Massachusetts residents are driving more than ever, enduring longer commutes and traveling further distances for work, shopping and recreation.

For a smart and equitable growth strategy to be successful in Massachusetts, the former mill cities around the state must be able to compete for growth, attract new jobs, and improve the quality of life for their current and future residents.  The same is true for other densely developed neighborhoods around the state that have suffered from disinvestment.

Together, these “core communities” are essential to the State’s economic and environmental health.  They offer – or have the potential to offer – walkable neighborhoods, transportation access, and a critical mass of stores, restaurants, services, affordable housing, open space and historic places.  Their revitalization is consistent with the State’s regional economic growth plan, as well as the MetroFuture plan.