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More Community Corner 11 cities sign 'Gateway Compact'
Eleven of the state’s midsize cities have established an informal alliance to promote an economic development strategy tailored to the needs of regions beyond the immediate Boston area.
Mayors or city managers from eight of the 11 cities – Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester – attended a ceremony at the Old State House in Boston on May 19 to sign what is called the “Gateway Cities Compact for Community and Economic Development.”
The compact grew out of a report issued last year by MassINC and the Brookings Institute, “Reconnecting Massachusetts Gateway Cities: Lessons Learned and an Agenda for Renewal.” Noting the historic role of cities such as Lawrence and Fall River as a gateway for foreign workers, the report described how these cities have failed to fully share in the “knowledge economy” that has transformed the Boston area over the past several decades.
The compact calls for new strategies to promote job growth and deal with housing and labor force issues, as well as a strengthened partnership with state government.
“We see a benefit for the entire commonwealth, relative to these cities being catalysts” for economic development, said former Fall River Mayor Ed Lambert, one of the speakers at the signing ceremony.
“Nobody begrudges Greater Boston for its success, but we feel the commonwealth can be a healthier place if the resources are spread more equitably.”
Lt. Gov. Tim Murray described the compact as consistent with the Patrick administration’s efforts to promote economic growth in all regions of the state. Referring to the half-dozen state legislators who attended the ceremony, Murray said, “They understand it’s our cities that drive the state economy.”
More Community Corner 11 cities sign 'Gateway Compact'
11 cities sign 'Gateway Compact'
Eleven of the state’s midsize cities have established an informal alliance to promote an economic development strategy tailored to the needs of regions beyond the immediate Boston area.
Mayors or city managers from eight of the 11 cities – Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester – attended a ceremony at the Old State House in Boston on May 19 to sign what is called the “Gateway Cities Compact for Community and Economic Development.”
The compact grew out of a report issued last year by MassINC and the Brookings Institute, “Reconnecting Massachusetts Gateway Cities: Lessons Learned and an Agenda for Renewal.” Noting the historic role of cities such as Lawrence and Fall River as a gateway for foreign workers, the report described how these cities have failed to fully share in the “knowledge economy” that has transformed the Boston area over the past several decades.
The compact calls for new strategies to promote job growth and deal with housing and labor force issues, as well as a strengthened partnership with state government.
“We see a benefit for the entire commonwealth, relative to these cities being catalysts” for economic development, said former Fall River Mayor Ed Lambert, one of the speakers at the signing ceremony.
“Nobody begrudges Greater Boston for its success, but we feel the commonwealth can be a healthier place if the resources are spread more equitably.”
Lt. Gov. Tim Murray described the compact as consistent with the Patrick administration’s efforts to promote economic growth in all regions of the state. Referring to the half-dozen state legislators who attended the ceremony, Murray said, “They understand it’s our cities that drive the state economy.”
Written by MMA Associate Editor Mitch Evich
