Tackling Smog and Congestion with TCI

Gateways Episode 30

Policy Center
Sep 3, 2019 Policy Center

Traffic congestion in Massachusetts has reached crisis proportions. And while some leaders and officials assure it’s a “symptom of success,” that explanation offers little solace to Bay Staters stuck in mind-numbing traffic everyday. To top it off, gas and diesel-burning cars, trucks, and trains dominate greenhouse

Opinion Analysis | Exploring how Massachusetts can raise revenue and fund investments

Recapping the Get Smart Forum in Cambridge

Policy Center
Aug 16, 2019 Policy Center

On June 13, 2019, leaders from business, transportation, and policy gathered in Cambridge for the Get Smart Forum to discuss how Massachusetts can raise revenue and fund investments in transportation. According to the Governor’s Commission on the Future of Transportation, our Gateway Cities rely on “Robust public and other transportation modes that connect burgeoning and

Emerging small businesses round out TOD in Merrimack Valley

Gateways Episode 27

Policy Center
Aug 7, 2019 Policy Center

In this episode of Gateways, Tracy is once again in the Merrimack Valley, this time exploring how small business development programs are shaping transit-oriented development. She starts in Lowell, where the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub has served as an incubator for budding tech companies

Opinion Analysis | Inclusive Economies come from Including People

EOHED MetroWest Engagement Session

Policy Center
Aug 6, 2019 Policy Center

On the morning of June 25th, Framingham State University hosted the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development’s (EOHED) final Engagement Session. This nine-stop, 1,200-participant tour is an early step in developing the Office’s four-year state economic development plan which will be presented to the Baker Administration at the end of the year. Meetings

Opinion Analysis | Massachusetts Has Climate Change Policy in the (Green) Works

Bill aims to help cities meet carbon reduction goals and provide infrastructure for climate change mitigation and resilience

Policy Center
Aug 1, 2019 Policy Center

On 18 June, 2019, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy held a hearing on Bill H.3846, “An Act Relative to GreenWorks.” Presented by Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr. of Middlesex, the bill proposes a bond authorization of $1.3 billion to be directed towards climate mitigation and adaptation strategies across the state. The bill

Finding Food, Friends and Good Health at Haverhill’s Farmers Market

Gateways Episode 26

Policy Center
Jul 30, 2019 Policy Center

In this episode of Gateways, Tracy takes us to Haverhill where we hear how a farmers market has transformed personal and public health through food, fun, and community connections. Market founder Jeff Grassie and Nate Robertson of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission walk us through the market and

The art of MART’s health and human services operation

Gateways Episode 25

Policy Center
Jul 23, 2019 Policy Center

This week Tracy digs into the health and human services (HHS) transportation operation at the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART). MART's HHS brokerage delivers more than 6 million rides to medical and healthcare appointments for residents in 70% of Massachusetts. How is the

Mass Housing Partnership: Transforming TOD through Affordable Housing

Gateways Episode 23

Policy Center
Jul 9, 2019 Policy Center

On this episode of Gateways, Tracy sits down with Susan Connelly, Director of Community Assistance and Strategic Partnerships at the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), a nonprofit organization that supports and finances affordable housing.

TOD Big and Small in Fall River

Gateways Episode 21

Policy Center
Jun 21, 2019 Policy Center

In this episode of Gateways, Tracy takes a walking tour in the heart of Fall River with private developer Alan Macomber and the city's executive director of community development, Mike Dion. Our guests explain Fall River's plans to connect downtown to its vibrant waterfront while creating more market rate

MetroWestRTA innovations spark transit-oriented development in Framingham

Gateways Episode 17

Policy Center
May 28, 2019 Policy Center

In this episode of Gateways, Tracy takes a tour of MetroWest Regional Transit Authority headquarters in Framingham. Led by MWRTA Administrator Ed Carr and 495/MetroWest Partnership Executive Director Paul Matthews, Tracy learns about all the MWRTA has been doing to revitalize parts of the city, protect pedestrians, maximize energy efficiency, and more.