traffic everyday. To top it off, gas and diesel-burning cars, trucks, and trains dominate greenhouse
- [How student leaders changed the culture at a Lynn charter school](https://massinc.org/2019/08/23/30753/) - This week on Gateways, Juana and Ben chat with guest Hannah Parker about the importance of high standards in education. Hannah recently graduated from KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate, where she said she was shaped by the rigorous courses and and high standards. But as she progressed through school and
- [Opinion Analysis | Exploring how Massachusetts can raise revenue and fund investments](https://massinc.org/2019/08/16/opinion-analysis-exploring-how-massachusetts-can-raise-revenue-and-fund-investments/) - Recapping the Get Smart Forum in Cambridge
- [Hearing that glorious swish](https://massinc.org/2019/08/15/hearing-that-glorious-swish/) - The Gateways Cities Journal
- [Community corrections centers poised to offer much needed reentry support](https://massinc.org/2019/08/13/gateways-podcast-community-corrections-centers-poised-to-offer-much-needed-reentry-suppor/) - When the state budget passed last month, it included provisions that better equip community corrections centers to provide reentry services. This week on Gateways, Ben sits down with Vin Lorenti, Director of Community Corrections at the Massachusetts Probation Service.
- [Emerging small businesses round out TOD in Merrimack Valley](https://massinc.org/2019/08/07/emerging-small-businesses-round-out-tod-in-merrimack-valley/) - In this episode of Gateways, Tracy is once again in the Merrimack Valley, this time exploring how small business development programs are shaping transit-oriented development. She starts in Lowell, where the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub has served as an incubator for budding tech companies
- [Budget offers solid blueprint for ‘Justice Reinvestment’](https://massinc.org/2019/08/05/budget-offers-solid-blueprint-for-justice-reinvestment/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Opinion Analysis | Massachusetts Has Climate Change Policy in the (Green) Works](https://massinc.org/2019/08/01/massachusetts-has-climate-change-policy-in-the-greenworks/) - Bill aims to help cities meet carbon reduction goals and provide infrastructure for climate change mitigation and resilience
- [Finding Food, Friends and Good Health at Haverhill's Farmers Market](https://massinc.org/2019/07/30/finding-food-friends-and-good-health-at-haverhills-farmers-market/) - In this episode of Gateways, Tracy takes us to Haverhill where we hear how a farmers market has transformed personal and public health through food, fun, and community connections. Market founder Jeff Grassie and Nate Robertson of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission walk us through the market and
- [Alex Morse wants to change how Washington works](https://massinc.org/2019/07/29/alex-morse-wants-to-change-how-washington-works/) - ALEX MORSE, the 30-year-old mayor of Holyoke, may look like he’s on a fool’s errand by challenging Rep. Richard Neal in next year’s Democratic primary. After all, just seven months ago Neal’s three decades of toil in the DC vineyards landed him in one of the most powerful positions in the House, chairman of the tax
- [Great need for increased attention to accountability at the local level](https://massinc.org/2019/07/24/exploring-the-opportunity-through-the-local-accountability-podcast-series/) - Exploring the opportunity through our Gateways podcast series
- [The art of MART's health and human services operation](https://massinc.org/2019/07/23/the-art-of-marts-health-and-human-services-operation/) - This week Tracy digs into the health and human services (HHS) transportation operation at the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART). MART's HHS brokerage delivers more than 6 million rides to medical and healthcare appointments for residents in 70% of Massachusetts. How is the
- [Caradonio and the Lowell Citywide Family Council](https://massinc.org/2019/07/16/caradonio-and-the-lowell-citywide-family-council/) - The last installment in our local education accountability series begins with reflections from Ben and Juana on the journey. Then Jim Caradonio, former Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools, visits MassINC to share lessons from his long career in public education.
- [Remembering a true champion](https://massinc.org/2019/07/10/remembering-a-true-champion/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Mass Housing Partnership: Transforming TOD through Affordable Housing](https://massinc.org/2019/07/09/mass-housing-partnership-transforming-tod-through-affordable-housing/) - On this episode of Gateways, Tracy sits down with Susan Connelly, Director of Community Assistance and Strategic Partnerships at the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), a nonprofit organization that supports and finances affordable housing.
- [MassINC’s Series of Regional TTOD Forums Arrives in Lynn](https://massinc.org/2019/06/30/massincs-series-of-regional-ttod-forums-arrives-in-lynn/) - Event Recap
- [Growing support for regional ballot initiatives to fund our transportation future](https://massinc.org/2019/06/28/growing-support-for-regional-ballot-initiatives-to-fund-our-transportation-future/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Distilling local accountability lessons from near and far](https://massinc.org/2019/06/25/distilling-local-accountability-lessons-from-near-and-far/) - As the education funding debate heats up on Beacon Hill, Ben continues our series on local accountability with a look at Chicago, IL and Springfield, MA. In a short chat with MassInc intern Alexis Polokoff, Ben unpacks Chicago's famed local school council model. Next, Ben interviews Paul Foster, Chief
- [TOD Big and Small in Fall River](https://massinc.org/2019/06/21/tod-big-and-small-in-fall-river/) - In this episode of Gateways, Tracy takes a walking tour in the heart of Fall River with private developer Alan Macomber and the city's executive director of community development, Mike Dion. Our guests explain Fall River's plans to connect downtown to its vibrant waterfront while creating more market rate
- [Sixth Annual Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Policy Summit](https://massinc.org/2019/06/21/sixth-annual-massachusetts-criminal-justice-reform-coalition-policy-summit/) - Event Recap
- [Steve Koczela testifies before the Joint Committee on Revenue](https://massinc.org/2019/06/18/steve-koczela-testifies-before-the-massachusetts-state-legislatures-joint-committee-on-revenue/) - On Regional Ballot Initiatives for Transportation
- [State House Forum Brings to Life the Power of Early College](https://massinc.org/2019/06/14/state-house-forum-brings-to-life-the-power-of-early-college/) - Event Recap
- ['Gateways' Goes to Early College: Leominster](https://massinc.org/2019/06/13/gateways-goes-to-early-college-leominster/) - Hosts Ben Forman and Juana Matias begin the second installment in our podcast series exploring the promise of Early College by reflecting on a recent State House forum where over a hundred Early College students and educators shared their transformational experiences. Juana then interviews Commissioner of Higher Education Carlos Santiago.
- [Northern Massachusetts Transformative Transit-Oriented Development (TTOD) Regional Forum](https://massinc.org/2019/06/12/northern-massachusetts-transformative-transit-oriented-development-ttod-regional-forum/) - Event Recap
- [Wielding the Double-Edged Zoning Sword](https://massinc.org/2019/06/11/wielding-the-double-edged-zoning-sword/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [The Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC) awarded $100,000](https://massinc.org/2019/06/05/the-massachusetts-institute-for-a-new-commonwealth-massinc-awarded-100000/) - Boston nonprofit receives Cummings Foundation grant
- [Digging into the economic impacts of transit-oriented development](https://massinc.org/2019/06/03/digging-into-the-economic-impacts-of-transit-oriented-development/) - This week on Gateways, Tracy visits Fall River business owner Zach Leone of Alexandra's Boutique. They discuss the city's future and potential opportunities for transit-oriented development, emphasizing that economic development matters just as much as real estate development in advancing transformative TOD.
- [Central Massachusetts Transformative Transit-Oriented Development (TTOD) Regional Forum](https://massinc.org/2019/06/03/central-massachusetts-transformative-transit-oriented-development-ttod-regional-forum/) - Event Recap
- [Keeping politics in check](https://massinc.org/2019/05/31/keeping-politics-in-check/) - Sportsmanship trumps partisanship at chess tourney
- [MetroWestRTA innovations spark transit-oriented development in Framingham](https://massinc.org/2019/05/28/metrowestrta-innovations-spark-transit-oriented-development-in-framingham/) - In this episode of Gateways, Tracy takes a tour of MetroWest Regional Transit Authority headquarters in Framingham. Led by MWRTA Administrator Ed Carr and 495/MetroWest Partnership Executive Director Paul Matthews, Tracy learns about all the MWRTA has been doing to revitalize parts of the city, protect pedestrians, maximize energy efficiency, and more.
- [From "collective breaking point" to collective victory](https://massinc.org/2019/05/16/from-collective-breaking-point-to-collective-victory/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [EdVestor's Rousmaniere on local accountability lessons from Boston](https://massinc.org/2019/05/14/edvestors-rousmaniere-on-local-accountability-lessons-from-boston/) - On this episode of Gateways, Ben Forman is joined by Marinell Rousmaniere, CEO of Edvestors, a nonprofit organization working to accelerate the improvement of Boston's schools. They dive deep into the school funding debate and discuss local accountability as well as the role of school councils.
- [Exploring the Future of Public-Private Partnerships](https://massinc.org/2019/05/09/exploring-the-future-of-public-private-partnerships/) - Event Recap
- [More than one way to 'transform' a city](https://massinc.org/2019/05/07/more-than-one-way-to-transform-a-city/) - On this week's episode of Gateways, Dr. Tracy Corley is joined by Noah Koretz, Director of Transformative Development for MassDevelopment. He discusses his Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), a "place and partnership program" that bolsters the economic development efforts of Gateway Cities.
- [How one community transformed a struggling school](https://massinc.org/2019/04/30/how-one-community-transformed-a-struggling-school-neighborhood-stabilization-meets-local-education-accountability/) - In this episode of Gateways, Ben Forman visits Worcester to talk with the team that led the transformation of Union Hill elementary. Ben speaks with Mullen Sawyer, executive director of Oak Hill Community Development Corporation, and Marie Morse and Kareem Tatum, who spearheaded Union Hill's turnaround as a formidable Principal/Assistant Principal duo.
- [The South Coast Rail opportunity sitting right before our eyes](https://massinc.org/2019/04/26/the-south-coast-rail-opportunity-sitting-right-before-our-eyes/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Poll: Massachusetts voters feeling strain from transportation challenges, support policy changes including new funding](https://massinc.org/2019/04/24/poll-massachusetts-voters-feeling-strain-from-transportation-challenges-support-policy-changes-including-new-funding/) - Half of those with commutes over 45 minutes say they’ve recently considered changing jobs; 30% have considered leaving their area altogether
- [Transformative transit-oriented development greets New Bedford](https://massinc.org/2019/04/23/transformative-transit-oriented-development-greets-new-bedford/) - On this week's episode of Gateways, co-hosts Ben and Tracy dissect the high points of MassINC's regional forum on transformative transit oriented development, held in New Bedford's historic Whaling Museum on April 8.
- [Southern Massachusetts TTOD Regional Forum](https://massinc.org/2019/04/18/southern-massachusetts-ttod-regional-forum/) - Event Recap
- [Welcome Juana!](https://massinc.org/2019/04/16/welcome-juana/) - In this episode of Gateways, Ben talks with Juana Matias about her journey to MassINC and her hopes and aspirations for the organization. They also dive into the education funding debate. Together they puzzle over how lawmakers give Gateway City schools sufficient resources to close opportunity gaps.
- [House budget advances Gateway City neighborhood stabilization effort](https://massinc.org/2019/04/11/house-budget-advances-gateway-city-neighborhood-stabilization-effort/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [TOD planning takes root in the Heart of the Commonwealth](https://massinc.org/2019/04/09/tod-planning-takes-root-in-the-heart-of-the-commonwealth/) - In this episode, we hear from Mayor Petty & Jake Sanders from the city of Worcester along with Craig Blais and Roberta Brien of the Worcester Business Development Corporation.
- [Accountability in the school funding debate](https://massinc.org/2019/04/02/accountability-in-the-school-funding-debate/) - In Part II of our deep dive on local education accountability, Ben talks with Rep. Aaron Vega, author of the Promise Act, and Ed Lambert, former mayor of Fall River and current Executive Director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.
- [A Complex Recipe for Housing Financing](https://massinc.org/2019/04/01/a-complex-recipe-for-housing-financing/) - Rob May, Brock- ton’s director of economic devel- opment and planning, famously offers up his seven-layer dip to any- one with a taste for the city’s downtown. A 121B Urban Re- newal plan forms the base. Then, he mixes in 40Q District Improvement Financing, a 40R Smart Growth Overlay District, a 40V Hous-ing Development Zone and a Transformative Development District.
- [Ending the Cycle of Segregation](https://massinc.org/2019/03/28/ending-the-cycle-of-segregation/) - The Gateways City Journal
- [Local education accountability with Tracy Novick](https://massinc.org/2019/03/19/local-education-accountability-with-tracy-novick/) - In this new episode of Gateways, Ben Forman visits Worcester to speak with Tracy Novick, Field Director for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. With experience serving on both school committees and school councils in Worcester, Tracy is highly regarded as an outspoken thought leader on education policy. Ben chats with Tracy about MassINC's recent research on the importance of local accountability.
- [A third way on the school funding/accountability debate](https://massinc.org/2019/03/17/a-third-way-on-the-school-fundingaccountability-debate/) - The answer isn’t more state rules but greater local oversight
- [A New Vision for Commuter Rail](https://massinc.org/2019/03/16/a-new-vision-for-commuter-rail/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Walking Through Worcester](https://massinc.org/2019/03/15/bonus-walking-through-worcester/) - Dr. Tracy Corley takes a walk through Worcester along MassINC's research director Ben Forman and Tim McGourthy, the former Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. The group walks us through the commuter rail stations, theater district, the Common, and the DCU Center, highlighting the
- [State House Forum on Stimulating Transformative Investment in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2019/03/11/state-house-forum-on-stimulating-transformative-investment-in-gateway-cities/) - Event Recap
- [Juana Matias named next COO of MassINC](https://massinc.org/2019/03/06/juana-matias-named-next-coo-of-massinc/) - We have exciting news. Former State Representative Juana Matias will be our next Chief Operating Officer! Previously a member of the MassINC Board of Directors, Juana Matias has been a leader in the State Legislature representing the 16th Essex district. In her new role as MassINC's COO Juana will play a leadership role in strategy
- [Hooray for Housing Choice and HDIP](https://massinc.org/2019/03/05/hooray-for-housing-choice-and-hdip/) - In this episode of Gateways, co-hosts Ben Forman and Dr. Tracy Corley dive deep into state and federal housing policies that stimulate housing development in Gateway Cities. In response to Gov. Baker's Housing Choice legislation announcement, they analyze its potential impacts on the quantity and quality of housing across the state.
- [Housing Choice & HDIP, ASAP](https://massinc.org/2019/03/03/housing-choice-hdip-asap/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Painting a prettier Salem](https://massinc.org/2019/03/02/painting-a-prettier-salem/) - Rome wasn't rebuilt in a day, and neither are Gateway City neighborhoods. In this bonus episode of "Gateways," Dr. Tracy Corley takes us on a walking tour of Salem's El Punto neighborhood alongside David Valecillos of the North Shore Community Development Coalition.
- [Examining the role of the MBTA commuter rail in Boston’s future](https://massinc.org/2019/03/01/examining-the-role-of-the-mbta-commuter-rail-in-bostons-future/) - “Next Stop”
- [Building Community by Breaking Bread](https://massinc.org/2019/02/21/building-community-by-breaking-bread/) - Coming off the heels of an education research report release event at the State House, Aimee and Tracy talk about local accountability in education as Beacon Hill takes up education funding reform. We continue our conversation around community building with a special trip to Salem.
- [A First Test for the Local Accountability Concept](https://massinc.org/2019/02/20/a-first-test-for-the-local-accountability-concept/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Communities are not doing enough to hold their public schools accountable](https://massinc.org/2019/02/13/communities-are-not-doing-enough-to-hold-their-public-schools-accountable/) - MassINC report calls for increasing “local accountability” with new school-funding package
- [Dr. Corley's big debut, Crighton and Cabral talk about  their bill too](https://massinc.org/2019/02/05/dr-corleys-big-debut-crighton-and-cabral-talk-about-their-bill-too/) - In this episode of GATEWAYS, Aimee and Ben introduce MassINC's Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Fellow, Dr. Tracy Corley, who joins the podcast as a new host. We also speak with Representative Cabral and Senator Crighton about the recent neighborhood stabilization bill, which was unveiled last week in the State House by the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus.
- [An Act Relative to Neighborhood Stabilization and Economic Development](https://massinc.org/2019/01/31/an-act-relative-to-neighborhood-stabilization-and-economic-development/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Unveiling Gateway City Neighborhood Stabilization Bill](https://massinc.org/2019/01/28/unveiling-gateway-city-neighborhood-stabilization-bill/) - Show Your Support
- [Launching a Neighborhood Revitalization Campaign](https://massinc.org/2019/01/22/launching-a-neighborhood-revitalization-campaign/) - EPISODE 5 of GATEWAYS brings listeners to the Hampshire House in Boston for a special breakfast conversation with the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus. The theme for the morning was comprehensive neighborhood revitalization.
- [New CommonWealth Hires](https://massinc.org/2019/01/18/new-commonwealth-hires/) - Betancourt and Metzger will join Mohl and Executive Editor Michael Jonas at CommonWealth
- [Building Communities of Promise and Possibility](https://massinc.org/2019/01/11/building-communities-of-promise-and-possibility-2-2/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Study suggests Massachusetts' "other" housing problem is worsening](https://massinc.org/2019/01/10/study-suggests-massachusetts-other-housing-problem-is-worsening/) - Blighted and abandoned housing presents serious challenges for Gateway City neighborhoods
- [State and Local Blueprints for Comprehensive Neighborhood Stabilization](https://massinc.org/2019/01/08/building-communities-of-promise-and-possibility-2/) - New report calls attention to Massachusetts’ “other housing problem.”
