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.
The House doubles down on Early College expansion
The Gateway Cities Journal
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 Cities Look to Fuel Early College Expansion in the FY 23 State Budget
The Gateway Cities Journal
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.
Preliminary Thoughts on a 2022 Equitable Economic Development Bill
The Gateway Cities Journal
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.
Preliminary Thoughts on ARPA 2.0
The Gateway Cities Journal
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.
For the T, Equity is the train that got away
The Gateway Cities Journal
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.
‘Twas the week before Christmas…
Gateway Cities Journal
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
Gateway Cities Journal
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
Gateway Cities Journal
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.
Gateway City representatives introduce vital housing amendments
Gateway Cities Journal
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.