Governor Healey takes office at a pivotal moment. State government must deploy a deluge of federal resources from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The mandate to leverage this unprecedented investment to combat the commonwealth’s two most existential threats—climate change and rising inequality—has never
Diversity, competitiveness remain low in Mass. politics
The Gateway Cities Journal
In summary, electoral competitiveness remains at an all-time low and people of color continue to be underrepresented by similar margins.
Decline in local news spells trouble for cities
The Gateway Cities Journal
When local news coverage dwindles, citizens stop voting, serving on boards and commissions, and running for public office. The current pandemic of misinformation underscores the more immediate consequences of lost access to reliable news sources.
Resiliency in their DNA: Gateway Cities in the face of crisis
Gateways Episode 54
This week, Ben and Tracy look at how Gateway Cities are responding to the spread of coronavirus.
Local leadership in the face of Covid-19
The Gateway Cities Journal
Why regional ballot initiatives make sense for Massachusetts
The Gateway Cities Journal
The previous edition of our journal argued that regional ballot initiatives (RBIs) are a must-have tool if Massachusetts is going to move forward with transformative transportation investments. This position is supported by MassINC research dating back to 2010. As more and more regions around the country successfully wield RBIs to make 21-century transportation investments, the
Haverhill ponders pathways to a more inclusive future
The Gateway Cities Journal
At a time when division seems all pervasive, it's reassuring to visit Gateway Cities and find citizens engaging in difficult and potentially divisive issues in an entirely respectful and open-minded manner.
Exploring the Future of Public-Private Partnerships
Event Recap
Five big picture takeaways from a discussion on the future of public-private partnerships in Gateway Cities On Monday, May 6th, MassINC convened Gateway City mayors, economic development directors, educators, nonprofit executives, and business leaders for a meeting on the future of public-private partnerships. Hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank’s Working Cities Challenge team and with
An oversight board committed to improving criminal justice data and transparency
The MassCJRC Journal
Data and transparency are critical to securing the improvements in public safety that comprehensive criminal justice reform promises. If we want reform to take hold, we must be vigilant about making progress in these two areas. Over the past few months, there have been some unsettling signs. In July, strong provisions empowering an independent commission
Giving thanks to a pragmatic and hardworking legislature
On what a collection of leaders in Massachusetts was able to accomplish this fall
Leaders in both the House and Senate deserve praise for passing comprehensive criminal justice reform bills this fall. The legislature’s accomplishments are a positive departure from how criminal justice policymaking has unfolded in the past; for far too long, Massachusetts made criminal justice law by anecdote, often in response to a single sensational crime. As documented in a series of