- [The Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors](https://massinc.org/2019/01/07/the-massachusetts-institute-for-a-new-commonwealth-welcomes-three-new-members-to-its-board-of-directors/) - BOSTON – MassINC is proud to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors: Michael Hunter , Beth Lindstrom, and Juana Matias. Bringing experience from both the private and public sectors, the new Directors will bring fresh insights to the work of MassINC and CommonWealth magazine. Chairman of the MassINC Board of Directors Greg Torres
- [Dr. Tracy Corley joins the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth’s (MassINC) Gateway Cities Innovation Institute](https://massinc.org/2018/12/10/dr-tracy-corley-joins-the-massachusetts-institute-for-a-new-commonwealths-massinc-gateway-cities-innovation-institute/) - Will lead MassINC’s ongoing effort to tap into the promise and potential of transit-oriented development in Gateway Cities
- [What's next for the T?](https://massinc.org/2018/12/07/whats-next-for-the-t/) - Newsmakers event recap
- [The importance of transit-oriented development in the Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2018/12/06/the-importance-of-transit-oriented-development-in-the-gateway-cities/) - In this episode of Gateways, Aimee and Ben sit down with Sal Lupoli, Founder of and CEO of Lupoli Companies and discuss the importance of transit-oriented development in the Gateway Cities.
- [Talking strategy with Alan Berube and Hugh Dunn](https://massinc.org/2018/12/06/talking-strategy-with-alan-berube-and-hugh-dunn/) - In this episode of Gateways, Ben Forman speaks with Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, Alan Berube, about facilitating inclusive economic opportunity in the Gateway Cities and what it's really like to tell your family that you work at a think tank.
- [Bring it on!](https://massinc.org/2018/11/29/bring-it-on/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Local Accountability: The Forgotten Element in Education Reform](https://massinc.org/2018/11/29/local-accountability-the-forgotten-element-in-education-reform/) - Part One in a Series of Three Papers
- [At CityAwake, Boston's millennials offer food for thought](https://massinc.org/2018/11/15/at-cityawake-bostons-millennials-offer-food-for-thought/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [An oversight board committed to improving criminal justice data and transparency](https://massinc.org/2018/11/06/an-oversight-board-committed-to-improving-criminal-justice-data-and-transparency/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Manna from Washington (along with a new research report!)](https://massinc.org/2018/11/01/manna-from-washington-along-with-a-new-research-report/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Opportunity Zones and Transformative Transit-Oriented Development in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2018/11/01/opportunity-zones-and-transformative-transit-oriented-development-in-gateway-cities-2/) - Policy Brief
- [MassINC presents on Gateway City TOD at LOCUS Summit](https://massinc.org/2018/10/26/massinc-presents-on-gateway-city-tod-at-locus-summit/) - Discussing smart growth issues across the region
- [LOCUS and Opportunity Zones](https://massinc.org/2018/10/26/locus-and-opportunity-zones/) - With regulations only just released last week, opportunity zones have excited developers, policymakers, and growth advocates alike. But what sort of opportunities do they really offer the Gateway Cities? Will development continue to focus on Boston and Cambridge's "tier-one" markets, or will real estate investors be incentivized to build in cities far outside the Boston bubble?
- [Aim High for Inclusive Growth, Brew a Stone Soup Strategy, Swing for the Fences in  the Next Legislative Session](https://massinc.org/2018/10/25/aim-high-for-inclusive-growth-brew-a-stone-soup-strategy-swing-for-the-fences-in-the-next-legislative-session/) - Recapping the 2018 Gateway Cities Innovation Awards & Summit
- [Talk of Gateway City TOD in Worcester](https://massinc.org/2018/10/20/talk-of-gateway-city-tod-in-worcester/) - Focusing on strategies to position Union Station for future success
- [Keating and Tedeschi talk Gateway Cities (on the inaugural episode of our new podcast!)](https://massinc.org/2018/10/12/keating-and-tedeschi-talk-gateway-cities-on-the-inaugural-episode-of-our-new-podcast/) - As a prelude to next week’s summit, we present our new podcast, Gateways. This first installment features the ninth congressional district candidates, Congressman Bill Keating and his Republican challenger, Peter Tedeschi.
- [Gateway Cities TOD Tour](https://massinc.org/2018/09/20/gateway-cities-tod-tour/) - Stop 3: Worcester
- [An election is a terrible thing to waste](https://massinc.org/2018/09/19/an-election-is-a-terrible-thing-to-waste/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Windows of Opportunity for Regional Rail: Part I](https://massinc.org/2018/09/07/windows-of-opportunity-for-regional-rail-part-i/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Surprise! Mass. Dems don’t want to abolish ICE](https://massinc.org/2018/08/24/surprise-mass-dems-dont-want-to-abolish-ice/) - The Topline
- [WOOHOO, WOOSOX?](https://massinc.org/2018/08/23/woohoo-woosox/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Half an ocean away](https://massinc.org/2018/08/17/half-an-ocean-away/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Where there's a will, is there a way?](https://massinc.org/2018/08/08/where-theres-a-will-is-there-a-way/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [FY 2019 Budget Lends Support to the “Gateway City Fare” Concept](https://massinc.org/2018/07/31/fy-2019-budget-lends-support-to-the-gateway-city-fare-concept/) - Shows support for more equitable access to public transit
- [PROVA!](https://massinc.org/2018/07/27/prova/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Please Support Gateway City Legislative Leaders](https://massinc.org/2018/07/25/please-support-gateway-city-legislative-leaders/) - Your advocacy can make a difference
- [Putting our money where our mouth is](https://massinc.org/2018/07/24/putting-our-money-where-our-mouth-is/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Gateway Cities discover the power of food](https://massinc.org/2018/07/15/gateway-cities-discover-the-power-of-food/) - Fresh veggies, koshari turn food deserts into oases
- [Late Registration](https://massinc.org/2018/07/13/late-registration/) - The Topline
- [Restarting the transportation funding debate](https://massinc.org/2018/07/12/restarting-the-transportation-funding-debate/) - With millionaire tax shot down, what else is under consideration?
- [End-of-session imperatives](https://massinc.org/2018/07/12/end-of-session-imperatives/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [CommonWealth's Summer 2018 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2018/07/10/commonwealths-summer-2018-issue-is-out/) - Our latest - and last - quarterly print magazine comes out today
- [Addressing Potential for TOD in Springfield](https://massinc.org/2018/06/28/the-potential-of-gateway-cities-urban-development/) - NEPR Highlights Transit-Oriented Development Research
- [Creative Minds Out Loud](https://massinc.org/2018/06/28/creative-minds-out-loud/) - Ben Forman on the economic and social benefits of communities abundant with arts and culture
- [Gateway Cities TOD Tour](https://massinc.org/2018/06/28/lynn/) - Stop 2: Lynn
- [Passing an economic development bill with provisions to stimulate Gateway City TOD](https://massinc.org/2018/06/28/passing-an-economic-development-bill-with-provisions-to-stimulate-gateway-city-tod/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [6th International Transportation and Economic Development Conference](https://massinc.org/2018/06/22/6th-international-transportation-and-economic-development-conference/) - Transformative Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Massachusetts Gateway Cities
- [Aimee Ward Weeden named next COO of MassINC](https://massinc.org/2018/06/22/aimee-ward-weeden-named-next-coo-of-massinc/) - Appointment ensures a future of strength and stability for the nonprofit
- [Gateway Cities TOD Tour](https://massinc.org/2018/06/20/springfield/) - Stop 1: Springfield
- [Linking Commuter Rail to Jobs, Housing, and Opportunity in Eastern Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2018/06/20/linking-commuter-rail-to-jobs-housing-and-opportunity-in-eastern-massachusetts/) - An In-Depth Look
- [Boston Back at the Bidding Table: World Cup 2026 Edition](https://massinc.org/2018/06/16/boston-back-at-the-bidding-table-world-cup-2026-edition/) - The Topline
- [Lauren Louison Grogan named President and CEO of MassINC](https://massinc.org/2018/06/14/lauren-louison-grogan-named-president-and-ceo-of-the-massachusetts-institute-for-a-new-commonwealth-massinc/) - Leadership transitions mark a new beginning for the Institute
- [Finding Better Ways to Allocate Limited Public Safety Resources](https://massinc.org/2018/06/12/finding-better-ways-to-allocate-limited-public-safety-resources/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Correctional spending and the elusive criminal justice reform dividend in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2018/05/31/correctional-spending-and-the-elusive-criminal-justice-reform-dividend-in-massachusetts/) - Ben Forman sits down with BNN
- [Delivering on the Promise of Criminal Justice Reform](https://massinc.org/2018/05/23/delivering-on-the-promise-of-criminal-justice-reform/) - Highlights from the Fifth Annual Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Policy Summit
- [New MassINC study finds the number of inmates in state and county correctional facilities keeps falling, but correctional budgets are still going up in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2018/05/21/new-massinc-study-finds-the-number-of-inmates-in-state-and-county-correctional-facilities-keeps-falling-but-correctional-budgets-are-still-going-up-in-massachusetts/) - New research from the nonpartisan think MassINC shows correctional budgets are still rising even as the number of individuals in state and county correctional facilities falls precipitously. These revealing new figures come as leaders on Beacon Hill look for ways to help agencies cover the costs they will incur in order to comply with legislation
- [Last Exit Before Poll](https://massinc.org/2018/05/18/last-exit-before-poll/) - The Topline
- [New MassINC Research Sizes Up the Untapped Potential of Gateway City Rail](https://massinc.org/2018/05/04/new-massinc-research-sizes-up-the-untapped-potential-of-gateway-city-rail/) - Exploring the Future of Transit-Oriented Development
- [Voters give green light on “red flag” gun law](https://massinc.org/2018/05/04/voters-give-green-light-on-red-flag-gun-law/) - The Topline
- [Study reveals large untapped development potential around urban commuter rail stations](https://massinc.org/2018/04/24/study-reveals-large-untapped-development-potential-around-urban-commuter-rail-stations/) - Spurring Transit-Oriented Development
- [Help CommonWealth!](https://massinc.org/2018/04/19/help-commonwealth/) - Please take this brief online survey
- [CommonWealth's Spring 2018 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2018/04/10/29414/) - Read the rundown
- [State follows voters’ lead on criminal justice](https://massinc.org/2018/04/06/state-follows-voters-lead-on-criminal-justice/) - The Topline
- [Reflecting Back on the Criminal Justice Data Revolution](https://massinc.org/2018/03/29/reflecting-back-on-the-criminal-justice-data-revolution/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Democracy is breaking out all over Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2018/03/23/democracy-is-breaking-out-all-over-massachusetts/) - The Topline
- [DA candidates seek to capitalize on public desire for new approach to criminal justice](https://massinc.org/2018/03/09/da-candidates-seek-to-capitalize-on-public-desire-for-new-approach-to-criminal-justice/) - The Topline
- [Traffic ahead?](https://massinc.org/2018/02/28/traffic-ahead/) - The present and future of transportation in Massachusetts
- [TransitMatters pushes ‘regional rail’](https://massinc.org/2018/02/27/transitmatters-pushes-regional-rail/) - Would transform commuter rail into subway-like system
- [A Man of No Party](https://massinc.org/2018/02/23/a-man-of-no-party/) - The Topline
- [Is MA-7 minority-majority? Not among voters](https://massinc.org/2018/02/09/is-ma-7-minority-majority-not-among-voters/) - The Topline
- [Generating more geographically-balanced growth](https://massinc.org/2018/02/07/connecting-gateway-cities-with-bostons-job-cluster/) - Connecting Gateway Cities with Boston’s Job Cluster
- [Patriots make a big play on criminal justice reform](https://massinc.org/2018/02/07/29340/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Riley’s collaborative ways](https://massinc.org/2018/02/05/rileys-collaborative-ways/) - The Codcast
- [A look at the Gov's FY 2019 Budget from the Gateway City Perspective](https://massinc.org/2018/02/01/a-look-at-the-govs-fy-2019-budget-from-the-gateway-city-perspective/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Baker’s State of the Commonwealth, by the numbers](https://massinc.org/2018/01/27/the-topline-7/) - The Topline
- [The MassINC Polling Group Announces Launch of MPG Media](https://massinc.org/2018/01/11/the-massinc-polling-group-announces-launch-of-mpg-media/) - Media, communications services will augment opinion research
- [CommonWealth's Winter 2018 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2018/01/09/commonwealths-winter-2018-issue-is-out/) - Politics, Ideas, and Civic Life in Massachusetts
- [Taking matters into their own hands](https://massinc.org/2018/01/04/taking-matters-into-their-own-hands/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [A year of opportunity and impact](https://massinc.org/2017/12/29/a-year-of-opportunity-and-impact/) - A Recap of 2017
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2017/12/20/a-year-in-review/) - A Year in Review
- [T notes: Bus lanes do save time](https://massinc.org/2017/12/20/t-notes-bus-lanes-do-save-time/) - Big changes may be coming on the Green Line
- [Measuring School Climate in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2017/12/19/measuring-school-climate-in-massachusetts/) - MICCR forum explores the connection between School Climate and Student Success
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2017/12/08/changing-the-gender-balance-on-beacon-hill/) - Changing the gender balance on Beacon Hill
- [Education policy forum highlights power of RPP model in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2017/12/06/education-policy-forum-highlights-power-of-rpp-model-in-gateway-cities/) - Shedding new light on effective practice
- [Paying Tribute to Gateway City Innovation](https://massinc.org/2017/12/01/paying-tribute-to-gateway-city-innovation/) - A Recap of our Event in Lawrence
- [Editor’s note: Tang vs. Kerr](https://massinc.org/2017/11/26/editors-note-tang-vs-kerr/) - How much editorial license should opinion writers be given?
- [Giving thanks to a pragmatic and hardworking legislature](https://massinc.org/2017/11/21/giving-thanks-to-a-pragmatic-and-hardworking-legislature/) - On what a collection of leaders in Massachusetts was able to accomplish this fall
- [Gateway Cities come of age](https://massinc.org/2017/11/20/gateway-cities-come-of-age/) - The Codcast
- [Announcing the launch of Gateways magazine!](https://massinc.org/2017/11/20/announcing-the-launch-of-gateways-magazine/) - It's Happening Here
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2017/11/16/the-topline-6/) - Gomez still weighing Senate run
- [Oversight of Lawrence schools shifting to state-appointed board](https://massinc.org/2017/11/15/oversight-of-lawrence-schools-shifting-to-state-appointed-board/) - Riley leaving after six years, may seek state education commissioner’s post
- [Building reverse commute ridership](https://massinc.org/2017/10/31/building-reverse-commute-ridership/) - A newfound opportunity for Gateway Cities
- [What is Justice Reinvestment without the "reinvestment"?](https://massinc.org/2017/10/23/what-is-justice-reinvestment-without-the-reinvestment/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2017/10/20/amazon-but-for-amazon-hq/) - Amazon, but for Amazon HQ
- [Inequality, criminal justice reform are linked](https://massinc.org/2017/10/13/inequality-criminal-justice-reform-are-linked/) - Incarceration approach is hollowing out the middle class
- [Gateway City leadership on criminal justice reform](https://massinc.org/2017/10/11/gateway-city-leadership-on-criminal-justice-reform/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Connecting rail riders from the station to jobs in the suburbs](https://massinc.org/2017/10/10/connecting-rail-riders-from-the-station-to-jobs-in-the-suburbs/) - Can shuttle services give Gateway City residents access to more jobs?
- [Senate goes big on criminal justice bill](https://massinc.org/2017/10/04/senate-goes-big-on-criminal-justice-bill/) - Sweeping proposal would touch most parts of system
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2017/09/29/the-topline-5/) - We've got a podcast!
- [Looking to Colorado for a True Model of Justice Reinvestment](https://massinc.org/2017/09/13/the-masscjrc-journal/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Increasing access to economic opportunity with affordable transit](https://massinc.org/2017/08/22/increasing-access-to-economic-opportunity-with-affordable-transit/) - A growing number of transit agencies discount fares for low-income riders
- [Policymaking by presumption](https://massinc.org/2017/08/14/policymaking-by-presumption/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Four things we learned about Gateway City travel this summer](https://massinc.org/2017/08/11/four-things-we-learned-about-gateway-city-travel-this-summer/) - Understanding mobility patterns
- [Reading employer demand for transit in the job growth tea leaves](https://massinc.org/2017/08/11/reading-employer-demand-for-transit-in-the-job-growth-tea-leaves/) - The picture we get is revealing
- [As Tsongas bows out, does the GOP have a shot in the Third?](https://massinc.org/2017/08/10/as-tsongas-bows-out-does-the-gop-have-a-shot-in-the-third/) - The Topline
- [Sizing up 3 options on ICE detainers](https://massinc.org/2017/08/10/sizing-up-3-options-on-ice-detainers/) - Does Baker’s approach represent middle ground?
