New MPG Poll: Worcester-area residents back fare-free buses

70% want to see the program extended for a 5th year; riders say they will ride less if fares return

As the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) weighs the future of fare-free bus service, a new poll of the region finds that seven-in-ten residents support continuing the 4-year-old policy. A majority (54%) strongly support continuing free fares. And nearly half of current riders surveyed say they would ride the bus less (26%) or stop riding altogether (19%)

First take: Gov. Healey’s economic development bill

The Gateway Cities Journal

There’s a lot to like in Governor Healey’s economic development bill. The wide-ranging law includes several smart provisions on issues that matter to Gateway Cities, most notably, small business and inclusive entrepreneurship. But there are also some missing components, and big existential questions about our Commonwealth’s priorities and needs that merit reflection, as the bill

New Bedford’s leadership on housing is a model for Gateway Cities

The Gateway Cities Journal

A new analysis of local and regional housing needs by New Bedford’s Regeneration Project marks an inflection point in the statewide housing crisis. Produced by MassINC, this in-depth report provides insight into rapidly escalating housing costs, and actions that private and public sector leaders in Greater New Bedford can take to get to the root

It’s cold outside, but things are heating up fast on Beacon Hill

The Gateway Cities Journal

The legislature is back for the final six months of the 2023-2024 session, and the FY 2025 budget process is in full swing. On Wednesday, Gov. Healey presented her second budget. While managing through the first difficult fiscal year in a long time, the administration’s blueprint makes bold investments in Gateway Cities. Here’s a quick

Gateway City mayors show collective support on several bills

With the February 7th Joint Rule 10 deadline for reporting bills out of committee approaching, Gateway City mayors voice collective support for the Downtown Vitality Act, the Affordable Homes Act, and a bill making smart investments in regional transit agencies.   Re: H.228/S.130– An Act to Promote Downtown Vitality Dear Chairs McMurtry and Payano, and

Sec. Augustus hits stride with new plans and policies to combat the housing crisis

The Gateway Cities Journal

With housing front and center for state leaders in 2024, MassINC’s policy team hosted Housing Sec. Ed Augustus for a virtual discussion with Gateway City leaders. Participants included 15 mayors and managers along with 60 senior municipal staff representing 23 municipalities. Highlights of the discussion: “Do more, quicker.” Augustus said Gov. Healey charged his team

Rockin’ Around the MassINC Tree

Our 2023 Year-End Wrap-Up

To all of our partners, supporters, subscribers, and friends – thank you for a wonderful 2023!   Rockin’ around the MassINC tree It’s the year-end wrap up song Data’s all out where you can see You can follow right along! Rockin’ around the MassINC tree Did you see the new survey? Another stat from MPG And we

Event Recap | 11th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit

Event recognizes Gateway City clean energy efforts and presents strategies on building decarbonization and transportation in Gateway Cities

On November 14th, the 11th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards and Summit brought municipal officials together with experts on renewable energy, housing, and transportation to explore the pivotal role that our regional urban centers will play steering the commonwealth’s transition to a clean energy future. With Fitchburg State University graciously hosting us, the event

GC Journal: Gov, Legislature deliver big for Gateway Cities

The Gateway Cities Journal

Wednesday, Governor Healey signed into law a tax cut package negotiated by the House and Senate that includes some big wins for Gateway City residents, businesses, and investors. Most notably, An Act to improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equity (H.4104) includes a longstanding MassINC policy recommendation to scale up the wildly successful Housing Development
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