This is the moment to make transformative investments

The Gateway Cities Journal

Policy Center
Jun 9, 2022 Policy Center

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.

Senate budget lacks funds for TDI

Other Gateway City priorities get a boost

Policy Center
May 22, 2017 Policy Center

Last week, the Senate released its fiscal year 2018 Ways and Means Budget recommendation. The Senate proved to be a leader on line items supported by the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus, including Regional Transit Authorities, dual enrollment, Community College workforce grants, and adult basic education. However, there was one notable absences. The Senate budget proposal did

Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus

Talks TDI and other FY 2018 budget priorities

Policy Center
Apr 13, 2017 Policy Center

The Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus met today, led by co-chairs Rep. Antonio Cabral and Sen. Eric Lesser, to discuss budget priorities and proposed amendments. A small victory for Gateway Cities came with the return of the English Language Learner’s in Gateway Cities line item (7009-6400). The program, which began with $3.2 million is FY 2013,

The Gateway Cities Journal

Providing opportunities for all

Policy Center
Feb 2, 2016 Policy Center

Governor Baker introduced a major economic development package last week. Reading the tea leaves, one conclusion can be drawn for sure: the administration is serious about empowering its leaders to put forward bold ideas. Line by line, the legislation reflects the energy and insight for which Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash is

The Gateway Cities Journal

Rebuilding Gateway Cities for growth and renewal

Policy Center
Jan 22, 2016 Policy Center

Revitalizing real estate in our Gateway Cities is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Chelsea and Chicopee, Peabody and Pittsfield, Salem and Springfield, and the 20 other urban centers that fit this category have diverse needs, populations, and visions for transforming their industrial past into the innovative future. That diversity requires a multi-pronged strategy. With that in

Explore research reports

MassINC is a key partner to the Boston Foundation, and all of us who are seeking to advance the regional conversation around economic opportunity and a strong quality of life for all. MassINC's robust, nonpartisan research is exactly what our citizens and leaders need to make good decisions.

Paul Grogan, Former President of The Boston Foundation
I watch my inbox for CommonWealth magazine’s Daily Download. I can count on the newsletter to tell me succinctly what’s happening in politics and public policy. The magazine itself always delivers in-depth news, analysis and commentary. It's simply outstanding, quality journalism. I am happy to support unbiased reporting through my participation in Citizens Circle.

Helen Chin Schlichte Former Public Administrator; President Emeritus, South Cove Manor at Quincy Point
MassINC's long-term dedication to Gateway Cities makes them a valuable resource to all of our communities. They are a true thought partner. They go the distance to help others appreciate our unique opportunities, needs, and perspectives.

Tim McGourthy Chief Financial Officer, City of Worcester
MassINC serves as a credible, thoughtful resource for all of us who are invested in the future of the Commonwealth. Its emphasis on careful analysis that is grounded in data, research, and polling makes an important contribution to and helps elevate the conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Trevor Pollack, Manager of Special Projects for the Barr Foundation
The potential of Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities is limitless. MassINC’s dedicated work in promoting these cities has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in their individual and collective success.

Jay Ash
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development and former chair of the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute
MassINC has always provided research showing the detrimental impact of the state’s unforgiving criminal justice system on our communities. Their polling confirmed that the public understood the need for change in our system. That criminal justice reform is at the forefront of bipartisan local and national debates today is in no small measure due to MassINC’s persistent and fair commitment to the issue.

Juliette Kayyem Faculty Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Founder Kayyem Solutions LLC
Through my partnership with MassINC, the Building On What Works Coalition is working to unite a diverse collection of civic leaders around an urgent call to encourage the state to act on the progress that has been made ensuring all children in Massachusetts have a true chance to succeed in the state’s economy. MassINC’s research and commitment to data driven public policy are helping to give the children of Massachusetts a better education.

Kim Driscoll Mayor of Salem
MassINC's work with the Gateway Cities is unmatched. As Eastern Bank strives to help businesses in these communities thrive, MassINC has been a tremendous partner, providing data-driven research and affirming that these cities are full of opportunities.

Bob Rivers Chairman and CEO of Eastern Bank
When MassINC speaks, it’s well worth listening. After all, the nonpartisan think tank has established itself as a thoughtful, careful, credible voice on public policy in Massachusetts.

Scot Lehigh Boston Globe Op-Ed Columnist
Few organizations in the country have better understood the important role of governance reform and accountability in education policy and economic development than MassINC.

Bruce Katz Former Vice President and Founding Director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at The Brookings Institution
[MassINC's] understanding of the complexity of the challenges facing the state’s older cities, its belief in the opportunities that present themselves in those communities, and its advocacy of the role that public higher education can and should play in them, has added to the understanding that policy makers need to have as they move our state toward the future.

Jean MacCormack

Why support massinc?

Reason #7

We enjoy what we do.

Whether it’s planning events, conducting research, or analyzing the news, our team works on projects that we’re passionate about.
Reason #6

We develop leaders.

Former MassINC employees have gone on to work at reputable organizations like Harvard University, Boston University, City Year, EnerNOC, and Governor Baker’s office.
Reason #5

We stick with it.

Our work on transformative development, which uses public and private funding for projects to revitalize an entire downtown or urban neighborhood, began as Policy Center research report in 2013. A year later, the state legislature passed a bill funding transformative development projects across Massachusetts.
Reason #4

We are nonpartisan.

Our Board of Directors includes prominent Massachusetts Democrats and Republicans. We are interested people’s ideas, not which side of the aisle they sit on.
Reason #3

We have a complete toolbox.

We aren’t just a think tank. We bring nonpartisan research, civic engagement, journalism, and independent polling together under one roof.
Reason #2

We have state-wide reach.

We know that Beacon Hill isn’t the only place to make progress. We’re on the ground in cities across the state working with local leaders.
Reason #1

We have unique networks.

We use our connections to bring together a cross-section of diverse leaders to solve problems. Our networks include mayors, economic development directors, superintendents, business people, newspaper editors, arts leaders, and regional transit officials.

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