- [Mass. rating plan deemed unfair to high-poverty schools](https://massinc.org/2017/08/02/mass-rating-plan-deemed-unfair-to-high-poverty-schools/) - Report faults state system for not using ‘growth’ as bigger factor
- [No magic pill on repeal and replace](https://massinc.org/2017/07/27/no-magic-pill-on-repeal-and-replace/) - The Topline
- [Refusing to Remain #StuckOnReplay](https://massinc.org/2017/07/27/refusing-to-remain-stuckonreplay/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [You win some, you lose some](https://massinc.org/2017/07/17/you-win-some-you-lose-some/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [The Topline: The Independence of Independents](https://massinc.org/2017/07/12/28984/) - Party leaders, consultants look for ways to win on new landscape
- [CommonWealth's Summer 2017 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2017/07/11/commonwealths-summer-2017-issue-is-out/) - Our Summer 2017 issue is out today, and the cover story is a great read about the reelection bid of Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera. Rivera has made it through most of his term without any major scandals and the city has made progress on a number of fronts. Yet the mayor is facing a serious
- [Juicing regional economic development by improving labor mobility](https://massinc.org/2017/07/10/juicing-regional-economic-development-by-improving-labor-mobility/) - A look at Gateway City residents earning the Boston wage premium
- [Dempsey pitches higher pot tax](https://massinc.org/2017/07/07/dempsey-pitches-higher-pot-tax/) - Says lower rate means less money for treatment, beds
- [The push and pull of transit in Boston and the Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2017/07/07/the-push-and-pull-of-transit-in-boston-and-the-gateway-cities/) - A look at gentrification forces on transit-dependent households
- [Fighting for a More Just and Equitable Commonwealth](https://massinc.org/2017/06/22/fighting-for-a-more-just-and-equitable-commonwealth/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Community Benefit Districts on the table for FY18](https://massinc.org/2017/06/21/community-benefit-districts-on-the-table-for-fy18/) - New designation would promote collaboration in downtowns, Main Streets
- [Locally accountable for education-led renewal](https://massinc.org/2017/06/20/locally-accountable-for-education-led-renewal/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Joint Committee on the Judiciary to hold second hearing](https://massinc.org/2017/06/18/joint-committee-on-the-judiciary-to-hold-second-hearing/) - Several bills on criminal justice reform will be heard
- [The Trump administration is not poll-driven](https://massinc.org/2017/06/16/the-trump-administration-is-not-poll-driven/) - The Topline
- [Fact-checking the district attorneys](https://massinc.org/2017/06/08/fact-checking-the-district-attorneys/) - MassINC researchers review mandatory minimum claims
- [Ben Forman testifies before Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary](https://massinc.org/2017/06/05/ben-forman-testifies-before-massachusetts-legislatures-joint-committee-on-the-judiciary/) - In support of “An Act For Justice Reinvestment”
- [Mandatory minimum drug sentences costly mistake](https://massinc.org/2017/06/02/mandatory-minimum-drug-sentences-costly-mistake/) - DA talking points obscure real issues
- [Joint Committee on the Judiciary to hold hearing](https://massinc.org/2017/06/02/joint-committee-on-the-judiciary-to-hold-hearings/) - Several bills on criminal justice reform will be heard
- [Left turn ahead? Team Baker looks to reshape coalition for re-election bid](https://massinc.org/2017/05/30/left-turn-ahead-team-baker-looks-to-reshape-coalition-for-re-election-bid/) - The Topline
- [Looking for a Transformative Transit-Oriented Development paradigm](https://massinc.org/2017/05/24/looking-for-a-transformative-transit-oriented-development-paradigm/) - View the Boston skyline from afar and you can pick out transit stops from the cranes poking out above active construction sites. TOD is occurring all over the city. This development has been fueled by relatively strong regional population and employment growth, high-frequency transit service, and perhaps most importantly, consumers with a preference for walkable
- [Haverhill Education Coalition working to promote excellence](https://massinc.org/2017/05/23/haverhill-education-coalition-working-to-promote-excellence/) - New organization shows the promise of local accountability initiatives
- [Bending the business as usual growth curve](https://massinc.org/2017/05/23/bending-the-business-as-usual-growth-curve/) - Leveraging existing transit assets
- [Ideas without data are just hallucinations](https://massinc.org/2017/05/22/ideas-without-data-are-just-hallucinations/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Senate budget lacks funds for TDI](https://massinc.org/2017/05/22/senate-budget-fy18/) - Other Gateway City priorities get a boost
- [New study to identify strategies to spur growth by increasing mobility](https://massinc.org/2017/05/22/new-study-to-identify-strategies-to-spur-growth-by-increasing-mobility/) - MassINC-led research will focus on leveraging existing Gateway City transportation assets
- [Finding Common Ground](https://massinc.org/2017/05/18/finding-common-ground/) - Recapping the Fourth Annual Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Policy Summit
- [Report: Inmate levels down but spending keeps rising](https://massinc.org/2017/05/16/report-inmate-levels-down-but-spending-keeps-rising/) - At sheriff facilities, it’s one guard for every two prisoners
- [Correctional Spending Soars While Prison Population Declines, According to New Report from MassINC](https://massinc.org/2017/05/15/correctional-spending-soars-while-prison-population-declines-according-to-new-report-from-massinc/) - “Getting Tough on Spending” Report Shows Waste, Inefficiencies in Staffing
- [Boston reentry initiative hits the skids](https://massinc.org/2017/05/14/boston-reentry-initiative-hits-the-skids/) - Award-winning program to aid those leaving prison loses federal funding
- [Massachusetts voters ready for major changes to state criminal justice system](https://massinc.org/2017/05/11/massachusetts-voters-ready-for-major-changes-to-state-criminal-justice-system/) - The Topline
- [Mass. voters strongly back criminal justice reform, new poll says](https://massinc.org/2017/05/11/mass-voters-strongly-back-criminal-justice-reform-new-poll-says/) - Residents favor preventive measures over incarceration
- [New MassINC Poll: Voters embrace end to mandatory minimum sentencing, support  second chance reforms](https://massinc.org/2017/05/11/new-massinc-poll-voters-embrace-end-to-mandatory-minimum-sentencing-support-second-chance-reforms/) - See Prison Contributing to Recidivism, Support More Aggressive Criminal Justice Reforms
- [Pollack takes issue with N-S Rail Link backers](https://massinc.org/2017/05/08/pollack-takes-issue-with-n-s-rail-link-backers/) - Says it’s not inconsistent to pursue the link and S. Station expansion
- ["There is no issue more worthy of our efforts, and no time left for inaction."](https://massinc.org/2017/05/03/there-is-no-issue-more-worthy-of-our-efforts-and-no-time-left-for-inaction/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Legislators call for broader criminal justice reform](https://massinc.org/2017/04/25/legislators-call-for-broader-criminal-justice-reform/) - State needs to seize the opportunity for change, say lawmakers
- [Runoff your Ossoff](https://massinc.org/2017/04/19/runoff-your-ossoff/) - The Topline
- [Beacon Hill takes another look at regional transportation funding](https://massinc.org/2017/04/14/beacon-hill-takes-another-look-at-regional-transportation-funding/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [MICCR hosts third annual convening](https://massinc.org/2017/04/14/miccr-hosts-third-annual-convening/) - Project leaders come together
- [Voc-tech tension](https://massinc.org/2017/04/13/voc-tech-tension/) - Massachusetts vocational schools are a big success story, but are they shutting out those who might need them most?
- [Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus](https://massinc.org/2017/04/13/gateway-cities-legislative-caucus/) - Talks TDI and other FY 2018 budget priorities
- [CommonWealth's Spring 2017 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2017/04/11/28547/) - Politics, Ideas & Civic Life in Massachusetts
- [Ben Forman testifies before the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue](https://massinc.org/2017/04/10/28538/) - In support of “An Act Relative to Regional Transportation Ballot Initiatives” (H. 1640)
- [MPG President Steve Koczela testifies before the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue](https://massinc.org/2017/04/10/28530/) - On public support for regional ballot initiatives to fund transportation projects in Massachusetts
- [City Councilor highlights reentry initiative](https://massinc.org/2017/04/04/city-councilor-highlights-reentry-initiative/) - OTO’s collaboration, coordination of reentry services has proven success
- [Seeking out the educational accountability muse](https://massinc.org/2017/03/31/seeking-out-the-educational-accountability-muse/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [The Codcast: Missed opportunities with new K-12 plan](https://massinc.org/2017/03/31/the-codcast-missed-opportunities-with-new-k-12-plan/) - Ben Forman talks MA state plan
- [A plan for building social-emotional support systems](https://massinc.org/2017/03/30/a-plan-for-building-social-emotional-support-systems/) - BC’s School of Education visits State House
- [Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus renews its commitment to lead on urban education](https://massinc.org/2017/03/30/gateway-cities-legislative-caucus-renews-its-commitment-to-lead-on-urban-education/) - Investing significant energy and political capital
- [Gateway Cities take a big step forward on early college](https://massinc.org/2017/03/30/gateway-cities-take-a-big-step-forward-on-early-college/) - Expanding access to early college programs
- [Uncovering the economic growth/criminal justice reform link](https://massinc.org/2017/03/28/uncovering-the-economic-growthcriminal-justice-reform-link/) - Forum on criminal records
- [The Art of Repeal](https://massinc.org/2017/03/24/the-art-of-repeal/) - The Topline
- [Increasing access to high-quality summer learning](https://massinc.org/2017/03/15/increasing-access-to-high-quality-summer-learning/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [MassINC issues public comments on state’s proposed ESSA plan](https://massinc.org/2017/03/10/massinc-issues-public-comments-on-states-proposed-essa-plan/) - For the past 12 months, MassINC has been focused on the potential the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) offers to further educational excellence in our Gateway Cities. This work builds on over a decade of MassINC research on education accountability, including the seminal report Incomplete Grade: Education Reform at 15. Our efforts to
- [Profiles in Courage](https://massinc.org/2017/03/09/profiles-in-courage/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [The National Day of Empathy](https://massinc.org/2017/03/09/the-national-day-of-empathy/) - Event Recap
- [Massachusetts is #1, but not for everyone](https://massinc.org/2017/03/03/massachusetts-is-1-but-not-for-everyone/) - The Topline
- [State leaders unveil bill aimed at cutting recidivism](https://massinc.org/2017/02/24/state-leaders-unveil-bill-aimed-at-cutting-recidivism/) - Officials divided on further changes, Gants urges repeal of most mandatory minimums
- [Talking workforce development innovation at the State House](https://massinc.org/2017/02/24/talking-workforce-development-innovation-at-the-state-house/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Next Generation Education Accountability in Pittsfield](https://massinc.org/2017/02/21/next-generation-education-accountability-in-pittsfield/) - Recapping Our Sixth (and Final) Community Conversation
- [Senators outline broad criminal justice reform agenda](https://massinc.org/2017/02/16/senators-outline-broad-criminal-justice-reform-agenda/) - Lawmakers look to broaden scope beyond pending report
- [Next Generation Education Accountability in Boston](https://massinc.org/2017/02/14/next-generation-education-accountability-in-boston/) - Recapping Our Fifth Community Conversation
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2017/02/10/the-topline-4/) - Winter Storm Trump hits Massachusetts
- [Requesting Public Comment](https://massinc.org/2017/02/08/requesting-public-comment/) - Massachusetts ESSA State Plan Draft
- [Next Generation Education Accountability in Springfield](https://massinc.org/2017/02/03/next-generation-education-accountability-in-springfield/) - Recapping Our Fourth Community Conversation
- [Mom-and-pop economic development](https://massinc.org/2017/02/02/mom-and-pop-economic-development/) - Boosting unbanked immigrant entrepreneurs in Lawrence
- [Next Generation Education Accountability in New Bedford](https://massinc.org/2017/02/01/next-generation-education-accountability-in-new-bedford/) - Recapping Our Third Community Conversation
- [Political humor can be fun - and healthy](https://massinc.org/2017/01/26/political-humor-can-be-fun-and-healthy/) - Healey nearly choked on one 'mean tweet'
- [Accurately measuring a school’s contribution to student growth](https://massinc.org/2017/01/24/accurately-measuring-a-schools-contribution-to-student-growth/) - ESSA Strategy Call
- [Hardworking Gateway City Citizens](https://massinc.org/2017/01/13/hardworking-gateway-city-citizens/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Next Generation Education Accountability in Lowell](https://massinc.org/2017/01/13/next-generation-education-accountability-in-lowell/) - Recapping our Second Community Conversation
- [CommonWealth's Winter 2017 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2017/01/10/commonwealths-winter-2017-issue-is-out/) - In CommonWealth's Winter 2017 issue, we introduce you to Steve Kadish, the governor's chief of staff. Kadish isn't the hard-charging political strategist usually associated with that position. He's an operations guy, the head of an internal SWAT team whose last name has become a verb inside the administration. As Jay Ash, the secretary of housing and
- [Jobless rates dropping all over MA](https://massinc.org/2017/01/09/jobless-rates-dropping-all-over-ma/) - Of 10 metro areas in US with biggest declines, 7 from Bay State
- [MassINC Year In Review](https://massinc.org/2017/01/01/massinc-year-in-review-2/) - Looking back at our work in 2016
- [Activists interrupt criminal justice meeting](https://massinc.org/2016/12/21/activists-interrupt-criminal-justice-meeting/) - Advocates worried reform bill won’t address sentencing issues
- [Next Generation Education Accountability in Worcester](https://massinc.org/2016/12/19/next-generation-education-accountability-in-worcester/) - Recapping the Conversation
- [Initiating an urgent conversation on education accountability](https://massinc.org/2016/12/12/initiating-an-urgent-conversation-on-education-accountability/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Serious Fun for All!](https://massinc.org/2016/12/06/serious-fun-for-all/) - Celebrating 20 Years
- [Recapping the Fourth Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Awards and Summit](https://massinc.org/2016/11/16/recapping-the-fourth-annual-gateway-cities-innovation-awards/) - Recognizing this year's award winners
- [BNN News Interviews MassINC Research Director, Ben Forman](https://massinc.org/2016/11/16/bnn-news-interviews-massinc-research-director-ben-forman-3/) - To discuss latest research on the Geography of Incarceration
- [Mapping incarceration in Boston](https://massinc.org/2016/11/11/mapping-incarceration-in-boston/) - Study finds minority neighborhoods burdened by high jail rates
- [Checking the pulse on criminal justice reform](https://massinc.org/2016/10/28/checking-the-pulse-on-criminal-justice-reform/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Gants launches study of racial disparities in incarceration](https://massinc.org/2016/10/20/gants-launches-study-of-racial-disparities-in-incarceration/) - Chief justice also "encouraged" by progress on wider criminal justice policy review
- [Bringing community corrections into focus](https://massinc.org/2016/10/07/bringing-community-corrections-into-focus/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [The charter funding debate](https://massinc.org/2016/10/06/the-charter-funding-debate/) - Lots of the conflict is over short-term vs. long-term picture
- [Celebrating Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2016/09/28/celebrating-gateway-cities/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [MA Board of Elementary & Secondary Education Looks at ESSA Implementation](https://massinc.org/2016/09/27/ma-board-of-elementary-secondary-education-looks-at-essa-implementation/) - The Massachusetts Board of Elementary & Secondary Education met on September 27th and heard from agency staff on ESSA outreach and implementation. In materials made public for the meeting, the Department published a list of indicators suggested by external stakeholders during outreach performed by the department over the spring and summer. A couple of observations
- [NGALC Meeting #3 Recap   ](https://massinc.org/2016/09/22/ngalc-meeting-3-recap/) - Hearing the voice of urban school leaders
- [NGALC Dispatch #2](https://massinc.org/2016/09/13/27954/) - Establishing Principles for Accountability
- [Doing our job](https://massinc.org/2016/09/12/doing-our-job/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [ESSA Updates](https://massinc.org/2016/08/25/essa-updates/) - A look at how stakeholders are responding to the USDOE’s draft regulations
- [At the buzzer, Gateway City leaders score a game-changer](https://massinc.org/2016/08/16/27936/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [The Codcast: Open court?](https://massinc.org/2016/08/12/the-codcast-open-court/) - CommonWealth Magazine
- [Welcome, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation!](https://massinc.org/2016/08/07/welcome-john-s-and-james-l-knight-foundation/) - We are the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth, a nonprofit think tank which unites nonpartisan research, civic journalism, and independent polling to achieve its mission of forging new pathways to opportunity. Featured below is a case study from one of our most recent pursuits, criminal justice reform, which highlights the integral role that journalism
- [NGALC Meeting 2 Recap](https://massinc.org/2016/08/03/ngalc-meeting-2-recap/) - Measuring social-emotional skills, school climate, and CCR
- [At the buzzer, Downing hits a game-changer](https://massinc.org/2016/07/22/at-the-buzzer-downing-hits-a-game-changer/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [NGALC Dispatch #1](https://massinc.org/2016/07/20/ngalc-dispatch-1/) - Exploring Foundational Questions For Next Generation Accountability
- [Four education experts lined up for second meeting](https://massinc.org/2016/07/19/four-education-experts-lined-up-for-second-meeting/) - Experts will delve into additional metrics used in school accountability
- [Supporting our police officers on criminal justice reform](https://massinc.org/2016/07/19/27893/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [New CSG data provide important insights on young adult justice](https://massinc.org/2016/07/15/new-csg-data-provide-important-insights-on-young-adult-justice/) - The Council of State Governments Justice reinvestment team convened the working group for a third meeting this week. Their presentation focused on recidivism with particular attention to pretrial decision-making, incarcerated populations, and programming within HOC institutions. The CSG also provided an addendum with additional slides. A couple of thoughts based on the data and reactions from the
- [Entering the fray on education accountability](https://massinc.org/2016/07/12/entering-the-fray-on-education-accountability/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [CommonWealth's Summer 2016 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2016/07/12/commonwealths-summer-2016-issue-is-out/) - Is Harvard University building the next Kendall Square in Allston? That's the question on the cover of CommonWealth's summer issue, which is in the mail to subscribers and available online now. The Allston real estate venture is a big bet by Harvard that could have enormous potential for the city of Boston and the state, but
