The Senate budget debate next week could determine how competitive Gateway Cities will be in the post-pandemic economy. At a key moment when housing and transportation investments could help make these communities more attractive for an age of remote work, the danger of missing out on the opening and backsliding is real. Housing: Housing Development
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.
For the T, Equity is the train that got away
The Gateway Cities Journal
The MBTA presented a package of proposed fare reductions to its new governing board late last month. Billed as an effort to increase equity, it’s hard to see how the changes will do anything but prolong and perhaps even amplify current inequities.
MassINC 2022 Policy Priorities
MassINC has worked to promote public policy that creates equitable pathways to opportunity for over 25 years. In the months ahead, we anticipate historic opportunities to continue to advance our mission. Here is a brief snapshot of what you can currently expect from our Policy Center in 2022 across a range of topics.
Gateway City representatives introduce vital housing amendments
Gateway Cities Journal
As residential communities home to an outsized share of the state’s population, it is critical that we make the most out of this opportunity and fashion the housing investment in a manner that leads to meaningful improvements in Gateway City housing stock and neighborhoods.
A Make or Break Moment for Gateway City Renewal
Gateway Cities Journal
With all the eye-popping numbers flying around in relation to the stimulus bills, federal budget, and infrastructure deal, you might think our transportation woes are solved.
But down in the trenches, Massachusetts communities still lack many of the basic tools used around the country to control their own destiny.
Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Transportation
On low-income and zero-fare bills
The Honorable William Straus, House Chair The Honorable Joseph Boncore, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Transportation State House, Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 via email Dear Chairmen Straus and Boncore, On behalf of MassINC’s Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, I strongly urge you to expedite a favorable report on H. 3526, “An Act Relative to
Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Transportation
On transportation revenue bills
The Honorable William Straus, House Chair The Honorable Joseph Boncore, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Transportation State House, Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 via email RE: Support for new transportation revenue—local revenue tools are especially important to enable Gateway Cities and surrounding communities to solve their regional transit challenges – H. 3426 (Ciccolo) An