On Friday, September 26, Mayor Walsh’s office announced the formation of a committee the purpose of which is to determine how to turn all of Boston’s neighborhoods into tech hubs not unlike the Innovation District.
Aptly dubbed the “Neighborhood Innovation District Committee,” this collection of able-minded individuals will be charged with identifying “policies, practices, and infrastructure improvements,” as well as garner residents’ thoughts and ideas, to make this dream a reality.
After all, it was Mayor Walsh who decried that Boston ought to be the tech capital of the world.
The committee will convene for the first time on Wednesday, October 1, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Roxbury Community College at Roxbury Community College, Media Arts Room 1. The public is not only welcome to attend, but they’re encouraged to do so.
“As we seek to foster and support economic development in Boston, it is essential for us to establish an environment that supports entrepreneurship and job creation throughout all corners of our city,” said Mayor Walsh in a statement. “Innovation knows no boundaries, and our policies, infrastructure, and programs should reflect that, from West Roxbury and Hyde Park to East Boston and Charlestown.”
One of Mayor Walsh’s campaign promises, and one he’s apparently making good on with the formation of this committee, was to bring the fruitful aspects available to enjoy in the Innovation District to other neighborhoods where technology isn’t as prevalent.
He’s already launched Wicked Free Wi-Fi, which was first afforded to residents in Grove Hall, and is revamping the Roxbury Innovation Center, to name a few of his grassroots projects.
“In today’s economy entrepreneurship and innovation can offer flexible career choices for everyone, from a resident’s first job to those looking to start a second or even third career,” said Chief of Economic Development John Barros. “Having the ability and support to create and grow businesses can only make our neighborhoods and communities stronger.”
Once the committee collects their findings, and ceases solicitations from the public during hearings and otherwise, they will publish a review of what they determine to be the groundwork for economic and innovative development for the City of Boston.
The members appointed to date include:
- Alec Stern, Founding Team and Vice President, Strategic Innovation, Constant Contact
- Alex Oliver-Davila, Executive Director, Sociedad Latina
- Bill Dickens, Professor of Economics, Northeastern University
- Byron Rushing, State Representative, Massachusetts House of Representatives
- Charlayne Murrell-Smith, Vice President, External Relations & Corporate Development, Boston Children’s Museum
- Chris Jones, Executive Director, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative
- Michelle Wu, Councilor At-Large, Boston City Council
- Dan Isenberg, Professor of Entrepreneurship Practice, Babson College
- Darnell Williams, President & CEO, Urban League
- Rich Davey, Secretary of MassDOT
- Greg Bialecki, Secretary of Economic Development
- Harry Brett, Business Manager, Plumbers Local 12
- John Fitzgerald, Senior Project Manager, Boston Redevelopment Authority
- Joyce Ferriabough-Bolling, Media and Political Strategist, Joyce Ferriabough Media
- Keith Motley, Chancellor, UMASS Boston
- Mariama White-Hammond, Executive Director, Project HIP-HOP
- Mel King, Founder & Director, South End Technology Center
- Nicole Fichera, General Manager, District Hall / Venture Café Foundation
- Pat Kinsel, Venture Partner, Polaris Partners
- Ryn Miake-Lye, Co-Founder, Build From Scratch To Last
- Scott Griffith, XIR and Partner, General Catalyst Partners
- Sheila Dillon, Director, ?Cabinet Chief of Housing and Director of the Department of Neighborhood Development, City of Boston
- Sonia Chang Diaz, State Senator, Massachusetts Senate
- Stas Gayshan, Managing Director, Cambridge Innovation Center – Boston
- Susan Rittscher, President & CEO, Center for Women & Enterprise
- Travis McCready, Vice President for Program, The Boston Foundation
- Valerie Roberson, President, Roxbury Community College