- [A community conversation on transformative development in Springfield](https://massinc.org/2016/07/12/a-community-conversation-on-transformative-development-in-springfield/) - On June 30th,MassINC joined the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for a community conversation on transformative development in Springfield. The forum was held at Make-It Springfield, a pop-up makerspace launched with support from MassDevelopment’s TDI program. Managed in partnership with the UMass Design Center in Springfield, the space has revitalized a vacant storefront bringing new energy
- [NGALC Meeting 1 Recap](https://massinc.org/2016/07/05/ngalc-meeting-1-recap/) - Measuring Academic Achievement and Student Growth
- [Investing in economic development](https://massinc.org/2016/06/20/investing-in-economic-development/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Marilyn Flores and Kevin Zeno](https://massinc.org/2016/06/17/marilyn-flores/) - This Week’s Gateway Cities Leaders
- [Andrew Rice to present at first convening ](https://massinc.org/2016/06/14/andrew-rice-to-present-at-first-convening/) - National expert on academic measurers of student growth joins NGALC leaders
- [The Next Generation Accountability Learning Community](https://massinc.org/2016/06/08/the-next-generation-accountability-learning-community/) - A community of educators from across New England discussing school accountability in small to midsize urban districts
- [Harnessing the ‘Third Way’ to improve communities](https://massinc.org/2016/06/03/harnessing-the-third-way-to-improve-communities/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [The ‘third way’ in education](https://massinc.org/2016/05/26/the-third-way-in-education/) - Education leaders seek to bridge the charter-district divide
- [Expunging juvenile records](https://massinc.org/2016/05/20/expunging-juvenile-records/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Video and key takeaways from Gateway Cities housing  forum](https://massinc.org/2016/05/16/video-and-key-takeaways-from-gateway-cities-housing-forum/) - Some key takeaways from the Housing Opportunities in Gateway Cities Forum Last week, Gateway City housing leaders gathered in Worcester for a housing forum jointly sponsored by MassINC, the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau, and the City of Worcester. A fabulous contingent of state and local housing experts took on a range of problems and put forward substantive
- [Double-whammy for Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2016/05/12/double-whammy-for-gateway-cities/) - Municipalities are caught in vicious real estate cycle
- [MassINC Releases Rebuilding Renewal in Lowell](https://massinc.org/2016/05/06/massinc-releases-rebuilding-renewal-in-lowell/) - Over the last decade, Massachusetts has fundamentally shifted its understanding of the needs and opportunities of Gateway Cities. But, despite this focus, economic conditions in these communities remain fundamentally weak. As recent efforts have not moved the needle, we must ask what it will take to help Gateway Cities resume their key function as drivers
- [Joanna de Pena](https://massinc.org/2016/04/29/joanna-de-pena/) - This Week's Gateway Cities Leader
- [Our moment is now](https://massinc.org/2016/04/29/our-moment-is-now/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Unpacking the story behind the data](https://massinc.org/2016/04/14/unpacking-the-story-behind-the-data/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [CommonWealth's Spring 2016 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2016/04/12/commonwealths-spring-2016-issue-is-out/) - The Spring 2016 print issue is in the mail, but if you can't wait (and who can?) here's a rundown of what's in it. On the feature front, we have two interesting stories about the Legislature. One focuses on the paradox of Speaker Robert DeLeo, a seemingly affable, easy-going everyman who nevertheless maintains a vise-like
- [MassINC shares findings from pretrial research at legislative briefing](https://massinc.org/2016/04/11/massinc-shares-finding-from-pretrial-research-at-legislative-briefing/) - On April 5th, the Harm Reduction Caucus, the Progressive Caucuses, the Black and Latino Caucus, and the Women’s Caucus Taskforce on Justice Involved Women co-hosted a legislative briefing on efforts to improve the pretrial process in Massachusetts. Commissioner Dolan and Chief Justice Dawley provided updates on work at the Probation Department and the Trial Court,
- [Highlights from the Second Annual MICCR Convening](https://massinc.org/2016/04/07/highlights-from-the-second-annual-miccr-convening/) - Participants in the Massachusetts Institute for College and Career Readiness (MICCR) gathered in Boston
- [Urban Business Initiatives Support Gateway City Entrepreneurs](https://massinc.org/2016/03/31/urban-business-initiatives-support-gateway-city-entrepreneurs/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Not the usual faces in state Senate race](https://massinc.org/2016/03/27/not-the-usual-faces-in-state-senate-race/) - A changing East Boston draws new blood to special election
- [New Opportunities for Urban Education](https://massinc.org/2016/03/25/watch-senator-warrens-keynote-and-panel-discussion-from-last-weeks-next-generation-learning-event/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Highlights from The Third Annual Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Policy Summit](https://massinc.org/2016/03/23/highlights-from-the-third-annual-massachusetts-criminal-justice-reform-coalition-policy-summit/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Warren hails civil rights legacy of education law](https://massinc.org/2016/03/14/warren-hails-civil-rights-legacy-of-education-law/) - Says it’s crucial that Every Student Succeeds Act maintain the federal commitment to vulnerable children
- [Providing a passport out of poverty](https://massinc.org/2016/03/11/providing-a-passport-out-of-poverty/) - The Gateway Cities Journal
- [Creative thinking about transportation funding at State House forum](https://massinc.org/2016/03/11/creative-thinking-about-transportation-funding-at-state-house-forum/) - Leaders gather with transportation experts to highlight promise of local option ballot initiative legislation
- [Nelson Roman](https://massinc.org/2016/03/10/nelson-roman/) - This Week's Gateway Cities Leader
- [Charter schools’ early days in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2016/03/08/charter-schools-early-days-in-massachusetts/) - Two players from 1993 ed reform reflect on charter history – and future
- [The Gateway Cities Journal](https://massinc.org/2016/03/01/the-gateway-cities-journal-4/) - Finding "leadership" on transportation to sustain economic growth
- [Reducing Youth Recidivism Isn’t Rocket Science, It’s Brain Science](https://massinc.org/2016/02/24/reducing-youth-recidivism-isnt-rocket-science-its-brain-science/) - This past Tuesday MassINC convened leading criminal justice experts and policy makers at the State House for a conversation on our new report examining strategies to reduce recidivism by responding to the developmental needs of justice-involved young adults. The new MassINC research finds residents ages 18 to 24 are the most likely demographic to find
- [T oversight chief favors fare hike](https://massinc.org/2016/02/22/t-oversight-chief-favors-fare-hike/) - Light turnout so far at public hearings
- [Week 4: The Geography of Growth](https://massinc.org/2016/02/12/week-4-the-geography-of-growth/) - In recent weeks, we’ve looked at the remarkable pace of job growth in Massachusetts and noted that this encouraging job creation performance came without gains in labor productivity or real wages. Now we add more nuance to the story with a series of maps indicating where jobs were added by industry. The first map shows
- [Ben Forman Op-Ed: With prison reform, Mass. must take steps to reduce recidivism rates](https://massinc.org/2016/02/12/ben-forman-op-ed-with-prison-reform-mass-must-take-steps-to-reduce-recidivism-rates/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Reducing recidivism](https://massinc.org/2016/02/04/reducing-recidivism/) - Criminal justice reform leaders from Massachusetts gather to examine strategies
- [Week 3: Growth without growth](https://massinc.org/2016/02/03/week-3-growth-without-growth/) - Last week we looked at the impressive job creation performance of the Massachusetts economy during the first half of the 2010s. Relatively to past decades, even the celebrated 1980s, we’ve been humming along producing jobs at record levels. This week we contrast job growth with output growth. Because comparable data are only available through 2014,
- [The Gateway Cities Journal](https://massinc.org/2016/02/02/the-gateway-cities-journal-3/) - Providing opportunities for all
- [Andy Vargas](https://massinc.org/2016/02/02/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leader-8/) - This week’s Gateway Cities Leader
- [Massachusetts digs in on justice-reinvestment](https://massinc.org/2016/01/27/massachusetts-digs-in-on-justice-reinvestment/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Perspectives on Leadership for CJ Reform from CT Gov. Dannel Malloy](https://massinc.org/2016/01/26/perspectives-on-leadership-for-cj-reform-from-ct-gov-dannel-malloy/) - Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy headlined a Kennedy School forum this week to press his case for serving young adults differently in the US criminal justice system. Focusing strategically on justice-involved young adults to reduce recidivism was the topic of a recent MassINC policy brief, as well as a report issued last fall by the Kennedy School’s Program
- [The Gateway Cities Journal](https://massinc.org/2016/01/22/27311/) - Rebuilding Gateway Cities for growth and renewal
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2016/01/15/the-topline-3/) - Extreme Makeover – GOP Debate Edition
- [Week 2: The American Dream (might) have a pulse](https://massinc.org/2016/01/15/in-search-of-the-american-dream-2/) - If there’s any reason to be optimistic about the future of the American Dream in the Commonwealth, it’s the pace of job creation in the 2010s. MassINC’s 2011 report framed the 2000s as the “lost decade,” in large part because it was the first time on record that the Bay State ended a decade with
- [CommonWealth's Winter 2016 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2016/01/12/commonwealths-winter-2016-issue-is-out/) - The cover story in CommonWealth's Winter 2016 issue explores the popularity of Gov. Charlie Baker and chalks his early success up to a combination of an MBA's focus on the issues and a surprisingly emotional touch in connecting with voters. Says one admirer: "I love this guy more than any lesbian should love a Republican." The
- [The Gateway Cities Journal](https://massinc.org/2016/01/08/27259/) - Riding SEL's momentum for substance abuse prevention
- [Felix Garcia](https://massinc.org/2016/01/08/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leader-7/) - This week’s Gateway Cities Leader
- [Week 1: Charting our course](https://massinc.org/2016/01/08/in-search-of-the-american-dream/) - MassINC was formed in 1996 by leaders deeply concerned about the future of the state’s middle class. They believed that our strength as a commonwealth hinges on the well-being of those in the middle because broadly shared prosperity fosters optimism in the economy and commitment to our civic institutions, a self-fulfilling confidence of sorts that
- [BNN News Interviews MassINC Research Director, Ben Forman](https://massinc.org/2016/01/07/bnn-news-interviews-massinc-research-director-ben-forman-2/) - On Wednesday, January 6th MassINC Research Director, Ben Forman sat down with Christopher Lovett on Network Neighborhood News to discuss new approaches to reducing young adult recidivism in Massachusetts, the topic of his latest report: Viewing Justice Reinvestment Through a Developmental Lens. The research shows residents ages 18 to 24 are the most likely demographic to
- [MassINC Year in Review](https://massinc.org/2016/01/01/massinc-year-in-review/) - Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! 2015 has been an incredible year for the MassINC family which includes our Policy Center, CommonWealth magazine and the MassINC Polling Group. Please take a moment to look through the highlights of substantive research, civic events, and journalism from 2015 and consider making a year-end donation that will help
- [Improving the way we serve justice-involved young adults](https://massinc.org/2015/12/21/27215/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [Advancing the Gateway Cities vision for social-emotional learning](https://massinc.org/2015/12/18/advancing-the-gateway-cities-vision-for-social-emotional-learning/) - Joining together to develop a common education vision in 2013, Gateway City leaders made full build-out of community-wide social and emotional support systems a central pillar of their strategy. Two years on, the topic of social-emotional learning and support is gaining increasing traction in Massachusetts and beyond. Transforming Education, a new nonprofit focused on social-emotional
- [New study finds criminal justice system needs a different approach with young adults](https://massinc.org/2015/12/15/new-study-finds-criminal-justice-system-needs-a-different-approach-with-young-adults/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- [The Gateway Cities Journal](https://massinc.org/2015/12/11/the-gateway-cities-journal-2/) - Engaging the business community in Gateway City economic development
- [Secretary Jay Ash ](https://massinc.org/2015/12/09/secretary-ash/) - Speaks on private nonprofit economic development organizations
- [Columbus Partnership director shares “secret sauce for success”](https://massinc.org/2015/12/09/columbus-partnership-director-shares-secret-sauce-for-success/) - At Gateway City gathering on private economic development organizations
- [Amanda Kershaw](https://massinc.org/2015/12/09/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leader-6/) - This week’s Gateway Cities Leader
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2015/12/09/the-topline-2/) - MPG round-up; Trump’s online polling bump
- [Monitoring the fiscal health of Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2015/12/07/monitoring-the-fiscal-health-of-gateway-cities/) - Gateway Cities can’t make progress toward renewal if they’re bogged down by insurmountable structural budget deficits. With state finances under increasing strain, it is unlikely that cities and towns will see the kind of local aid for municipal government that they once enjoyed. This makes it all the more imperative that we find strategies like Transformative Development
- [Those who tell the stories,  rule the world](https://massinc.org/2015/11/20/those-who-tell-the-stories-rule-the-world/) - "Those who tell the stories rule, the world" goes the proverb. Gateway City leaders know firsthand that there's still a lot of truth in this old wisdom. Too often, the performance and potential of Gateway Cities are defined by those on the outside who have little understanding of the struggle. When we make policy based
- [Ben Forman Testifies On Criminal Justice Reform](https://massinc.org/2015/11/18/ben-forman-testifies-on-criminal-justice-reform/) - Testimony Given Before the Massachusetts Sentencing Commission
- [Preparing the next generation of civic leaders...](https://massinc.org/2015/11/12/preparing-the-next-generation-of-civic-leaders/) - Gateway Cities Journal
- [Sarah Athanas and Dena Haden](https://massinc.org/2015/11/12/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leaders/) - Cities are shaped by their citizens. From New Bedford to Pittsfield, a new generation of passionate young leaders are spearheading innovative efforts to reinvent their communities. This series profiles their work and introduces their ideas, visions, and aspirations to the wider Gateway City world. Is there a young leader in your city that we should spotlight? Please let us know.
- [GOP debate day after, City Council maps, and MBTA survey fail](https://massinc.org/2015/11/11/gop-debate-day-after-city-council-maps-and-mbta-survey-fail/) - The Topline
- [Celebrating relentless Gateway City leadership...](https://massinc.org/2015/11/02/celebrating-relentless-gateway-city-leadership/) - Gateway Cities Journal
- [Ty Allan Jackson](https://massinc.org/2015/11/02/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leader-5/) - Cities are shaped by their citizens. From New Bedford to Pittsfield, a new generation of passionate young leaders are spearheading innovative efforts to reinvent their communities. This series profiles their work and introduces their ideas, visions, and aspirations to the wider Gateway City world. Is there a young leader in your city that we should spotlight? Please let us know.
- [The Lawrence Story](https://massinc.org/2015/10/29/the-lawrence-story/) - Partnerships boost student performance and strengthen the community
- [Why we believe in social emotional learning](https://massinc.org/2015/10/26/why-we-believe-in-social-emotional-learning/) - Our focus at MassINC is serving as a nonpartisan voice for state policies that support a growing middle class; about decade ago, we started to organize our work around the Gateway Cities. This was in recognition that the communities where low-income families are increasingly concentrated have an outsized role, as either launching pads up into the middle class or as pockets where persistent generational poverty have formed.
- [Riley’s turnaround effort bigger than schools](https://massinc.org/2015/10/23/rileys-turnaround-effort-bigger-than-schools/) - Lawrence groups and city in general pitch in to revamp education system
- [We're excited to recognize...](https://massinc.org/2015/10/22/were-excited-to-recognize/) - Special Edition Gateway Cities Journal
- [Zenub Kakli](https://massinc.org/2015/10/22/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leader-4/) - Cities are shaped by their citizens. From New Bedford to Pittsfield, a new generation of passionate young leaders are spearheading innovative efforts to reinvent their communities. This series profiles their work and introduces their ideas, visions, and aspirations to the wider Gateway City world. Is there a young leader in your city that we should spotlight? Please let us know.
- [Rich-poor divide in high school sports](https://massinc.org/2015/10/19/rich-poor-divide-in-high-school-sports/) - Data reveal inequality that threatens American Dream
- [Capturing Ideas](https://massinc.org/2015/10/16/capturing-voices/) - Gateway City Leaders talk about what works
- [Social Emotional Policy Forum](https://massinc.org/2015/10/16/social-emotional-policy-forum/) - 5 Reasons Transforming Ed’s Upcoming SEL Policy Forum Should Be On Your Radar
- [The Topline](https://massinc.org/2015/10/16/the-topline/) - CNN Democratic Debate Reaction: Don’t believe anything you read… yet
- [CommonWealth's Fall 2015 issue is out!](https://massinc.org/2015/10/13/commonwealths-fall-2015-issue-is-out/) - CommonWealth's Fall 2015 print issue is in the mail and available as a PDF and online. In addition to our regular lineup of stories, this issue goes deep on the opportunity gap that is preventing many young people from ever getting a shot at the American Dream. We interview Robert Putnam, the Bowling Alone author whose latest
- [And the winner is...](https://massinc.org/2015/10/08/and-the-winner-is/) - Congratulations to the Five District Partnership, the first of four 2015 Gateway Cities Innovation Award winners that we'll be announcing over the coming weeks! For the first time, we're preparing case studies that provide an in depth look at the four innovative initiatives that we're recognizing with Gateway City Innovation Awards in November. Each of these profiles describes
- [Monisola Gbadebo](https://massinc.org/2015/10/08/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leader-3/) - Cities are shaped by their citizens. From New Bedford to Pittsfield, a new generation of passionate young leaders are spearheading innovative efforts to reinvent their communities. This series profiles their work and introduces their ideas, visions, and aspirations to the wider Gateway City world. Is there a young leader in your city that we should spotlight? Please let us know.
