In this issue...

• Housing Committee Meeting July 15th: Accessory Dwelling Units

• Water Resources Committee Meeting July 23rd
  
• In Case You Missed It: Strength in Numbers 2026 & New Community Profiles

• BioNexus: Massachusetts Biotechnology & Biomanufacturing Program 

• Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerator Program 

Housing Committee Meeting July 15th:

Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have emerged as one of the most widely discussed strategies for expanding housing opportunities in suburban communities while preserving neighborhood character. Following recent changes to Massachusetts law intended to facilitate ADU construction, to what extent are homeowners pursuing these units, and how are cities and towns adapting? Join the 495/MetroWest Partnership's Housing Committee for a discussion examining early implementation across the region, exploring emerging trends in ADU development, lessons learned from local experience, and what communities may expect in the years ahead. This event will be held virtually on Wednesday, July 15th at 9:00 AM; click here to register.

Water Resources Committee Meeting July 23rd

The Water Resources Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, July 23rd at 9:00 AM to discuss regional approaches to addressing long-term water and wastewater infrastructure needs. The meeting will examine an emerging intermunicipal effort among several 495/MetroWest communities to evaluate the financial feasibility of shared water supply solutions and explore how regional collaboration may help municipalities address aging infrastructure, increasing regulatory requirements, future housing and economic development needs, and long-term system resilience. Join us for a timely discussion of one of the region's most significant infrastructure planning initiatives; click here to register.

In Case You Missed It:

Strength in Numbers 2026 & New Community Profiles

The 495/MetroWest Partnership has published our 2026 Strength in Numbers update, as well as our annual Community Profiles!

Strength in Numbers is a single-sheet overview of the 495/MetroWest region from an economic standpoint, which puts numbers behind our region's clear case for doing business here:

1. The talent pool: A highly skilled, educated workforce.
2. More affordable commercial and industrial real estate than Boston or Cambridge.
3. All of the advantages of Massachusetts, with more talent and less cost.

Click here to access our 2026 Strength in Numbers update!

Each year, the Partnership also publishes economic and demographic profiles of each of our 37 cities and towns. Data points presented in each community profile include population changes, educational attainment, commuting patterns, housing information, occupations and industries, and more. 

Our 2026 Community Profiles are now available! Click the respective link below to access the 2026 Community Profile for that city or town.

• Acton
• Ashland
• Bellingham
• Berlin
• Bolton
• Boxborough
• Foxborough
• Framingham
• Franklin
• Grafton
• Harvard
• Holliston
• Hopedale
• Hopkinton
• Hudson
• Littleton
• Mansfield
• Marlborough
• Maynard
• Medfield
• Medway
• Milford
• Millis
• Natick
• Norfolk
• Northborough
• Plainville
• Sherborn
• Shrewsbury
• Southborough
• Stow
• Sudbury
• Upton
• Wayland
• Westborough
• Westford
• Wrentham

BioNexus: Massachusetts Biotechnology &

Biomanufacturing Program 

The Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) is launching the BioNexus program, a statewide initiative supporting the growth of Massachusetts’ biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors by connecting them to U.S. Army priorities. The program aims to expand industry partnerships and accelerate lab-to-impact innovation across the life sciences ecosystem to address 10 defense-defined research challenges. The program, in partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), offers up to $3 million in Year 1 funding for eligible applicants, including businesses, universities, and research organizations.

The BioNexus application process is spread over two phases: Eligible applicants must first submit a white paper between by July 17th. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal on August 3rd, which are due by September 3rd. Click here for more information and to access the application.

Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerator Program

The MassTech Collaborative’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) is administering the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerator Program, designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers strengthen operations and prepare for future growth. Selected companies receive third-party assessments to identify high-impact capital investments and may be eligible for grants of up to $300,000 for equipment purchases. Participants also gain access to peer learning opportunities, expert guidance, workshops, and resources across the Massachusetts manufacturing ecosystem. Click here to access the application.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the 495/MetroWest Partnership can be of any assistance to you:

Jason Palitsch, Executive Director

(774) 760-0495

Jason@495Partnership.org

Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.