The Public’s Take on Education Accountability

Results from a Survey of Massachusetts Voters

Ben Forman, Rich Parr and Steve Koczela
Understanding public opinion on education account- ability is crucial as policymakers work to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the 2015 federal law that replaces No Child Left Behind (NCLB). MassINC partnered with The MassINC Polling Group to learn more about how voters throughout the Commonwealth feel about efforts to assess student learning, measure read more
Topic(s): Education, Public Opinion, Research

Calling all Gateway City Leaders

An action Guide to Workforce Development Transformation in Massachusetts

Ben Forman
In Gateway City regions with an aging and under-skilled labor force, workforce development is an essential ingredient for future economic growth. This new “action guide” provides a helpful playbook for local leaders looking to engage in efforts to transform these systems. In plain English, the report breaks down workforce development to give municipal leaders a read more
Topic(s): Jobs and Economic Security, Strong Communities, Economic Development, Gateway Cities, Research

Rebuilding Renewal

An Analysis of State Investment in Gateway Cities and a Work Plan for Delivering Transformative Development

Ben Forman, Dan Hodge, Ian Jakus and Matthew O'Brien
Over the last decade, Massachusetts has fundamentally shifted its understanding of the needs and opportunities of small-to-medium-sized cities anchoring the Commonwealth’s regional economies. The state now places considerable priority on efforts to make these so-called Gateway Cities stronger drivers of growth. But, despite this focus, economic conditions in Gateway Cities remain fundamentally weak. As recent read more
Topic(s): Economic Development, Gateway Cities, Research

Harnessing the Power of Data for Justice Reinvestment in Massachusetts

Ben Forman and Joe Farrell
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 read more
Topic(s): Criminal Justice, Research

Mounting an Evidence-Based Criminal Justice Response to Substance Abuse and Drug Offending in Massachusetts

Ben Forman, Jonathan Jones and Abigail Hiller
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 read more
Topic(s): Criminal Justice, Research

Reducing Recidivism in Massachusetts with a Comprehensive Reentry Strategy

Jonathan Jones and Ben Forman
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 read more
Topic(s): Criminal Justice, Research

Viewing Justice Reinvestment Through a Developmental Lens

New approaches to reducing young adult recidivism in Massachusetts

Ben Forman and Sarah Yee
Residents ages 18 to 24 are the most likely demographic to find their way into Massachusetts prisons and the quickest to return to them upon release. Innovative models to serve justice-involved young adults have enormous potential to reduce recidivism. These new approaches are also central to increasing public safety in high-crime neighborhoods, where young adults read more
Topic(s): Criminal Justice, Research

Leading Together

Four Case Studies of Successful Gateway City Initiatives

Ben Forman and Amy Dain
Responding to the challenges brought about by industrial change requires strong leadership, but the changes themselves have eroded the leadership capacity of Gateway Cities. Corporate consolidation leaves fewer committed private sector leaders with a long-term vision at the civic table. The rapid pace of economic change creates more residential turnover. Declining household income means residents read more
Topic(s): Strong Communities, Gateway Cities, Research

Leading Together

Developing a Fresh Generation Of Civic Leaders in Worcester

Ben Forman and Amy Dain
Research suggests collaborative leadership is a key distinction between comeback cities and those still struggling to tran­sition to the new economy. This raises the fundamental question: how do cities prepare the next generation of civic leaders to work together effectively? Studies show collaborative leadership thrives in cities where citizens trust their government, are engaged in read more
Topic(s): Gateway Cities, Research

Leading Together

The Holyoke Safe and Successful Youth Initiative Case Study

Ben Forman and Amy Dain
The Holyoke SSYI Program is a powerful example of how successful Gateway City initiatives fuse leaders and leadership styles together to overcome stubborn challenges. SSYI is a carefully coordinated effort to reach the community’s most difficult to reach young men—those who are “proven-risk” for violence. Making the most of a new state grant program, Holyoke read more
Topic(s): Education, Gateway Cities, Research
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