- [A fresh Look at new Gateway City housing-education partnerships](https://massinc.org/2015/10/08/a-fresh-look-at-new-gateway-city-housing-education-partnerships/) - Since 2009, the number of homeless students in Massachusetts has nearly doubled. As the crisis has grown, a lot of attention has been placed on the number of homeless families living in motels for relatively long stays at a high cost to the state. Gateway Cities were home to nearly half of the 1,700 families
- [Kicking off the Justice Reinvestment Policy Brief Series](https://massinc.org/2015/10/07/kicking-off-the-justice-reinvestment-policy-brief-series/) - The MassCJRC Journal
- [BNN News Interviews MassINC Research Director, Ben Forman](https://massinc.org/2015/10/06/bnn-news-interviews-massinc-research-director-ben-forman/) - On Monday, October 5th MassINC Research Director, Ben Forman sat down with Christopher Lovett on Network Neighborhood News to discuss his latest report: Exploring the Potential for Pretrial Innovation in Massachusetts .
- [Crime, Cost & Consequences](https://massinc.org/2015/10/06/crime-cost-consequences-2/) - A Two Year Progress Report
- [Listen to MassINC’s Benjamin Forman discuss criminal justice](https://massinc.org/2015/10/06/listen-to-massincs-benjamin-forman-discuss-criminal-justice/) - The Mara Dolan Show
- [Tough road ahead for Yancey](https://massinc.org/2015/10/06/tough-road-ahead-for-yancey/) - Precinct-level analysis indicates newcomer Campbell tough to beat
- [Freedom to address regional aspirations and pursue regional needs](https://massinc.org/2015/10/02/freedom-to-address-regional-aspirations-and-pursue-regional-needs/) - In 2010, we put out a MassINC white paper looking at revenue options to fund transportation infrastructure in a manner that supports economic growth across our entire Commonwealth. Our major conclusion was Massachusetts needed a regional approach, a model that works for many other states.
- [Josh Rickman](https://massinc.org/2015/10/02/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leader-2/) - Cities are shaped by their citizens. From New Bedford to Pittsfield, a new generation of passionate young leaders are spearheading innovative efforts to reinvent their communities. This series profiles their work and introduces their ideas, visions, and aspirations to the wider Gateway City world. Is there a young leader in your city that we should spotlight? Please let us know.
- [Watch MassINC's Benjamin Forman discuss criminal justice](https://massinc.org/2015/10/01/watch-massinc-director-benjamin-forman-talk-criminal-justice/) - On WGBH's Greater Boston with Jim Braude
- [The Topline from MPG](https://massinc.org/2015/09/30/the-topline-from-mpg/) - Solar’s future’s so bright it’s gonna need shades
- [Starting a National Conversation on Career Literacy](https://massinc.org/2015/09/30/starting-a-national-conversation-on-career-literacy/) - “The Massachusetts Institute of College and Career Readiness hosted a webinar for leaders in Gateway Cities and communities across the country working to build robust college and career pathways for their students." The webinar—which features presentations from Pathways to Prosperity author William Symonds and BU Associate Dean of Research, Scott Solberg—can be viewed in its entirety
- [MPG’s Steve Koczela testifies on Regional Ballots for Transportation](https://massinc.org/2015/09/29/mpgs-steve-koczela-testifies-on-regional-ballots-for-transportation/) - This morning MPG President Steve Koczela testified before the Joint Committee on Revenue regarding public support for regional ballots for transportation. The Committee was considering a bill sponsored by State Sen. Ben Downing (S.B. 1474), which would allow cities, towns and regions to place local taxes to fund transportation projects before the voters as ballot
- [New research finds wide racial and ethnic variation in cash bail in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2015/09/28/for-immediate-release/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- [Gateway Cities Public Safety Leadership Summit](https://massinc.org/2015/09/28/gateway-cities-public-safety-leadership-summit/) - Crime-fighting summit draws AG, area police chiefs, mayors
- [Lending a helping hand to our cause](https://massinc.org/2015/09/25/lending-a-helping-hand-to-our-cause/) - Dear Friends: Last week you received an email inviting you to join us for the Third Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards. We love hosting this event. When the greater Gateway City community comes together to celebrate their collective achievements, we breath in the positive energy, filling our lungs for another year of hard work.
- [Derek Mitchell](https://massinc.org/2015/09/25/this-weeks-gateway-cities-leader/) - Cities are shaped by their citizens. From New Bedford to Pittsfield, a new generation of passionate young leaders are spearheading innovative efforts to reinvent their communities. This series profiles their work and introduces their ideas, visions, and aspirations to the wider Gateway City world. Is there a young leader in your city that we should spotlight? Please let us know.
- [New Paper Finds Evidence of Fabrication in International Surveys](https://massinc.org/2015/09/21/new-paper-finds-evidence-of-fabrication-in-international-surveys/) - Curbstoning and beyond: Confronting data fabrication in survey research Steve Koczela, Cathy Furlong, Jaki McCarthy and Ali Mushtaq Data fabrication (i.e. creating fake survey data) has been a concern since the beginning of organized survey research. The risk has always been present that someone in the chain of survey data collection and processing would simply invent
- [The Gateway Cities Journal](https://massinc.org/2015/09/17/the-gateway-cities-journal/) - Creative placemaking succeeds when...
- [Mary Tinti](https://massinc.org/2015/09/16/gateway-cities-leader/) - Cities are shaped by their citizens. From New Bedford to Pittsfield, a new generation of passionate young leaders are spearheading innovative efforts to reinvent their communities. This series profiles their work and introduces their ideas, visions, and aspirations to the wider Gateway City world. Is there a young leader in your city that we should spotlight? Please let us know.
- [New low-income student designation may have consequences for immigrant-rich Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2015/06/23/new-low-income-student-designation-may-have-consequences-for-immigrant-rich-gateway-cities/) - While the new approach the state has adopted to track low-income student enrollment does not change the share of the state’s low-income students served by Gateway City districts in the aggregate, it does lead to some significant changes between these urban district. On average, those with higher levels of English Language Learners tend to lose
- [New school poverty figures obscure need in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2015/06/22/new-school-poverty-figures-obscure-need-in-gateway-cities/) - Since Massachusetts passed education reform in 1993, the share of Gateway City students who are low-income has risen from less than half to two-thirds. This concentration of poverty in Gateway City school districtsmeans nearly every student in these urban centers now attends a school wheremore than 40 percent of the students are poor—a threshold social
- [State House hearing on mandatory minimums](https://massinc.org/2015/06/12/state-house-hearing/) - Tuesday's State House hearing on mandatory minimums showed signs of the beginning of a robust dialogue at the state legislative level on comprehensive criminal justice reform. Massachusetts Supreme Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants, echoing remarks he gave at the CJRC's annual event in March, opened the hearing in staunch opposition to mandatory minimum sentencing. The model disproportionately
- [Eliminating mandatory minimums](https://massinc.org/2015/06/11/eliminating-mandatory-minimums-the-view-from-the-community/) - The view from the community
- [Massachusetts incarceration rate is cause for concern](https://massinc.org/2015/06/10/massachusetts-incarceration-rate-is-cause-for-concern/) - Recent focus on corrections reform has drawn attention to the state’s relatively low incarceration rate. In national data, Massachusetts’s incarceration rate appears slightly low because more offenders are held in county jails and fewer are held in state prison facilities. Adjusting for this policy is difficult. The federal government has not released state jail population
- [MEDIA ADVISORY](https://massinc.org/2015/06/09/massinc-testimony-on-cj-reform-before-joint-committee-on-judiciary/) - MASSINC’S TESTIMONY BEFORE THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
- [Gateway Cities Innovation Institute applauds Boston 2024 Selection of New Bedford to Host Sailing](https://massinc.org/2015/06/05/gateway-cities-innovation-institute-applauds-boston-2024-selection-of-new-bedford-to-host-sailing/) - PRESS STATEMENT
- [Full video of Eileen McAnneny presenting new data from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation on Gateway City fiscal conditions](https://massinc.org/2015/05/05/full-video-of-eileen-mcanneny-presenting-new-data-from-the-massachusetts-taxpayers-foundation-on-gateway-city-fiscal-conditions/)
- [Dan Hodge presenting new data from the MassINC Rebuilding Renewal report](https://massinc.org/2015/05/05/dan-hodge-presenting-new-data-from-the-massinc-rebuilding-renewal-report/)
- [Financing Education Reform](https://massinc.org/2015/04/17/financing-education-reform-the-next-chapter/) - The Next Chapter
- [How would Governor Baker’s EITC proposal benefit Gateway Cities?](https://massinc.org/2015/04/01/how-would-governor-bakers-eitc-proposal-benefit-gateway-cities/) - The Governor’s Budget includes a plan to double the state’s EITC from 15 to 30 percent of the federal. Gateway Cities would disproportionately benefit from this change. Together, the 26 Gateway Cities represent about one-third of the state’s taxpayers (35 percent) but well over half (57 percent) of all of those filing for the EITC.
- [What does the health economy mean for Gateway Cities?](https://massinc.org/2015/03/20/what-does-the-health-economy-mean-for-gateway-cities/) - First in a series of three blogs on the state’s changing regional economies Looking at the economic recovery of Gateway Cities through the lens of job growth, it appears that the state’s regional cities have regained lost ground. But growth in total employment obscures more fundamental change in the base of Gateway City economies. Gateway
- [New poll shows public strongly favors independent commission on redistricting](https://massinc.org/2015/02/18/new-poll-shows-public-strongly-favors-independent-commission-on-redistricting/) - BOSTON— Nearly two thirds of Massachusetts residents are not in favor of the current process on redistricting, according to a MassINC poll released today. Sixty-two percent of Massachusetts residents favor the establishment of an independent commission to decide how Congressional and Legislative districts will be redrawn, compared to just 23 percent who favor leaving authority with
- [Recap](https://massinc.org/2014/11/25/recap-the-2014-gateway-cities-innovation-awards-and-summit/) - The 2014 Gateway Cities Innovation Awards and Summit
- [Down Ballot Gateway City Race Results](https://massinc.org/2014/11/05/down-ballot-gateway-city-race-results/) - As the dust settles in an eventful night in Massachusetts politics, the result of the down ballot races in the Gateway Cities shows there will be a few new faces in the delegation this coming January. While incumbents held strong, first timers Eric Lesser and Barbara L’Italien won Senate seats to represent parts of Springfield
- [MassINC presents](https://massinc.org/2014/10/20/at-the-apex-the-2030-educational-attainment-forecast-2/) - "At the Apex: The 2030 Educational Attainment Forecast"
- [Gateway Cities Campaign Spotlight](https://massinc.org/2014/10/02/gateway-cities-campaign-spotlight-the-big-ballot-question-in-the-gateways/) - The Big (Ballot) Question in the Gateways?
- [Gateway Cities Campaign Spotlight - 1st Hampden and Hampshire Senate District](https://massinc.org/2014/09/29/gateway-cities-campaign-spotlight-1st-hampden-and-hampshire-senate-district/) - Candidates Debra Boronski (R) - East Longmeadow Michael Franco (America First Party) – Holyoke (not in the Senate District) Eric Lesser (D) – Longmeadow The Western Massachusetts 1st Hampden and Hampshire Senate District includes parts of two Gateway Cities - Springfield and Chicopee - along with the several surrounding towns. The Republicans have fielded a
- [MassINC Announces the Winners of the 2014 Gateway Cities Innovation Awards](https://massinc.org/2014/09/25/massinc-announces-the-winners-of-the-2014-gateway-cities-innovation-awards/) - MassINC’s Gateway Cities Innovation Institute announced the winners of the 2014 Gateway Cities Innovation Awards on Tuesday. The awards are made annually to organizations and individuals that utilize innovative models to grow the economies of the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities. The 2014 awards will be presented at the Institute’s annual event in November. “This year’s awards
- [Grading the Baker campaign’s economic development blueprint](https://massinc.org/2014/09/18/grading-the-baker-campaigns-economic-development-blueprint/) - Yesterday the Baker/Polito campaign released a comprehensive economic development blueprint spanning a wide range of policy areas. The document provides the most intimate view yet of where Governor Baker would lead the Commonwealth. The plan makes clear that urban areas—and especially the state’s Gateway Cities—would be a major part of a potential Baker Administration’s economic
- [Fueling the Gateway Cities Collaborative Workspace Movement](https://massinc.org/2014/09/10/fueling-the-gateway-cities-collaborative-workspace-movement/) - The Transformative Development Fund will fuel the growth of collaborative workspaces—a budding new approach to draw the innovation economy into the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities. Collaborative workspaces are hubs that have become popular among a new generation of entrepreneurs. Groups seeking to build collaborative workspace are sprouting up across the Gateway Cities. True to their manufacturing
- [Baker, Coakley Complete Near Sweep of Gateway Cities in Primary](https://massinc.org/2014/09/10/baker-coakley-complete-near-sweep-of-gateway-cities-in-primary/) - Mimicking much of the rest of the Commonwealth, Gateway Cities voted resoundingly to send Democrat Attorney General Martha Coakley and Republican Charlie Baker to compete in the general election for the State’s highest office. Baker, who was fending off a Tea Party challenge from businessman Mark Fisher, took all but one of the Commonwealth’s twenty-six
- [Rundown of Winners in Contested Gateway Cities Primary Elections](https://massinc.org/2014/09/10/rundown-of-winners-in-contested-gateway-cities-primary-election/) - Many thanks to all candidates who fought hard to make the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities better places to live, work, and play this primary season. Below you will find a rundown of the winning candidates (in red) in contested House and Senate races. Candidates for opposing parties are included as reference even if not contested. Attleboro
- [Primary Day in the Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2014/09/09/primary-day-in-the-gateway-cities/) - As voters in Commonwealth head to the polls today (or at least an estimated twenty-percent of them), most of the focus of the Massachusetts political establishment will be tightly trained on the open primaries for four of the six statewide constitutional offices. Data collected MassInc Polling Group shows that voters in Gateway Cities will play
- [Rundown of the Gateway Cities Allocations in Economic Development Bill](https://massinc.org/2014/08/01/transformative-redevelopment-2/) - The recently passed economic stimulus package totaling $46 million is now on its way to Governor Patrick’s desk. Aside from the $16 million Gateway Cities Transformative Development Fund, the addition of $10 million to the states’ Brownfield Redevelopment Fund, and $20 million into the Housing Development Incentive Program, the bill included many other appropriations that
- [The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute presents Going for Growth: Enhancing the Economic Impact of Public Transit in Gateway Cities with Comprehensive Service Planning](https://massinc.org/2014/07/29/going-for-growth-enhancing-the-economic-impact-of-public-transit/) - Download the full report (PDF) The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute is proud to present Going for Growth: Enhancing the Economic Impact of Public Transit in Gateway Cities with Comprehensive Service Planning. This new policy brief examines how best practices in transit planning can benefit Massachusetts’s Regional Transit Authorities. Massachusetts’s Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) have an
- [MassINC unveils new report on criminal justice public opinion](https://massinc.org/2014/05/08/massinc-unveils-new-report-on-criminal-justice-public-opinion/) - View/download the full report (PDF) View/download the poll crosstabs (PDF) Massachusetts residents support reforming the criminal justice system to send fewer people to prison, and overwhelmingly (85 percent) support a package of reforms similar to those enacted in other states. In fact, most see the current prison system as a contributor to crime rather than
- [House budget reduces support for key Gateway City education initiatives](https://massinc.org/2014/04/15/house-budget-reduces-support-for-key-gateway-city-education-initiatives/) - Stacked up against Governor Patrick’s budget proposal, the FY 15 House budget reduces funding for key Gateway City education initiatives. Governor Patrick’s budget request increased investment in line items related to the Gateway Cities Vision by nearly $40 million; in contrast, the House budget increases funding in these areas by $26 million. The most significant
- [Obama’s Youth CareerConnect grant coming to Brockton](https://massinc.org/2014/04/11/obamas-youth-careerconnect-grant-coming-to-brockton/) - Boston-based Jobs for the Future will help the city build new pathways to college & career President Obama’s recent announcement on Youth CareerConnect awards will help further the Gateway Cities Education Vision in the city of Brockton. The US Department of Labor awarded $107 million in funding for 24 different local partnerships. These Youth CareerConnect
- [Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Applauds MassDevelopment’s Hiring of Director of Transformative Development](https://massinc.org/2014/04/10/gateway-cities-innovation-institute-applauds-massdevelopments-hiring/) - New role will focus on economic development in Gateway Cities The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute at MassINC is excited that MassDevelopment has hired Anne Gatling Haynes as Director of Transformative Development. This appointment is sign of further momentum around House Bill 311, An Act to Promote Transformative Development in Gateway Cities, which is currently being
- [Parent-Child Home Programs work in Gateway Cities. Can they be scaled up?](https://massinc.org/2014/04/10/parent-child-home-programs-work-in-gateway-cities-can-they-be-scaled-up/) - The Gateway Cities Vision emphasizes the importance of early education and social and emotional growth in improving the learning conditions in the Gateway Cities. One way to approach this is through Parent-Child Home Programs (PCHPs), which use biweekly home visits to help develop parent-child relationships, language acquisition, and social and emotional experience. Currently there are
- [Working Cities Challenge Teams are rolling up their sleeves](https://massinc.org/2014/04/04/working-cities-challenge-teams-are-rolling-up-their-sleeves/) - The six winning teams from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Working Cities Challenge gathered in Fitchburg last week for a brainstorming session. Each team—from Fitchburg, Lawrence, Salem, Holyoke, Chelsea and Somerville—was awarded a grant from the Fed in January to fund their proposals to innovate government services in sectors from adult education to workforce
- [Gateway City Leaders Applaud Extension of Transformative Redevelopment Bill](https://massinc.org/2014/03/21/gateway-city-leaders-applaud-extension-of-transformative-redevelopment-bill/) - Legislation would spur private investment in Gateway Cities Gateway City leaders are encouraged by the action the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies took on Wednesday to extend consideration of House Bill 311, An Act to Promote Transformative Development in Gateway Cities. With a deadline yesterday in the two-year legislative session that ends
- [Leading states help public colleges expand dual enrollment; Massachusetts colleges have limited funds and new disincentives](https://massinc.org/2014/03/21/leading-states-help-public-colleges-expand-dual-enrollment/) - Providing high school students with early college experiences is increasingly looked upon as an effective approach for creating stronger college and career pathways, a central focal point in the Gateway Cities Vision. Most early college designs rely on dual enrollment, which allows students to take college-level courses and earn credit toward both high school and
- [Benjamin Forman gives support for education reform at Ways and Means Committee Hearing](https://massinc.org/2014/03/06/benjamin-forman-gives-support-for-education-reform-at-ways-and-means-committee-hearing/) - The Gateway Cities Vision for Dynamic Community-Wide Learning Systems BEFORE THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS FISCAL YEAR 2015 EDUCTATION BUDGET HEARING February 25, 2014 Transcript of Remarks: Chair Candaras, Chair Kulik, and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to share testimony this morning on strategies for investing in education in
- [From ‘Little Italy’ to the Pythian Temple](https://massinc.org/2014/02/27/from-little-italy-to-the-pythian-temple/) - Our latest report, “Going for Growth: Promoting Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Massachusetts Gateway Cities” explores creative new models to support the development of ethnic business districts. Efforts to support immigrant entrepreneurs are gaining momentum. New Bedford recently had a visit from Marci LiMandri, the president of San Diego-based Next City America. Li Mandri has worked to
- [New results from MassINC Polling Group: Ready for Reform? Public Opinion on Criminal Justice in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2014/02/20/new-results-from-massinc-polling-group-ready-for-reform-public-opinion-on-criminal-justice-in-mass/) - View summary and topline and crosstabs. This morning we presented the results of a major research project on criminal justice — four focus groups and a statewide telephone poll of 1,207 Massachusetts residents — at an event with Gov. Patrick. The project was sponsored by MassINC in conjunction with their 2013 report on the subject.
