On The Issues | Economic Development

Strengthening our Local Economy and Creating Jobs
As a former Economic Development Director for U.S. Congressman John Olver, I worked on economic development projects in cities and towns across Western Massachusetts. I know how important this work is for strengthening local economies and creating jobs.

I will support our local businesses and promote economic development to attract new businesses that will expand our commercial tax base and create more jobs. King Street, Village Hill, and the Three County Fairgrounds offer important economic development opportunities for our city. As Mayor, I will make them a major focus.

I will create an Economic Development Advisory Commission to foster a more organized and pro-active approach to economic development. This new body will bring together city residents, business owners and non-profits, as well as organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, the Florence Civic and Business Association, and the Business Improvement District (BID) to help us map out strategies for success.

Tourism, including cultural and eco-tourism, is another key to Northampton's economy. I will work with the newly created Hampshire County Tourism and Visitors Bureau to do more to promote our incredible city and let people know why they should visit (and spend their dollars) in Northampton.

We must also look beyond our borders for regional economic development opportunities, including with the University of Massachusetts and the entire Five College system, the Holyoke High-Speed Computing Center, and the Connecticut River Valley Rail Corridor initiative. I will work with agencies and organizations like the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Western Mass and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) in support of city initiatives beneficial to the region and regional projects that benefit Northampton.

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