Gateway Cities
The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute works to unlock the economic potential of small to mid-size regional cities.
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Event Recap: The 12th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit
On Thursday, November 14th, over 250 attendees came together in Worcester for our 12th annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit. Leaders and community members from across the state participated in a dynamic day of discussion and reflection focused on efforts to address housing challenges.
November 14, 2024
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2024 Gateway Cities Housing Monitor
To recover from an affordable housing crisis that has been decades in the making, Massachusetts needs Gateway City housing markets to produce new homes in line with increasing demand.
November 14, 2024
- Over the next ten years, Gateway Cities should aim for the creation of 83,000 additional housing units.
- Meeting the housing production goal requires doubling the pace of housing production compared to the previous 10 years.
- Increasing housing production will require robust state and local partnerships to overcome financial and regulatory barriers.
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District Management for Downtown Vitality
Commercial districts need a high volume of foot traffic to support thriving small businesses. Supplemental district management services can dramatically increase this pedestrian activity.
June 27, 2024
- District management organizations (DMOs) encourage thriving local commercial districts for small businesses to flourish.
- DMOs require an annual operating budget of between $200,000 – $700,000 depending on the district size. Increased state funding could ease the operating gap DMOs typically face.
- Between now and 2030, cohorts of 5 large DMOs could be supported each year starting at $500,000 and peaking at $5.5 million annually. These DMOs could general $13 million annually for local revitalization.