Revitalizing Urban Centers

A number of the Commonwealth's cities are trying to adapt their economies and their infrastructures to the 21st century. Their manufacturing bases eroded and, as the factories closed, the middle class left. These cities search for new economic purposes for their facilities and infrastructure, even as local officials struggle to ensure public order, create new businesses, provide basic services, and offer access to adequate educational opportunities.

Pioneer's efforts focus on 14 cities—what we call "Middle Cities":

Almost 40% of state aid to localities goes to these cities and many of them do well in certain aspects of governance. However, we believe that many state policies hamper these cities and that successful strategies some local officials have employed could be effectively replicated elsewhere.

That is why, based on recommendations presented in Pioneer's white paper, Rehabbing Urban Redevelopment, Pioneer is convening a coalition of Middle City Mayors to help these cities realize their great potentials. The coalition aims to identify and promote changes to state policies, foster group purchasing opportunities and disseminate best governance practices. Finally, the coalition seeks to implement a system for benchmarking the performance of Massachusetts' cities and towns in four key governance categories: public safety, economic development, fiscal management, and public education.