In February 2007 MassINC published a landmark report, Reinventing Massachusetts Gateway Cities. The report describes the challenges facing 11 old industrial mill cities as they redefine their role in the 21st century post-industrial economy. But what started as a research report soon became a “movement” as mayors, legislators, and community leaders banded together to propose new ideas for renewal and revitalization. It’s good to see our research having an impact. Since the first Gateway Cities report, we’ve published three Going for Growth policy briefs (links here) providing a more in-depth look at the issues affecting old mill cities, including access to financial services in Gateway Cities, the subject of our most recent brief. As a complement to major research reports, these briefs describe smart, evidence-based approaches to help Gateway Cities realize their promise in the Commonwealth’s 21st Century economy. We think you will find them useful.
Greg Torres Ben Forman President, Publisher of CommonWealth Research Director
Next Stop: A National Summit on the Future of Transit May 18, 2010
The National Transit Summit brings together practitioners and policymakers, environmentalists and industry leaders to exchange ideas and forge a practical agenda for improving our transit systems and financing their sustainability to meet society’s needs now and for the future. To RSVP, please send an email to kmillios@massinc.org with your name, organziation, email and phone number.
Pawn shops, check cashing operations, and unscrupulous tax preparers cost residents – and their struggling communities – millions.
Cash-strapped MBTA will not provide weekend bus service during tie replacement shutdown. Continue Reading