The Gateway Cities Champion Award is made annually to recognize leaders who display exceptional commitment to the advancement of innovative public policies that support the growth and renewal of the Commonwealth's Gateway Cities.

Our two inaugural recipients of the award exemplify what committed leadership at the highest levels of state government can achieve for our urban communities. Governor Patrick and Speaker DeLeo have both displayed the vision and foresight to see our Gateway Cities as economic engines in the Commonwealth's regional economies and they've doubled down on that conviction with real investments that have made these communities better places to live and work.

Throughout his administration, Governor Patrick has shown a strong commitment to supporting Gateway City revitalization. His leadership in the field of education has been particularly bold. From the state's successful Race to the Top grant to the 2010 Innovation Schools Law, Patrick administration policies have spurred tremendous innovation in Gateway City districts. The administration's 2011 Gateway Cities Education Agenda, and funding for the plan in every subsequent state budget request, have provided millions of dollars to help Gateway City schools implement new learning models and better serve disadvantaged students.