MassINC

Commonwealth:commonwealth continued its coverage of Massachusetts politics and policy in 2022. Editor bruce mohl released A report on A long-forgotten tax cap that was nearly overlooked when tax revenues hit record highs. The reporting ultimately led to $2.94 billion in tax refunds to Massachusetts residents and forced critical pieces of legislation to be renegotiated in light of revised revenues. Other reporting on housing, transportation, clean energy, health care, and criminal justice provided insight into important issues facing Massachusetts.

Education:massinc released A number of comprehensive research reports examining The state of education in Massachusetts and offering policy solutions. In january, The report choosing integration assessed how economic segregation leads to high levels of racial and ethnic inequality in Massachusetts and contrasts this with The significant benefits students reap when they attend schools integrated by race, ethnicity, and income. Investing in success outlined The cost-benefit analysis to students and taxpayers alike from community college, using longitudinal data to track The return on investment. The looming skilled-worker shortage was highlighted in A june report, emphasizing The decline in The college-educated labor force. Massinc's education research is highly valued by lawmakers and policy stakeholders for its rigor and insights.

Gateway hubs:massinc continued its research, convening, and collaboration with gateway cities leaders and stakeholders in 2022. Notably, A report on social infrastructure applied The concept of how built environments foster social interaction to gateway city urban downtowns. This work became The centerpiece of two major events, The gateway cities leadership summit held in july and The gateway cities innovation awards held in november. Meanwhile, Massinc staff organized regular meetings of gateway city economic developers, mayors, and managers to build A stronger exchange of updates, ideas, and action items. Massinc also participated in A coalition of elected officials, policymakers, developers, and residents in support of The expansion of The housing development incentive program.