Last week the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus and MassINC's Gateway Cities Innovation Institute organized a forum examining the public policy initiatives required to generate economic growth and reinvigorate the fiscal capacity of Massachusetts' legacy urban centers. To all those who took the time to attend, thank you.
The forum proved to be a terrific opportunity for elected officials, city planners and developers to discuss how House Bill 311 will provide tools to leverage private investment and generate renewed prosperity in our Gateway City communities. These tools include a new Gateway Cities Transformative Development Fund at MassDevelopment and important changes to existing tax incentives.
Maintaining this bill's legislative momentum over the next several months is critical. Please support the efforts of the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus by reaching out to your elected officials to express support for H.311. With your help, we will achieve the transformative development we know our Gateway Cities need.
- Antonio F.D. Cabral, State Representative, Thirteenth Bristol District;
House Chair, Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus
HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Banker & Tradesman reports on the Gateway Cities effort to advance a transformative development agenda.
Gateway City Working Cities Challenge teams roll up their sleeves for a full-day learning community session in Fitchburg.
MassDevelopment assists the city of Worcester by providing $16.2 million to help revitalize downtown by renovating the former home of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
The Worcester Business Journal reports on a study recently published by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. The study illustrates Worcester's economic position as prime for attracting new "industry clusters" in the area. Public policy expert, Barry Bluestone, touts the potential Worcester has for success and how the city is "doing everything right."
Developers in Worcester are confident that any housing units built will easily be filled with renters already looking to move into the area.
The Patriot Ledger gives the low down on the status of Quincy's redevelopment plan after the loss of Street-Works. Mayor Thomas Koch is courting new developers for the downtown revitalization project.
Next Step Living, in partnership with New Bedford Energy Now, helps New Bedford homeowners transition to solar power.
Due diligence: Changchun Railway Company tours Springfield and puts in a visit to Putnam Vocational School as they consider a $30 million investment in a railroad car factory. The Republican looks at the Changchun factory, MGM casino, construction on I-91 and Union Station and asks, is the city poised for a renaissance?
Our devoted Gateway City colleague Theresa Park leaves the Lowell economic development team to take on a new role with the City of Lawrence. We wish her the best of luck.
TRANSPORTATION
Malden's pedestrian upgrades are recognized for increasing the walkability of the city.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is set to begin construction on a $1.45 million project in Holyoke that will hopefully ease traffic congestion.
Worcester receives recognition from Governor Deval Patrick for making the city's bus fleet go electric.
Fall River hosts the Fourth Annual South Coast Bike Summit. New Bedford elected officials discuss the future of bike paths throughout the city and the region.
Transportation for Massachusetts releases a new report on the state's progress with transportation finance.
EDUCATION
The Republican reports on the South Coast Gateway Cities Education Vision at UMass Dartmouth.
Worcester Telegram columnist Clive McFarlane argues for the Gateway Cities Education Vision as a roadmap toward a community-wide approach to learning.
State education officials head to Holyoke to offer a primer on the PARCC test.
Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi is looking to tighten the belt on the School Budget for FY15 by $1 million dollars.
The Markman's Children's Program of Attleboro receives a $50,000 Child Care Quality Fund grant.
YMCA Early Childhood Education and School-Age Childcare Programs received a $50k grant to expand their programs. A portion of these funds will be directed to the Gateway Cities of Fall River and New Bedford.
Ed Augustus says he's returning to Holy Cross in October after filling in as Worcester city manger for nine months.
The Lynn City Council is considering giving Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy - and themselves - pay raises, the Item reports.
Attorney General candidate Warren Tolman visits Taunton to make the community aware of his plan to address opiate use problems.
Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr. endorses Steve Kerrigan for Lieutenant Governor.
POLITICS/GOVERNANCE
Representative Kevin Murphy is named the new Lowell city manager.
Ed Augustus says he's returning to Holy Cross in October after filling in as Worcester city manger for nine months.
Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, who makes $82,500 a year, wants a pay raise,the Item reports. The city council puts off a hearing on the mayoral pay raise and, as a result, is forced to cut the salaries of its members.
Candidate for Attorney General, Warren Tolman visits Taunton to make the community aware of his plan to address opiate use problems.
CASINOS
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno filed a brief with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court arguing against the ballot initiative that would halt the state's expanded gaming law.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy believes that the casino in Revere would help revitalize downtown Lynn. Municipal leaders from the region meet to discuss their support for the project this past week.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, along with seven city councilors, request more time from the state Gaming Commission on casino applications. Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan takes a different stance by requesting that the state Gaming Commission not extend the deadline for applications.
Mohegan Sun, vying for a casino license in Revere, agrees to partner with seven performing arts centers in the state to make sure they aren't adversely affected by the new gaming venues. Lowell Memorial Auditorium is one of the venues.
STORIES OF THE WEEK
The Lowell Sun's Katie Lannan (@katielannan) captures the power of immigrant entrepreneurs in the city's Cambodia Town business community. The story features MassINC's recent report on immigrant entrepreneurship as a Gateway City economic development strategy. Reporting for the Standard Times, Simon Rios provides a colorful portrait of the rise in immigrant-owned bodegas in New Bedford.