- [New Graduation Rate Data show Gateway City Gains](https://massinc.org/2014/01/31/new-graduation-rate-data-show-gateway-city-gains/) - On average, Gateway City graduation rates rose by 1.1 percentage points to 75.3 percent of students in 2013. Dropout rates fell by 1 percentage point to 11.8 percent of students. Slightly more students remained still in school after four years and fewer were expelled. - Ben Forman
- [Lessons from the Working Cities Challenge](https://massinc.org/2014/01/22/lessons-from-the-working-cities-challenge/) - Earlier this week the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston announced the winners of its Working Cities Challenge, a groundbreaking effort to support cross-sector collaboration in the state’s small to midsize Gateway Cities. The Challenge put a spotlight on the fundamental role these communities play in providing access to economic opportunity for Bay State families fighting
- [Gateway City Housing Development Incentive Program creeping along](https://massinc.org/2014/01/22/gateway-city-housing-development-incentive-program-creeping-along/) - In July of 2010, the legislature authorized the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) to spur the creation of market-rate housing in Gateway Cities. Regulations were issued in July 2012. Pittsfield quickly established a zone as required under by the legislation. One after another, other Gateway Cities followed (Chelsea, Holyoke, Springfield, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, and
- [Gateway Cities and the Grossman Plan for CVTE](https://massinc.org/2014/01/15/gateway-cities-and-the-grossman-plan-for-cvte/) - Treasurer Grossman’s campaign released a plan for investing in career/vocational technical education last week. The plan hit upon a fundamental theme in the Gateway Cities Vision for Dynamic Community Learning Systems. “Dynamic” is included in the title of this education agenda — which Gateway City leaders built working collaboratively over the better part of 2013
- [The Herald News - Report: Gateway City schools challenged](https://massinc.org/2013/11/19/report-gateway-city-schools-challenged/) - The commonweath’s so-called Gateway Cities serve roughly 25 percent of all Massachusetts public school students. According to a report released last week by MassINC, those cities also serve its neediest student populations. The report studied 14 of the 26 Gateway Cities, small- to mid-size cities that in most cases were once the centers of burgeoning
- [CDC director wins innovation award](https://massinc.org/2013/11/17/cdc-director-wins-innovation-award/) - Marc Dohan, executive director of the Twin Cities Community Development Corp. in Fitchburg, was recently named the winner of a MassINC Gateway Cities Innovation Award. The award was presented during a recent luncheon marking the one year anniversary of MassINC's Gateway Cities Innovation Institute. Fitchburg is one of 26 Gateway Cities in Massachusetts. Read more...
- [Sen. Elizabeth Warren Congratulates MassINC's Gateway Cities Innovation Award Winners](https://massinc.org/2013/11/13/sen-elizabeth-waren-congratulates-massincs-gateway-cities-innovation-award-winners/)
- [Fish raises concerns on income inequality at Gateway Cities Innovation Awards](https://massinc.org/2013/11/13/fish-raises-concerns-on-income-inequality-at-gateway-cities-innovation-awards/) - The following is a transcript of remarks by John Fish, president and chief executive of Suffolk Construction, at the Gateway Cities Innovation Awards ceremony on November 12, 2013. Thank you Greg Torres for your tireless efforts in making the Commonwealth a better place to live and work, and for your leadership at MassINC & Commonwealth
- [Living Cities’ latest thinking on the economic power of anchor institutions](https://massinc.org/2013/10/16/living-cities-latest-thinking-on-the-economic-power-of-anchor-institutions/) - Living Cities has issued a report on lessons-learned in their work with anchor institutions. Over the last few years, cities have pushed harder on anchors to commit “time, treasure and talent” to fuel local economic development. Anchors have tried to do more, but often they've been subject to criticism for pursuing projects that were too
- [Latest Housing Report Card reinforces the case for transformative redevelopment](https://massinc.org/2013/10/16/latest-housing-report-card-reinforces-the-case-for-transformative-redevelopment/) - The Greater Boston Housing Report Card released last week shows that middle class families are increasingly priced out of Boston by a hostile housing market that vastly favors high-end development. Commonwealth magazine’s Paul McMorrow hammered home the point in a Boston Globe op-ed describing a “city with rapidly growing populations of both rich and poor
- [Drug courts work, but do they save money?](https://massinc.org/2013/10/03/drug-courts-work-but-do-they-save-money/) - A new study published in the fall issue of the Journal of Criminal Justice looks at the effect of drug courts on confinement and finds that they reduce the incidence of jail stays by nearly half, and prison stays by more than one-third. Interestingly, however, drug courts did not reduce days spent in prison in
- [More evidence that prison education provides return on investment](https://massinc.org/2013/10/03/more-evidence-that-prison-education-provides-return-on-investment/) - Two new studies find positive effects from prison education. The first, a study of over 5,000 Florida inmates published in the October issue of the journal Crime & Delinquency, examined the impact of adult basic education (ABE) on post-release labor market success. The authors find that ABE participation is associated with higher levels of employment
- [MassINC to honor Gateway City Innovators](https://massinc.org/2013/09/12/massinc-to-honor-gateway-city-innovators/) - Champions of Transformative Redevelopment to receive awards at first annual Gateway Cities luncheon MassINC, together with leaders from the 26 Gateway Cities, will celebrate the innovative spirit of Massachusetts’ historic Gateway Cities by honoring five individuals and two organizations that have had a transformative impact on their communities. The awards will be presented at the
- [Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Director Benjamin Forman gives support for Transformative Redevelopment Legislation in Gateway Cities at Springfield hearing](https://massinc.org/2013/09/12/benjamin-forman-gives-support-for-transformative-redevelopment-legislation-in-gateway-cities/) - Transcript of Remarks: Thank you Chairman Wagner and Chairwoman Candaras for this opportunity to share our ideas for strengthening the Commonwealth’s economy. From our founding in 1996, MassINC’s mission has been supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s middle class. With a focus primarily on state level policy, we have learned that we can
- [Gateway City leaders rally behind precedent-setting bill to encourage “transformative” development](https://massinc.org/2013/09/11/gateway-city-leaders-rally-behind-precedent-setting-bill-to-encourage-transformative-development/) - New legislation supports projects that spur additional private investment in weak markets A new bill supporting high impact development projects in Gateway Cities – where the market gap between development costs and returns continues to deter investors-- was heard September 10 in Springfield. Gateway City mayors from across the state and a host of community
- [CommonWealth editor Bruce Mohl moderates issues forum with candidates for mayor of Lawrence](https://massinc.org/2013/09/11/lawrence-mayoral-debate/) - Lawrence mayoral candidates Marcos Devers, Juan “Manny” Gonzalez, James Patrick O’Donoghue, and Daniel Rivera participated in an issues forum/debate Monday night hosted by Commonwealth Magazine, The Eagle-Tribune, and Rumbo Newspaper. The debate was moderated by Bruce Mohl, editor of Commonwealth Magazine. Gabrielle Gurley, Senior Associate Editor of Commonwealth Magazine, Keith Eddings, reporter at The Eagle-Tribune,
- [MassINC’s Gateway Cities Institute to host 2013 Innovation Awards Luncheon](https://massinc.org/2013/08/19/massincs-gateway-cities-institute-to-host-2013-innovation-awards-luncheon/) - Suffolk Construction CEO John Fish to speak on need for Transformative Investment in small, historic cities This first annual event celebrates the innovative spirit of the state’s historic Gateway Cities with an awards ceremony honoring organizations or individuals devoted to investments that transform communities. To be held on November 12th, 2013, the event will mark
- [California leads decline in prison population, but reentry reform is uncertain](https://massinc.org/2013/08/06/california-leads-decline-in-prison-population-but-reentry-reform-is-uncertain/) - Last month the Department of Justice announced a 1.7 percent decline in the estimated US prison population from 2011 to 2012, marking the third consecutive year of slight decreases. There were 1,571,013 inmates in federal and state prisons at the end of last year, which is not too far off the all-time high of 1,615,487
- [Paul Krugman: Sprawl may be to blame for low social mobility](https://massinc.org/2013/07/31/paul-krugman-sprawl-may-be-to-blame-for-low-social-mobility/) - Champions of older cities long ago criticized suburbs (or, worse, exurbs) on aesthetic grounds. Then they pointed out the environmental damage of sprawl. Now comes data suggesting that the dispersal of homes and jobs from urban areas is bad economics. This week New York Times columnist Paul Krugman used the occasion of Detroit pleading bankruptcy
- [New Bedford schools are spared worst-case scenario but still face elimination of 200 jobs](https://massinc.org/2013/06/28/new-bedford-schools-are-spared-worst-case-scenario-but-still-face-elimination-of-200-jobs/) - Thanks to a reversal by the City Council, New Bedford will not have to close elementary schools and eliminate its school athletics program, but it will still have to cut 200 jobs, reports Natalie Sherman of the Standard-Times (story behind paywall). In one of this year’s most contentious budget fights, the New Bedford City Council
- [Holyoke’s Lyman Terrace Study Pitches Transformative Redevelopment](https://massinc.org/2013/06/26/holyokes-lyman-terrace-study-pitches-transformative-redevelopment/) - A new plan to develop the Lyman Terrace public housing complex in downtown Holyoke could spur revitalization, according to a new report prepared by Utile with support from MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership. The report, created through a joint partnership between the Holyoke Housing Authority (HHA), the City of Holyoke, the Massachusetts Development Finance
- [Luck of the map: Away from the coast, “legacy cities” are still shrinking](https://massinc.org/2013/06/24/luck-of-the-map-away-from-the-coast-legacy-cities-are-still-shrinking/) - New population estimates released last month showed that several major cities on the East Coast, including Boston, are in a period of renewed growth — while mid-sized urban areas, including most of the Gateway Cities in Massachusetts, are growing at a slower pace and have a more uncertain economic future. The situation is bleaker in
- [Lawrence mayor proposes a boost to school spending, but most Gateway Cities stick to tight budgets](https://massinc.org/2013/06/12/lawrence-mayor-proposes-a-boost-to-school-spending-but-most-gateway-cities-stick-to-tight-budgets/) - INCSpot will be providing updates as Gateway Cities go through the process of approving school budgets for the next fiscal year. Our first post was last week; here are some other recent developments that illustrate the challenges of funding schools during a time of escalating costs and revenue uncertainties. —In contrast to most Gateway City
- [Youth Violence Prevention Initiative Threatened by House Budget](https://massinc.org/2013/06/12/youth-violence-prevention-initiative-threatened-by-house-budget/) - The fate of The Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI), a violence prevention strategy focused on young men between the ages of 14 and 24 who are at risk of being victims or perpetrators of violence, now lies with the conference committee reconciling the House and Senate budgets. While the Senate Budget proposal included $4
- [Transformative redevelopment heating up](https://massinc.org/2013/06/12/transformative-redevelopment-heating-up/) - Ben Forman delivered an opening address on the concept of Transformative Redevelopment at a MassDevelopment event on Wednesday. The daylong forum, billed as “Lessons in Transformative Economic Development,” brought together leaders from several Gateway Cities, including Fitchburg, Leominster, and Worcester. The transformative redevelopment discussion continued Wednesday afternoon at the State House before the House Committee on
- [Gateway City Institute Fellows meet for first time in Lowell](https://massinc.org/2013/06/05/gateway-city-institute-fellows-meet-for-first-time-in-lowell/) - The half-day session, held at the United Teen Equality Center, on May 29th, included presentations and a working lunch focused on the policy priorities of the small to mid-size cities outside of the Boston metropolitan area, known as Gateways for their historic role as gateways to the middle class. Adam Baacke, Assistant City Manager
- [Layoff threats, uncertainty about local aid loom over school budget process in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2013/06/05/layoff-threats-uncertainty-about-local-aid-loom-over-school-budget-process-in-gateway-cities/) - INCSpot will be providing updates as Gateway Cities go through the process of approving school budgets for the next fiscal year. Here are some recent developments that illustrate the challenges of funding schools during a time of escalating costs and revenue uncertainties. —The most contentious budget process may be in New Bedford, where the school
- [Dropout danger leads to backlash against frequent school suspensions](https://massinc.org/2013/06/03/dropout-danger-leads-to-backlash-against-frequent-school-suspensions/) - NPR reports on a backlash against suspending high-school students and possibly putting them “on the fast track to falling behind, dropping out, and going to jail.” Opponents cite a study released in April, which highlighted the Worcester school district, that suggests the disciplinary measure is disproportionately used against “children of color and students from other
- [Mass. House votes to curb practice of trying 17-year-olds as adults](https://massinc.org/2013/06/03/mass-house-votes-to-curb-practice-of-trying-17-year-olds-as-adults/) - The state House of Representatives voted unanimously last week to largely end the practice of trying 17-year-olds in adult criminal court, prompted in part by a federal law requiring younger inmates to be housed separately from adult prisoners so they are at less risk of sexual assault. Bill H1432 would bring Massachusetts in line with
- [US Census: Gateway Cities growing, but not as fast as Boston](https://massinc.org/2013/05/28/us-census-gateway-cities-growing-but-not-as-fast-as-boston/) - With the sole exception of New Bedford, every large or mid-sized city in Massachusetts grew at least slightly from 2010 to 2012, according to new population estimates of cities with at least 50,000 people released last week. But none added people as quickly as Boston. The Census Bureau estimates that the Hub rose by 3.1
- [Burying the Lead?](https://massinc.org/2013/05/21/burying-the-lead/) - To a striking degree, conventional wisdom holds that the future belongs to large, agglomerating cities with “thick labor markets” that support high-tech innovation. It is an article of faith advanced by influential urban economists Richard Florida and Edward Glaeser, who call for nurturing the “megaregions” that have emerged victorious from post-1970s global market restructuring. Labor
- [New Bedford follows Pittsburgh’s lead, turns to residents to beautify vacant lots](https://massinc.org/2013/05/21/new-bedford-follows-pittsburghs-lead-turns-to-residents-to-beautify-vacant-lots/) - New Zedford mayor Jon Mitchell this week announced a “Side Yard Program,” encouraging homeowners to put city-owned vacant lots to good use — an initiative that has proven successful in cities such as Pittsburgh. The New Bedford program will allow residents to buy vacant lots that abut their properties at discounted costs. "We’ve developed a
- [Kids in San Francisco get head start in financial skills](https://massinc.org/2013/05/17/kids-in-san-francisco-get-head-start-in-financial-skills/) - One way to strengthen Gateway Cities is to help families build assets that provide long-term economic stability. In Massachusetts, the Midas Collaborative provides financial education to low-income families and also operates matching-fund programs to encourage long-range saving. As Governing magazine reports, the city of San Francisco is going further by making financial skills part of its
- [Demonstrating the Transformative Redevelopment potential of Creative Placemaking through photography](https://massinc.org/2013/05/15/demonstrating-the-transformative-redevelopment-potential-of-creative-placemaking-through-photography/) - Artists can play a major role in transformative redevelopment because they see space through a different lens, imagining authentic new uses for buildings that increase neighborhood vitality, and draw new investment to abutting properties. Help us demonstrate the opportunities that creative placemakers can unlock in your community. Send along examples of cultural projects that have been
- [New Grant offers help for vacant properties in the Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2013/05/14/new-grant-offers-help-for-vacant-properties-in-the-gateway-cities/) - Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office recently launched a grant program that aims to help communities with high levels of distressed and vacant properties revitalize properties for residential use. The grant, called the "Distressed Properties Identification and Revitalization Grant" will accept applications from Gateway Cities and other municipalties that have high rates of distressed properties. Individual applicant
- [New York sees value, potential in its “Legacy Cities”](https://massinc.org/2013/05/14/new-york-sees-value-potential-in-its-legacy-cities/) - Massachusetts is not the only state seeking to realize the potential of its older industrial cities. In New York, the favored term is “Legacy Cities,” but ongoing efforts to revitalize upstate urban areas such as Syracuse and Rochester share many strategies and goals with the Bay State’s Gateway Cities initiative. It may be instructive to
- [Pending land use reform legislation could benefit Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2013/05/14/pending-land-use-reform-legislation-could-benefit-gateway-cities/) - Advocates for zoning reform in Massachusetts voiced support for new legislation (H. 1859) at a hearing on Tuesday. The bill, which would create more flexible zoning laws throughout the state, was filed by Senator Daniel Wolf and Representative Stephen Kulik. It has won support from the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance, the Massachusetts Public Health Association, and
- [Working Cities Challenge applicants pledge to tackle education, health, economic development](https://massinc.org/2013/05/13/working-cities-challenge-applicants-pledge-to-tackle-education-health-economic-development/) - The Federal Reserve Bank has released the letters of intent from applicants for a grant of up to $700,000 for an anti-poverty program in Massachusetts. The Working Cities Challenge (see previous post) is open to cities smaller than Boston with a higher-than-median poverty rate. Earlier this month, the Working Cities Challenge also released the RFP (request
- [Ohio report touts brownfield investments, tax credit at issue in Mass.](https://massinc.org/2013/05/07/ohio-report-touts-brownfield-investments-tax-credit-at-issue-in-mass/) - An extension of the Brownfields Tax Credit program through 2018 — a component of transformative redevelopment in Gateway Cities — will be taken up in the state Senate this month, after being included in the House’s fiscal 2014 budget recommendations. The value of such a program was affirmed last week by a report from the
- [MPG Poll: April Consumer Confidence rebounds after weak January reading](https://massinc.org/2013/05/06/april-consumer-confidence-rebounds-after-weak-january-reading/) - April Consumer Confidence rebounds after weak January reading Sharp partisan divide remains, with Democrats more optimistic than Republicans Read full MPG Trend Monitor Q2-2013 After a sharp downturn in January, consumer confidence rebounded in the April reading, with the Massachusetts Index of Consumer Sentiment nearing the record high attained in October 2012, according to data released
- [Proponents of longer school days hope to make gains in state Senate's budget](https://massinc.org/2013/05/06/proponents-of-longer-school-days-hope-to-make-gains-in-state-senates-budget/) - After holding ground in the House, advocates of the Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Initiative are urging the Senate to increase funding for the program, which currently provides aid to 19 schools that offer more classroom time for students. (See grant recipients here; some 90 schools statewide have some kind of program with additional school hours.)
