Week 1: Charting our course

MassINC was formed in 1996 by leaders deeply concerned about the future of the state’s middle class. They believed that our strength as a commonwealth hinges on the well-being of those in the middle because broadly shared prosperity fosters optimism in the economy and commitment to our civic institutions, a self-fulfilling confidence of sorts that

Columbus Partnership director shares “secret sauce for success”

At Gateway City gathering on private economic development organizations 

MassINC released new research on the role of private nonprofit economic development organizations in Gateway City growth and renewal at event held in Lawrence on December 8th. Co Hosted with the Lawrence Partnership and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, the forum brought together business and economic development leaders from across the state.

MPG’s Steve Koczela testifies on Regional Ballots for Transportation

This morning MPG President Steve Koczela testified before the Joint Committee on Revenue regarding public support for regional ballots for transportation. The Committee was considering a bill sponsored by State Sen. Ben Downing (S.B. 1474), which would allow cities, towns and regions to place local taxes to fund transportation projects before the voters as ballot

Going for Growth

Promoting Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Massachusetts Gateway Cities

This policy brief explores opportunities to leverage the energy immigrant-owned businesses bring to Gateway Cities as an economic development strategy. Immigrant-owned shops are already revitalizing downtowns in Gateway Cities across the state. These small storefront businesses could become launching pads to larger enterprises, providing an even greater contribution to local and regional economic development. But

Transformative Redevelopment

Strategic State Policy for Gateway City Growth and Renewal

Transformative redevelopment describes public and private financial support for projects that catalyze signifi­cant follow-on private investment, leading over time to the transformation of an entire downtown or urban neighbor­hood. This approach seeks to repair weak real estate mar­kets where development costs outweigh returns, creating a gap that impedes the flow of private investment; it contrasts

BIDs strengthened in new jobs bill

Downtown revitalization efforts are getting a boost in the Jobs Bill passed last month by the Legislature. The law seeks to increase infrastructure investment, facilitate growth of new and existing businesses, and streamline the permitting process. Perhaps the most important change the legislation offers is stronger Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). BIDs are special zones in

The positive fiscal impact of historic tax credits

For economic development spending, the Holy Grail is a program that pays for itself. This can happen when a state outlay generates economic activity leading to increased tax collections. In a recent analysis of the state historic tax credit for the Urban Land Institute, Ted Carmen shows that there’s a good shot that the state’s historic

Immigrant entrepreneurs for growth and renewal

A recent report by the Small Business Administration highlights the role of immigrant entrepreneurs in the American economy. The study shows immigrants are more likely to form and own businesses. While the findings suggest immigrant-owned businesses have lower revenues and fewer employees on average, they are more likely to export products. During the Great Recession,

Boston Society of Architects Explores Placemaking in Gateway Cities

BSA’s Placemaking Network – co-chaired by Christina Lanzl (director of MassArt’s Urban Arts Institute) and Robert Tullis (director of design at GID Urban Development) – hosted a lively discussion on how state policy can support development in Gateway Cities that builds and reinforces their authentic urban fabric.   Click here for Ben Forman’s presentation to the
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