Economic development’s role is to seek out new opportunities and retain the existing business wealth - by Michael Gallerani

Michael Gallerani, Brockton 21st Century Corp.

As we look forward to this year, let’s remind ourselves that economic development is much more than economic growth. Economic development refers to a variety of indicators such as literacy rates, life expectancy, and poverty rates. The availability and amount of leisure time community residents have, as well as freedom and social justice are elements of the full economic development picture of a city, town, region, or state.

In cities and towns economic development professionals typically work in public offices or agencies that are formed as public - private organizations. The economic development professional’s role is to seek out new economic opportunities and retain the existing business wealth, as we as work to influence and shape public policy that addresses issues of homelessness, community health, education, and workforce readiness.

Oftentimes the city or town’s image is the number one factor in a decision made by a CEO. Tax incentives and the availability of land or a building, and workforce availability can become secondary considerations if a community’s image is something less than one that is consistent with how the business or organization decision makers view their company.

Communities, regions, and states compete with one another for new economic development projects, whether they be a new or re-locating business, major infrastructure funding or grants to support their programs and efforts. It is vital when competing that the best possible image is put forward.

The image can only be based on reality. It makes no sense for a community, region or state to put up a false façade in the hopes of luring investment. The reality will be found out soon enough thereby jeopardizing future gains. Just like in life, it is easier to tell the truth.

Brockton’s truth is we are moving forward. The past several years have brought positive progress through major new investment (Trinity Financial’s Enterprise Block project, Vincente’s Market, City Hall Plaza, W.B Mason’s headquarters, Concord Foods, and Crown Linen, and Boston Fresh) and plans for the revival of the Downtown. The Downtown Action Strategy and proposed Urban Renewal Plan will bring together plans from the past decade together with new forward thinking initiatives to bring a new sense of place to this once proud industrial city. 

During the past year, under the auspices of a newly formed Department of Planning and Development, mayor Bill Carpenter (who has been re-elected to a second term) has overseen Brockton’s Transformative Development Initiative. The Initiative has considered how the city can best take advantage of the commuter rail service that includes three stations within the community. That program is one element of a long range planning effort, Brockton 2025 that will look at twelve separate commercial or industrial areas of the city.

This spring (2016) a Planning Fellow will be added to our planning and economic development team. The Fellow will be funded by MassDevelopment for a three-year period. S/he will be responsible for marshalling a number of programs in the Downtown district, including the Ambassadors program, the Homeless Task Force, District Improvement Financing (DIF), and working with the Brockton 21st Century Corp. (B21) and the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to further their respective programs and goals.

B21 will continue its work of marketing the community and working with developers, Realtors, and businesses to find their right opportunities in Brockton. In 2015 B21 kicked-off a new Brockton Main Streets Initiative by introducing the program in the Campello district as well as the Brockton Business Guide which serves as a “roadmap” for new and growing businesses. In collaboration with the BRA, Narrow Gate Architecture was brought in to craft the Brockton Façade Program Design Guide. Also in collaboration with the BRA and area financial institutions, B21 will be introducing a new micro and small-business loan program in 2016. That coupled with the B21 Business Boost Camp (technical assistance and business training) program will provide businesses with access to important tools to help them grow.

Also during 2016 renovations to Campanelli Stadium, home of the Brockton Rox baseball team (College Futures League) and the Shaw’s Center (conference and meeting facility) will upgrade both properties and enhance Brockton as a location for conferences, meetings, family entertainment, and events.

Michael Gallerani is the executive director of the Brockton 21st Century Corp., Brockton, Mass.