- [Working Cities Challenge kicks off search for collaborative leadership in Bay State](https://massinc.org/2013/05/03/working-cities-challenge-kicks-off-search-for-collaborative-leadership-in-bay-state/) - The competition phase of the Working Cities Challenge, which will award up to $700,00 to an anti-poverty program in Massachusetts, will be announced this morning at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, a lead partner in the initiative. Twenty cities, all smaller than Boston and with a higher-than-median poverty rate, are eligible for the grant,
- [Mass. House reverses Cultural Council cuts, Senate to act next](https://massinc.org/2013/05/01/massachusetts-house-reverses-cultural-council-cuts-senate-to-act-next/) - This month, the state Senate is expected to pass its version of the state budget for fiscal year 2014 and advocates for arts spending, a key component of creative placemaking, are hoping to increase spending for the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The MCC budget was originally cut by 15 percent by the House Ways and Means Committee,
- [Building up momentum to reinvent regional transit](https://massinc.org/2013/04/29/building-up-momentum-to-reinvent-regional-transit/) - Letter from MassINC and Transportation for Massachusetts capping off a series of recent forums on regional transit held in Gateway Cities across the state. Dear Friends: First off, thank you. With your participation, our series of forums on the importance of investing in regional transit was a success. From our first event in Pittsfield to
- ["Reinvestment" part of Justice Reinvestment Initiative being weakened, warns ACLU report](https://massinc.org/2013/04/25/reinvestment-part-of-justice-reinvestment-initiative-being-weakened-warns-aclu-reportt/) - The Justice Reinvestment Initiative, a strategy to reduce corrections spending while lowering recidivism rates, is at risk of being watered down and even co-opted by the same forces that led to costly “tough on crime” policies, according to a report published this month by the American Civil Liberties Union. Ending Mass Incarceration: Charting a New
- [Green space becomes part of creative placemaking in New Bedford, other Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2013/04/23/green-space-becomes-part-of-creative-placemaking-in-new-bedford-other-gateway-cities/) - 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](https://massinc.org/2013/04/18/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](https://massinc.org/2013/04/16/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](https://massinc.org/2013/03/25/massinc-study-cites-exorbitant-cost-and-significant-shortcomings-in-states-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](https://massinc.org/2013/03/14/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](https://massinc.org/2013/03/07/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](https://massinc.org/2013/02/26/reinventing-transit-press-release/) - 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](https://massinc.org/2013/02/22/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](https://massinc.org/2013/02/13/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](https://massinc.org/2013/01/16/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
- [MassINC calls for a $1.7 billion “transformative redevelopment” program for Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2013/01/10/massinc-calls-for-a-transformative-redevelopment-program-for-massachusetts-gateway-cities/) - Press Release MassINC calls for a $1.7 billion “transformative redevelopment” program for Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities Targeted package of public funding and policy initiatives to catalyze private investment in midsize cities Providing $1.7 billion over ten years for transformative redevelopment projects in Gateway Cities could stimulate nearly $7 billion in investment and create approximately 80,000
- [MASSCreative Lobbying for increase in MCC budget](https://massinc.org/2012/12/04/masscreative-lobbying-for-increase-in-mcc-budget/) - MASSCreative, the new organization formed to advocate on behalf of funding for the arts in Massachusetts, isn't wasting any time. Fresh off an inaugural tour of the state, they've started to lobby hard for an increase in the Massachusetts Cultural Council budget (a key resource for Gateway City creative placemaking efforts as detailed in our
- [Small Business Loans in the Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2012/11/29/small-business-loans-in-the-gateway-cities/) - A new report by the Massachusetts Community Banking Council provides insight into the small business loans originated in Gateway Cities from 2007 to 2011. The MCBC defines small business loans as $1 million or less. These data also show that the share of these loans originated in Gateway Cities is smaller than the share of the
- [New Southcoast Urban Indicators Project measures vitality of New Bedford and Fall River](https://massinc.org/2012/11/28/new-southcoast-urban-indicators-project-measures-vitality-of-new-bedford-and-fall-river/) - The Urban Initiative at UMass Dartmouth recently launched the SouthCoast Urban Indicators Project. The project takes a look at how well the SouthCoast region is doing on measures of health care, education, the economy, civic vitality, and safety. We are particularly interested in seeing how the project will track civic vitality in the future and
- [An update from the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute](https://massinc.org/2012/11/27/news-from-the-gateway-cities-innovation-institute/) - Dear Friends: Thank you again for your support and interest in the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute. October’s successful launch has brought renewed energy, more backing, and higher visibility for our efforts. We’re working to bottle up this momentum as we move forward on a number of fronts: Policy. Look for two important pieces of work in
- [MassINC and CommonWealth Magazine are moving!](https://massinc.org/2012/11/14/massinc-move/) - MassINC and CommonWealth are moving! Update your contact information! Our new address is:11 Beacon Street, Suite 500Boston, MA 02108 Don't worry - all of our contact information other than mailing address is staying the same!
- [New MassWorks grants benefit Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2012/11/14/new-massworks-grants-benefit-gateway-cities/) - Four major Gateway City projects were recently funded by the MassWorks Infrastructure Program: • Brockton - $4 million toward the redevelopment of the "Enterprise Block" – new downtown office, retail, and reisdential units. • Haverhill - $4 million to support the downtown redevelopment of Merrimack Street. • Holyoke - $2 million for the construction of
- [Two days after the elections, experts weigh in on “What Just Happened? What’s Next?”](https://massinc.org/2012/11/08/behind-the-curtain-2-media-advisory/) - Tom Ashbrook, Carole Simpson to lead panels of experts at Emerson’s Cutler Majestic Theatre MassINC, CommonWealth Magazine, WBUR and Emerson College present a special night of political commentary, fresh from the national and state-wide elections. When: Thursday evening, November 8 at 7:00pm, Doors/cash bar opens at 6:00pm Where: Emerson College’s Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont
- [Gateway Cities part of Vision for Massachusetts as National Leader](https://massinc.org/2012/11/02/gateway-cities-and-the-vision-project/) - Commissioner Freeland recently presented the first Vision Project report, an initiative focused on making Massachusetts a national leader in public education. The report looks at how public higher education in Massachusetts stacks up to other states and lays out specific strategies and goals to boost our performance. Interestingly, Gateway Cities are pioneering many of the
- [Panel Announcement: Behind the Curtain: What Just Happened? What's Next?](https://massinc.org/2012/11/01/behind-the-curtain-what-just-happened-whats-next-panel-announcement/) - Thursday evening, November 8, 2012Emerson College's Cutler Majestic Theatre219 Tremont Street, Boston6:00 p.m. Doors Open 7:00 p.m. Program Note time change: Doors and cash bar open at 6:00pm. Program begins at 7:00pm Join NPR's Tom Ashbrook, host of On Point, broadcast journalist Carole Simpson, and a host of local and national experts as they
- [Tonight: A Curious Look at the Brown/Warren race](https://massinc.org/2012/10/24/experts-provide-curious-look-at-the-brown-warren-race/) - Wednesday evening, October 24th, 2012. With expert commentary and video presentations, “Behind the Curtain: A Curious Look at Campaigns” examines the key dynamics of the race for U.S. Senate: advertising, debate performance, messaging and media. The program features Co-hosts Bruce Mohl, Editor of CommonWealth magazine and Callie Crossley, Radio Host: Boston Public Radio, WGBH Radio,
- [MassINC launches Gateway Cities Innovation Institute](https://massinc.org/2012/10/17/massinc-launches-gateway-cities-innovation-institute/) - MassINC, together with founding sponsors, members, fellows, and public officials, today announced the creation of the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, a new center dedicated to the revitalization of former manufacturing centers like Springfield, New Bedford and Lowell that have both enormous potential and a disproportionate share of the state’s social and economic challenges. With dedicated
- [New MassINC research finds income segregation steadily increasing in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/2012/09/04/new-massinc-research-finds-income-segregation-steadily-increasing-in-massachusetts/) - New MassINC research in the current issue of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Communities & Banking magazine looks at rising income segregation in Massachusetts, and in particular the Gateway Cities. MassINC Research Director Ben Forman and Research Associate Caroline Koch find that while Greater Boston fared relatively well in income diversity over the last
- [CommonWealth magazine to hold a policy debate on the American Dream with candidates in Massachusetts' 6th congressional district](https://massinc.org/2012/08/30/commonwealth-magazine-to-host-6th-congressional-district-debate/) - CommonWealth magazine to hold a policy debate on the “American Dream” with candidates in Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District Single issue debate format to present candidates' positions on job growth, economic security and the future of the Middle Class When: Thursday, September 27th. 3:00 pm. Where: The North Shore Community College (NSCC). Lynn Campus, Thomas McGee Building. 300 Broad Street, Lynn, MA Partners: NSCC, Lynn
- [Transportation Bond Bill Supports Gateway City Placemaking](https://massinc.org/2012/08/27/transportation-bond-bill-supports-gateway-city-placemaking/) - Earlier this month, Governor Deval Patrick signed a $1.5 billion transportation bond bill that directs federal and state funds to various road, bridge, rail, and regional transit projects in the state, including several Gateway City placemaking projects. The bond bill allocates an additional $4 million for design and construction of the Springfield’s Union Station project.
- [A district-by-district look at the Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2012/08/09/a-district-by-district-look-at-the-gateway-cities/) - Gateway Cities are home to nearly 2 million residents, which gives them substantial representation on Beacon Hill. However, the drawing of legislative districts is an important factor in determining how well the Gateway Cities delegation can speak for these voters with a unified voice. Legislators that represent both Gateway Cities and suburban communities may have
- [BIDs strengthened in new jobs bill](https://massinc.org/2012/08/08/bids-strengthened-in-new-jobs-bill/) - Downtown revitalization efforts are getting a boost in the Jobs Bill passed last month by the Legislature. The law seeks to increase infrastructure investment, facilitate growth of new and existing businesses, and streamline the permitting process. Perhaps the most important change the legislation offers is stronger Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). BIDs are special zones in
- [Creative Placemaking Strategy Forum](https://massinc.org/2012/08/01/creative-placemaking-strategy-forum/) - MassINC recently hosted a webinar exploring strategies to advance creative placemaking policy in Massachusetts. You can view the webinar, which features MassINC Research Director Ben Forman, Mayor Morse of Holyoke, and MASSCreative Executive Director Matt Wilson here. To read MassINC's latest report "Building Vibrancy: Creative Placemaking Strategies for Gateway City Growth and Renewal" click here.
- [MPG Polling Briefs: Mass Senate race remains close, Romney falls further, Congress in the dumps, consumer confidence slips](https://massinc.org/2012/07/27/mpg-polling-briefs-mass-senate-race-remains-close/) - Massachusetts Senate Race: The race for Massachusetts Senate remains close according to the MassPulse Quarterly Poll, released today. Among registered voters, 40 percent support Elizabeth Warren, and 38 percent support Senator Scott Brown, the latest in a series of polls which have shown the two candidates essentially neck and neck. Elizabeth Warren has become better
- [Creative placemaking one weekend at a time](https://massinc.org/2012/07/27/creative-placemaking-one-weekend-at-a-time/) - The Lowell Folk Festival kicks off tonight drawing more than 100,000 visitors into the city. By bringing together diverse groups of residents and showing off Lowell at its best, one weekend at a time, over a number of years, the Folk Festival has slowly added to the city’s vibrancy. A poll MassINC conducted last fall
- [Creative placemaking in downtown Fitchburg](https://massinc.org/2012/07/24/creative-placemaking-in-downtown-fitchburg/) - Through collaboration with the Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg State University, and the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, the Gateway City of Fitchburg has received a $75,000 grant for its Main Street Art Project from the National Endowment for the Arts. The project will work to revitalize the local economy and improve the quality of life by
- [New report shows public transit is not working for employers in Gateway City regions](https://massinc.org/2012/07/17/new-report-shows-public-transit-is-not-working-for-employers-in-gateway-city-regions/) - A recent report by the Brookings Institution sheds new light on how well public transportation connects jobs to people in Gateway City regions. This research is the mirror image of Brookings report published last year that looked at how well people are connected to jobs. The picture it portrays of the large mismatch between where
- [Riding the casino train](https://massinc.org/2012/07/13/riding-the-casino-train/) - There’s been talk about the Wampanoag casino in Taunton providing a big boost for South Coast Rail. While working to ensure that the casino is served by public transit makes sense from both smart growth and public safety standpoints (fewer greenhouse gases, fewer inebriated gamblers driving down Route 24), farebox revenues aren’t going to change
- [State launches Gateway City market rate housing program](https://massinc.org/2012/06/20/state-launches-gateway-city-market-rate-housing-program/) - The Patrick Administration announced a new first-of-its-kind state tax credit program this week to encourage market rate housing development in the Gateway Cities. The small pilot program, created by economic development legislation in 2010, provides developers with tax incentives to rehabilitate properties and build multi-unit market rate housing. This effort is a first step toward
- [Funding for Gateway City financial education and IDAs](https://massinc.org/2012/06/20/funding-for-gateway-city-financial-education-and-idas/) - The Massachusetts legislature is looking at funding for asset building anti-poverty strategies through two separate bills. The House budget provides resources to implement a financial education program aimed at Gateway City students in the k-12 public school system. The Senate budget restores $100,000 in funding for state Individual Development Accounts, which help low-income individuals build
- [T Bailout leads to RTA increase](https://massinc.org/2012/06/18/t-bailout-leads-to-rta-increase/) - Last week the House passed a bailout bill allocating $51 million from motor vehicle inspection fees to close the T budget gap. When combined with Senate legislation, this funding package will likely send an additional $ 7 million to the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs). As noted in Moving Forward with Funding, a MassINC
- [Transportation costs for homeless students could transfer to the state](https://massinc.org/2012/06/13/transportation-costs-for-homeless-students-could-transfer-to-the-state/) - The cost Gateway City school districts bear transporting homeless students could be passed on to the state if the budget proposed by the House prevails. (While the House budget picks up the $11.3 million that school districts were projected to spend on transportation for homeless students in 2012, the Senate budget does not contain funding
- [Lessons from Lawrence on education reform](https://massinc.org/2012/06/11/lessons-from-lawrence-on-education-reform/) - Monday, June 11, 2012 The New Bedford Standard Times recently published an editorial expressing a desire for New Bedford to look to Lawrence for a lesson in education reform. The editorial recognizes the similarities in character, economy and demographic layout between the two Gateway Cities, and emphasizes that the educational reforms in Lawrence are relevant
- [Letter to our friends and supporters](https://massinc.org/2012/06/06/letter-to-our-friends-and-supporters/) - To our Supporters and Friends – We at MassINC are proud of our commitment to objective, non-partisan research and journalism. You are all well aware of the fierce adherence we have to the integrity of the work of both MassINC and CommonWealth, and it is a credit to you that you choose to support an
- [Assets, not need should, define Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2012/06/06/assets-not-need-should-define-gateway-cities/) - Research Director Ben Forman weighs in on why the Legislature should not expand the list of communities that are defined as Gateway Cities in a CW Voices piece. The article comes as the debate heats up over whether the State should change the Gateway Cities definition to include more towns and cities. In the article,
- [The positive fiscal impact of historic tax credits](https://massinc.org/2012/05/29/the-positive-fiscal-impact-of-historic-tax-credits/) - For economic development spending, the Holy Grail is a program that pays for itself. This can happen when a state outlay generates economic activity leading to increased tax collections. In a recent analysis of the state historic tax credit for the Urban Land Institute, Ted Carmen shows that there’s a good shot that the state’s historic
- [Gateway City Education Statistics](https://massinc.org/2012/05/14/gateway-city-education-statistics/) - MassINC is compiling a “bluebook” with Gateway City education trends. Here are some key highlights from Chapter 1: One in four public school students in Massachusetts is enrolled in a Gateway City district Gateway City schools enroll more than one-half of the state’s English language learners and nearly half of all low income students in the
- [Immigrant entrepreneurs for growth and renewal](https://massinc.org/2012/05/04/immigrant-entrepreneurs-for-growth-and-renewal/) - A recent report by the Small Business Administration highlights the role of immigrant entrepreneurs in the American economy. The study shows immigrants are more likely to form and own businesses. While the findings suggest immigrant-owned businesses have lower revenues and fewer employees on average, they are more likely to export products. During the Great Recession,
- [Gateway City education agenda falls short in House budget](https://massinc.org/2012/05/04/gateway-city-education-agenda-fall-short-in-house-budget/) - The House budget released last week substantially scales back the Governor’s modest Gateway Cities Education Agenda. Of the fives areas the administration identified for support, only two received resources. The Governor requested $3.75 million for grant programs to help middle and high school students rapidly gain the English skills they must acquire to further their
- [Creative placemaking moves forward in Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/2012/05/01/creative-placemaking-moves-forward-in-gateway-cities/) - Gateway Cities are seeing continued progress in implementing creative placemaking strategies just a few weeks after April’s Gateway Cities summit focused on building buy-in and sharing best practices on the economic development concept. The week following the summit, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse proposed establishing a new position of art, culture, and tourism director in the
- [New report assesses state's climate change response](https://massinc.org/2012/04/23/new-report-assesses-states-climate-change-response/) - MassINC is proud to present Rising to the Challenge, the first independent assessment of state action on climate change since the precedent-setting Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008. Climate change is the challenge of our age. For the obvious reason – failing to respond could alter the environment with profound and dire consequences – but

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://massinc.org/) - Learn More About the Seminar Learn More Latest from CommonWealth Beacon Politics, ideas, and civic life in Massachusetts Read more at commonwealthbeacon.org. Latest from The MassINC Polling Group Elevating the public’s voice Read more at massincpolling.com.
