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SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The economic brains of the 8th Middlesex District want to see how towns and the state can work together to improve the Metro West economy and create jobs.
State Rep. Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) said that regional economic development committees from Southborough, Westborough, Holliston, Hopkinton, and Medway had gathered on Tuesday.
"This was an exceptional forum and opportunity to learn from each other on how best to retain and attract business," said Christopher Robbins of the Economic Development Team from Southborough. "Working together at all levels is critical for strengthening the economic vitality of our communities and reducing the residential tax burden."
Robbins continued: "As the state is now working to reduce business regulations, it is now the turn of local boards to work collaboratively with business in streamling the permitting process. It is important that we create centers and cultures of customer service in our town halls where all taxpayers are welcomed, helped, thanked and encouraged to invest in our communities."
The group was presented an overview of the 495/MetroWest Development Compact Plan that allows the state to prioritize infrastructure funds in growth areas.
"Municipal volunteers and officials in Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Southborough and Westborough are doing a tremendous job on economic development during some very challenging times, and so this discussion provided a great opportunity for them to share best practices and potential collaborations," said Paul Matthews, executive director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership.
Other topics included reviewing permitting processes, the importance of outreach from town officials to prospective, new and existing businesses and the need for investment in infrastructure to support growth.
"Each of the communities in the district have active initiatives around economic development. I thought it would be helpful to bring the groups together to share ideas and information, and to get a better understanding of the common concerns each town faces and how the state can help," said Dykema in a statement.
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