Policy Center
Research, events, and articles from the MassINC Policy Center, including the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute.
Explore Topics
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Gateway Cities Journal: Historic tax credit increase is a big win for Gateway City housing production
The Gateway Cities Journal
August 20, 2024
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Gateway Cities Journal: Gateway Cities need actionable strategies to expand access to ESOL services
The Gateway Cities Journal
July 26, 2024
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Massachusetts Needs an Actionable Strategy to Expand ESOL Services
Adults with limited English skills comprise one-tenth of the commonwealth’s workforce. This makes English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) services key to the Massachusetts economy.
July 24, 2024
- State and federal funding for ESOL services isn’t keeping pace in MA.
- There are just 5.4 vocational ESOL opportunities per 1,000 work-age LEP adults in MA, a third of the state’s capacity to provide ESOL instruction.
- Increasing English proficiency among working-age LEP adults in MA would generate $3 billion in additional annual earnings.
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MassINC Announces New Slate of Accomplished Civic Leaders to Join Board of Directors
New members bring diverse perspectives to 25-member board
July 15, 2024
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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.
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Community Capital for Small Businesses
A Study of the CDFI and CDC Ecosystem in Massachusetts
June 27, 2024
- Community development finance institutions (CDFIs) disproportionately serve the smallest and youngest businesses and those owned by underrepresented groups.
- Only 23% of CDFIs provide financing to small businesses. Most funding from CDFIs and community development corporations (CDCs) goes to the real estate sector.
- 32 states have CDFI funding programs, providing a model for how MA could establish stable and sustainable lending opportunities for small businesses.
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Gateway Cities Journal: Follow the lead of Gateway Cities on school integration
The Gateway Cities Journal
June 21, 2024
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Gateway Cities Journal: Like the Celtics, Gateway City legislators are working to finish strong
The Gateway Cities Journal
June 11, 2024
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Gateway Cities Journal: Summer preview—a sales tax holiday worth celebrating
The Gateway Cities Journal
May 24, 2024