- [Gateway Cities Innovation Summit](https://massinc.org/policy-center/gateway-cities/innovation-summit/) - A statewide convening that brings together leaders from across Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities to share ideas, build partnerships, and advance innovative solutions that strengthen communities and expand economic opportunity. Join leaders from across Massachusetts as they come together in Worcester, Massachusetts to explore this year’s theme, Gateways to the Middle Class, and consider how Gateway Cities
- [Gateway Cities Innovation Summit](https://massinc.org/policy-center/gateway-cities/innovation-summit-old/) - A Platform for Policy and Practice Hosted by the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, the Summit serves as a platform to: Highlight evidence-based policy solutions Convene cross-sector leaders working at the state and local level Share innovative approaches to economic and community development Build alignment around strategies that expand opportunity and strengthen regional economies The program
- [Policy Center](https://massinc.org/policy-center/) - The MassINC Policy Center generates research to frame pressing issues, identify actionable solutions, and monitor progress. The Center favors a ground-up approach, engaging with state and local officials and civic leaders to surface problems and actionable strategies to address them. We strive to produce unbiased information that leaders can rely on when tasked with making
- [Our Supporters](https://massinc.org/about-us/our-supporters/) - Support MassINC Your donation powers our research, journalism, and civic engagement toward a more equitable society and inclusive economy. MassINC is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, supported by a diverse array of philanthropic foundations, sponsors, and individuals. Ways to Support Donate Online – Make your secure contribution online. Donate Online Mail a Check – Please
- [Gateway Cities Innovation Awards](https://massinc.org/policy-center/gateway-cities/innovation-awards/) - Nominate a 2026 Innovation Award Honoree Berkshire Blueprint 2.0 Berkshire County, MA CAFETERIA Food Hall & theJAV Jowamar Companies Lawrence, MA City of Chelsea Chelsea, MA Holyoke Housing Authority Holyoke, MA Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives Central Massachusetts Shirley Ave TDI Partnership & SANA Revere, MA Emmy Hahn Gateway Cities Champion Award Program Coordinator, Massachusetts Downtown Initiative
- [Career Opportunities](https://massinc.org/about-us/career-opportunities/) - MassINC offers a dynamic and mission-driven place to work with a front row seat to politics and policy in Massachusetts. We offer competitive salaries and benefits packages along with professional development opportunities among dedicated, collaborative colleagues. Any available job opportunities will be posted below. Managing Editor, CommonWealth Beacon+ Position Summary The managing editor at CommonWealth
- [Our Organization](https://massinc.org/about-us/our-organization/)
- [About the Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/policy-center/gateway-cities/about-the-gateway-cities/) - Gateway Cities are midsize urban centers that anchor regional economies around the state. For generations, these communities were home to industry that offered residents good jobs and a “gateway” to the American Dream. More recently, Gateway Cities have been reinventing themselves—at times in the face of considerable economic and social challenges. MassINC believes in a
- [Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/policy-center/gateway-cities/) - The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, in partnership with the MassINC Policy Center, produces research that helps policymakers, civic leaders, and community partners better understand the opportunities and challenges facing Massachusetts’ regional cities. Through data-driven analysis and practical policy recommendations, our work explores issues such as economic development, housing, transportation, education, and workforce growth—equipping local leaders
- [Greg Bialecki Leadership Seminar](https://massinc.org/greg-bialecki-leadership-seminar/) - MassINC is proud to announce the establishment of the Greg Bialecki Leadership Seminar in honor of Greg Bialecki, the highly accomplished Secretary of Housing and Economic Development who served in that role from 2009 to 2014. The Seminar will be housed within the MassINC Policy Center’s Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, which works to unlock the
- [MassINC 30th Anniversary](https://massinc.org/30th-anniversary/) - Donate 30th Anniversary Host Committee Governor Maura Healey Governor Charlie Baker Governor Deval Patrick Governor Mitt Romney Governor Jane Swift Governor William Weld Governor Michael Dukakis Ernst & Young Denterlein Massachusetts Competitive Partnership Nutter Massachusetts Business Roundtable WinnDevelopment A Better City Culture Builders Cooperative, LLC Triverus MassMutual Citigroup Public Finance Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation Trinity Financial
- [Greg Torres Senior Fellows Program](https://massinc.org/about-us/greg-torres-senior-fellows-program/) - About the Program Building on our record of research, independent journalism, convening, and coalition-building, MassINC established the Greg Torres Senior Fellows Program in 2024 to expand our capacity, deepen our impact, and strengthen our network across the key issues facing Massachusetts. Torres Senior Fellows are a diverse group of experienced professionals who partner with MassINC
- [Legislative Caucus](https://massinc.org/policy-center/gateway-cities/legislative-caucus/) - Note: MassINC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization and hosts this web page as a public information service. All inquiries should be directed to legislative staff. Contacts: Svetlana Yefimenko, Office of Rep. Antonio Cabral svetlana.yefimenko@mahouse.gov Kevin Bowe, Office of Sen. John Cronin kevin.bowe@masenate.gov Founded in 2008 and chaired by Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral and Senator
- [Events](https://massinc.org/events/) - Featured Past Events Explore MassINC’s event recaps for key takeaways from our convenings, research briefings, and policy conversations across the state. Then go deeper with reporting and analysis from CommonWealth Beacon, delivering independent journalism on the people, policies, and systems influencing our communities. Together, they offer insight, context, and practical perspectives to inform your work
- [About Us](https://massinc.org/about-us/) - We believe public policy should be informed by data, evidence, and accurate information, and that policymakers should be transparent and accountable to the public. We do our work across three independent divisions—the MassINC Policy Center, our civic news organization CommonWealth Beacon, and our subsidiary company, The MassINC Polling Group. Our Mission MassINC’s mission is to
- [Search](https://massinc.org/search/)
- [Newsletters](https://massinc.org/newsletters/) - MassINC MassINC Matters – Bi-monthly Receive a round-up of all recent and upcoming outputs across MassINC: the Policy Center, CommonWealth Beacon, and The MassINC Polling Group. This newsletter features event invites, top news stories, research reports, and the latest polls. Policy Center Gateway Cities Journal – Bi-weekly Receive updates on current MassINC initiatives, policy issues,
- [Contact Us](https://massinc.org/contact-us/) - We are located at 11 Beacon Street, Suite 500 in Boston, MA 02108. The best way to contact us is through email. Please send your message to general@massinc.org. Our phone number is 617-742-6800. Please note that our phone line will direct you to send an email to general@massinc.org . Our voicemail is only monitored weekly.

## Events

- [How Massachusetts Sees AI: Approaches and Opportunities](https://massinc.org/events/how-massachusetts-sees-ai-approaches-and-opportunities/) - On Monday, July 20, from 9:00–10:30 AM at the UMass Club, the MassINC Polling Group will present new statewide polling on Massachusetts voters’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence, including how residents are using AI in their everyday lives, how they weigh its opportunities against its risks, and what role they believe state policymakers should play as
- [Greg Bialecki Leadership Seminar Kickoff Reception](https://massinc.org/events/greg-bialecki-leadership-seminar-kickoff-reception/) - MassINC invites friends, partners, and Gateway City leaders to a reception celebrating the launch of the Greg Bialecki Gateway Cities Leadership Seminar. As Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Greg Bialecki worked to create opportunities for communities, businesses, and residents across the Commonwealth to thrive, with a particular focus on realizing the potential of
- [Voices from Home: The State of Homeownership in Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/events/voices-from-home-the-state-of-homeownership-in-massachusetts/) - What benefits, barriers, and opportunities are homeowners in Massachusetts facing today? This webinar will present new research The Boston Foundation and the MassINC Polling Group that explores the experiences of homeowners across income levels, race, age, and region. These findings cover a variety of topics, such as what drives people’s satisfaction with owning a home;
- [An Uncertain Future: How the Immigration Crackdown Threatens MA’s Labor Force](https://massinc.org/events/an-uncertain-future-how-the-immigration-crackdown-threatens-mas-labor-force/) - A timely discussion on a new Boston Indicators and MassINC Policy Center report examining how the immigration crackdown threatens Massachusetts’ labor force and why immigrants remain essential to the region’s economic future.
- [Shaping the Next Chapter for Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/events/shaping-the-next-chapter-for-massachusetts/) - Join the Greg Torres Senior Fellows as they reflect on the issues facing Massachusetts and offer their hopes for the future.
- [CommonWealth Beacon Office Hours with Jordan Wolman](https://massinc.org/events/commonwealth-beacon-office-hours-with-jordan-wolman/) - Throughout March, CommonWealth Beacon is covering the tradeoffs confronting Massachusetts as it navigates a changing climate. Join us for a virtual session with Energy and Environment Reporter Jordan Wolman, whose reporting has tackled everything from the high cost of energy to the Trump administration’s opposition to wind power and the politics of deciding Massachusetts’s climate
- [One Year In: Massachusetts Nonprofits Charting a Way Forward](https://massinc.org/events/one-year-in-massachusetts-nonprofits-charting-a-way-forward/) - The Boston Foundation, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, and MassINC Polling Group invite you to the release of the second Massachusetts Nonprofits Federal Impacts Survey results, which help capture the impact of the past year’s disruptive federal policy actions on nonprofit organizations, their staff, and the communities they serve. Nonprofit leaders know the profound consequences all too well, as they
- [Beyond Programs: Regional Nonprofits as Architects of Systems Change for Educational Equity](https://massinc.org/events/beyond-programs-regional-nonprofits-as-architects-of-systems-change-for-educational-equity/) - Lessons from Teach Western Mass and the Pioneer Valley
- [Are Students Too Plugged In? What MA parents say about Artificial Intelligence (AI) + Technology](https://massinc.org/events/are-students-too-plugged-in-what-ma-parents-say-about-artificial-intelligence-ai-technology/) - Ed Trust in MA and the MassINC Polling Group release their latest K-12 parent poll.
- [MassINC 30th Anniversary Celebration](https://massinc.org/events/massinc-30th-anniversary-celebration/) - An evening celebrating 30 years of research, journalism, and the ideas that shape Massachusetts’ future.
- [Meet Executive Editor Michael Jonas](https://massinc.org/events/meet-executive-editor-michael-jonas/) - Join a virtual lunch chat to get an inside look of CommonWealth Beacon.
- [13th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit](https://massinc.org/events/gateway-cities-innovation-summit/) - 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
- [Fixing the Foundation Report Release](https://massinc.org/events/fixing-the-foundation-report-release/) - A new report reveals inequities in school facilities across Massachusetts and offers a blueprint to ensure every student has access to a safe, modern, and equitable learning environment.
- [The Access Equation: Providers, Hospitals, and Payers Shaping Heath Care](https://massinc.org/events/the-access-equation-providers-hospitals-and-payers-shaping-heath-care/) - How can collaboration among providers, payers, and policymakers close gaps and improve equitable health care access across Massachusetts?
- [The pull — and pain — of Boston street gangs](https://massinc.org/events/the-pull-and-pain-of-boston-street-gangs/) - A conversation exploring the era of violent Boston street gangs in the late 1980s to early1990s and lessons that can be drawn from it today.
- [Constructing the Future: Building Trades Report Release](https://massinc.org/events/constructing-the-future-a-building-trades-report-release/) - Our latest report on the skilled building trades workforce and its importance to the future of energy-efficient housing.
- [Five Years Later: Reflecting on the Legacy of George Floyd](https://massinc.org/events/five-years-later-reflecting-on-the-legacy-of-george-floyd/) - Local civic leaders and law enforcement reflect on a powerful community rally and renewed police pledge, united in their commitment to lasting peace and justice.
- [Reclaiming Vacant Property: Continuing the Conversation](https://massinc.org/events/reclaiming-vacant-property-continuing-the-conversation/) - A virtual follow-up to the Reclaiming Vacant Property Conference featuring expert answers to your questions and deeper discussion.
- [Voices of Experience: Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program](https://massinc.org/events/36423/) - Be among the first to explore the vivid findings from a new report leveraging surveys, focus groups and interviews to hear directly from tenants and landlords on their experiences with the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP).
- [The Shifting Federal Landscape: MA Nonprofits Raise the Alarm](https://massinc.org/events/the-shifting-federal-landscape-ma-nonprofits-raise-the-alarm/) - The Boston Foundation, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, and MassINC Polling Group invite you to the release of the MA Nonprofits Federal Impacts Survey results, with responses from over 500 nonprofit leader capturing nonprofit perceptions of the new administration's impact on their organizations and vulnerable communities.
- [No Man is an Island: The Collective Climate Challenge of Coastal Massachusetts](https://massinc.org/events/no-man-is-an-island-the-collective-climate-challenge-of-coastal-massachusetts/) - A moderated conversation on living and planning responsibly on the Cape and Islands, balancing today’s choices with the long-term realities of climate change.
- [Reclaiming Vacant Property Conference](https://massinc.org/events/reclaiming-vacant-property-conference/) - This gathering will bring together community leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to share ideas and strategies for transforming vacant properties into vibrant spaces to answer housing needs in Massachusetts.
- [School Centered Neighborhood Development](https://massinc.org/events/school-centered-neighborhood-development/) - A discussion on how Massachusetts cities can plan for vibrant urban neighborhoods with schools at the center.

## Categories

- [Update](https://massinc.org/updates/category/update/) - The latest releases, insights, events, and articles from across MassINC.
- [Research](https://massinc.org/updates/category/research/) - Browse research releases from the MassINC Policy Center.
- [Public Commentary](https://massinc.org/updates/category/public-commentary/) - Public commentary from MassINC experts.
- [Gateway Cities Journal](https://massinc.org/updates/category/newsletter/) - Catch up on the latest newsletters from across MassINC. Get our newsletters delivered to your inbox.
- [Announcement](https://massinc.org/updates/category/announcement/) - Organizational announcements from across MassINC.
- [Event](https://massinc.org/updates/category/event/)
- [Event Recap](https://massinc.org/updates/category/event-recap/)

## Tags

- [Criminal Justice](https://massinc.org/updates/topic/criminal-justice/)
- [Education](https://massinc.org/updates/topic/education/)
- [Housing](https://massinc.org/updates/topic/housing/)
- [Economic Development](https://massinc.org/updates/topic/economic-development/)
- [Transportation](https://massinc.org/updates/topic/transportation/)
- [TTOD](https://massinc.org/updates/topic/ttod/) - Transformative Transit-Oriented Development

## Teams

- [Policy Center](https://massinc.org/updates/team/policy-center/) - Research, events, and articles from the MassINC Policy Center, including the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute.
- [Polling Group](https://massinc.org/updates/team/polling-group/) - The latest surveys and releases from The MassINC Polling Group.
- [CommonWealth Beacon](https://massinc.org/updates/team/commonwealth-beacon/) - Operational updates from CommonWealth Beacon. For the latest news on Massachusetts policy, politics, and civic life visit commonwealthbeacon.org.
- [Gateway Cities](https://massinc.org/updates/team/gateway-cities/) - The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute works to unlock the economic potential of small to mid-size regional cities.