Prepared in partnership with Lawyers for Civil Rights, this study surveys the landscape for inclusive municipal procurement in Massachusetts. The analysis reveals large racial and ethnic disparities in public contracting and surfaces changes in state law that will empower cities to implement effective supplier diversity policies. Building on a 2021 MassINC report highlighting the economic imperative to support
Positioning Gateway City leaders to take the lead on digital equity
The Gateway Cities Journal
While leaders responded to their residents’ most acute digital equity needs during the pandemic, the issue appears to be receding among the many competing challenges facing Gateway Cities. We can’t allow this to fall out of sight again, especially with half a billion dollars from the federal infrastructure bill coming to Massachusetts to help communities implement durable solutions.
Committee’s ED bill is a big deal for Gateway Cities and equitable economic growth
The Gateway Cities Journal
Learn what the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies' Economic Development bill means for HDIP and inclusive entrepreneurship in Gateway Cities.
This is the moment to make transformative investments
The Gateway Cities Journal
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ben Forman offers testimony to Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
On An Act to Promote Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Economic Justice
Ben Forman testifies in support of S.270/H. 505 in the hopes that it will be of value as legislators work to position the Commonwealth for strong economic recovery.
Event Recap | Ninth Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards and Summit
Infrastructure for Equitable Economic Growth
On Thursday, September 30th, MassINC hosted its Ninth Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards and Summit. During this annual event, a panel of experts explored how Gateway Cities can leverage infrastructure investment to grow businesses owned by people of color and build stronger regional economies.