Monday, December 9, marks the first public hearing hosted by Mayor-elect Marty Walsh and his transition team to help them better grasp the issues held most dear to the residents of Boston. The first meeting will revolve around the idea of economic development in the city, and will take place at English High School in Jamaica Plain from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In order to attend, you’ll have to register, which you can do quickly right here.
The Economic Development Issues Working Group is led in tandem by Donna Cupelo, Regional President of Verizon, and Pat Moscaritolo, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. As far as what will be discussed in terms of essence and substance remains to be seen, but it will likely be dictated by those in attendance. A press release from the Walsh camp only vaguely mentioned that “The hearing will be focused on economic development.”
While still working the campaign trail, Walsh outlined a bevy of various initiatives his administration would put forth – or at least look into – in order to foster and promote economic development in Boston. Most notably, Walsh made it clear that he hopes to foster transparency by making data available in relation to most facets of the city’s commercial development and planning, to restructuring the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) into a more encompassing Boston Economic Development Authority to further streamline and cater to the needs of small- and large-scale building projects, and to making Boston friendlier to small business owners.
But simply taking a quick glance at the Mayor-elect’s website shows that he intends to leave no stone unturned when it comes to economic development, posting issues in nearly every development subcategory and resolutions detailing how he and his administration can tackle them; a lofty undertaking considering he hasn’t even assumed office yet.
And that’s where these public hearings come in. The idea is for the Boston public to help refine the Mayor-elect’s priorities come January 6, when he’ll be fully relocated from Beacon Hill to City Hall, so that his administration hits the ground running.
You can check out the subsequent Issues Working Groups schedule here to find out when the next public meetings will be held and on what issue they’ll be centered on. Keep in mind this list is subject to change and additional gatherings may be added.
[Image via Boston Chamber of Commerce]
