The Senate budget debate next week could determine how competitive Gateway Cities will be in the post-pandemic economy. At a key moment when housing and transportation investments could help make these communities more attractive for an age of remote work, the danger of missing out on the opening and backsliding is real. Housing: Housing Development
Baker’s Seminal Economic Development Legislation
The Gateway Cities Journal
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.
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.
20 Gateway City Mayors and Managers Urge State to Fund Downtown Housing
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.
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.
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
Andre Leroux featured in the Boston Globe
Gateway Hubs Project Director Andre Leroux explains why free fare programs work in Gateway Cities in his letter to the editor at Boston Globe.
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.