January 29, 2023 SUBARBS ARE getting the lion’s share of the blame for Massachusetts’ colossal failure to produce housing. While their overtly exclusionary practices certainly merit a stronger response, myopically focusing on restrictive suburban zoning distracts from an equally pressing problem – the lack of residential investment in Gateway Cities. The commonwealth’s regional urban centers
Tis’ the season for social infrastructure
The Gateway Cities Journal
A few days after MassINC unveiled a new report on the crucial role of social infrastructure for urban vitality and resilience, Groundwork Lawrence brought the concept to life at its annual Glow Gala. The event took place in Youth Development Organization’s new space at Everett Mills. The historic building spans four blocks along the edge of downtown Lawrence.
Event Recap | 10th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit
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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:
Bravo to Lesser and Driscoll!
The Gateway Cities Journal
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For the Gateway Cities movement, the race for Lt. Governor was by far the most notable among Tuesday’s primaries. While many believe the position has little import, the LG’s office has established itself as a meaningful envoy to Gateway Cities across the state in recent years. Both Lt. Gov. Murray and Lt. Gov. Polito spent
50 Gateway City economic development leaders write to state legislators for HDIP
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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)
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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
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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
20 Gateway City Mayors and Managers Urge State to Fund Downtown Housing
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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 are Part of Solution to Mass. Segregation
Ben Forman featured in Banker & Tradesman
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Research Director Ben Forman offers an effective housing strategy to address economic segregation in Massachusetts public schools in this Banker & Tradesman piece.
MassINC 2022 Policy Priorities
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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.