Upload
nirmala-last
View
563
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Citation preview
1
Southeast Southeast Massachusetts RCCMassachusetts RCC
Briefing to theBriefing to theGovernor & CabinetGovernor & Cabinet
December 12, 2003December 12, 2003
s
2
SE Regional Competitiveness CouncilAgenda & Index
• Introductions & General (Pages 1-2 & 18-20 & 49-52)
• Competitiveness (Pages 3 & 21-22)
– SE Region’s Strengths & Weaknesses
• Industry Clusters (Pages 4-9 & 23-41)
• Workforce Development & Education – (Pages 10-13 & 42-43)
• Infrastructure (Pages 14-16 & 44-46)
• Housing (Pages 17 & 47-48)
S
3
Southeast Region CompetitivenessSummary
• Strengths:– Relatively low cost structure
– Skilled Workforce
– Quality of Life
– Proximity to Boston
• Challenges:– Low Educational Attainment
– Lack of Regional Identity
• Actions:– Full-court press on educational attainment, skills training
– Smart Growth and Transportation Investment
– Small-city support
S
4
Priority Traded Industry Clusters
Key Targeted Regional Clusters• Life Sciences
– Analytical Instruments, Medical Devices, & Pharmaceutical
– Bio Tech
• Marine Technology• Processed Food & Agricultural
Products• Precision Manufacturing
– Auto, Jewelry, Production Technology, Precious Metals.
• Hospitality & Tourism
Key Regional Clusters• Textiles & Apparel• Education• Health Services• Distribution Services• Business & Financial
Services
S
5
SE RCC Cluster Growth Opportunities
Business Growth
1. Grow internally- Expand current lines.
- Add new Customers.
2. Grow through Acquisitions
Economic Development
1. Grow existing businesses – Maintain the current Clusters.
2. Acquire new Clusters. Bring new industries to the region.
S
6
South-East Priority Traded Clusters
• Life Sciences– Strong cluster in our region (Analytical Instruments & Medical
Devices)– Current Regional Strengths fit well for growing Bio-Tech Cluster.
Actions:- Focus on maintaining existing Analytical Instruments &
Medical Device companies in the Region. 1. Develop State Strategy to prevent migration out of MA.
2. Provide Manufacturing Educational Support - For Bio-Tech; Include SE Region in State Bio-Tech Efforts. 1. Develop site list for Life Science Manufacturers
2. Support & leverage growing cluster in Bio-tech at UMD & ATMC. 3. Communicate: SE Region already has the attributes Bio- Tech firms are looking for in manufacturing locations.
S
7
South-East Priority Traded Clusters
• Marine Sciences & Technology– Already strong in our region. Lets keep it going!
Actions:- Brand Rt. 195 “Nations Marine Science & Technology Corridor- Include this cluster in Governor’s Job’s First initiatives.- Create incubator environment for this cluster- Complete Financial Analysis and if positive, support Oceanarium development for its impact in education, research, tourism and marine cluster development.
• Processed Food & Agricultural Products– Small stable cluster. Need to focus on value added products.
Actions:- Provide manufacturing support including training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Coordinate with industry associations.
S
8
South-East Priority Traded Clusters
• Precision Manufacturing & Production Technology– Large cluster in our region but under attack.
Actions:- Provide manufacturing support including training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Support brand & design development. Coordinate with industry associations. - Establish plan to maintain current cluster and provide incentives to attract new companies.
• Hospitality & Tourism - Small but important cluster.
Actions:- Develop a coordinated marketing strategy for the SE Region- Develop a realistic resource strategy to ensure stability for
RTC and Welcome Centers- Reauthorize the Mass Tourism Fund.- Complete Financial Analysis on Oceanarium in New Bedford
S
9
South-East Priority Traded Clusters
• General • Applies to all clusters….
Actions:
- Develop site lists for locations that fit specific Cluster needs.
- Improve ties with State, Industry and Local cluster trade groups. Communicate availability of
support programs and educational opportunities.
- Provide additional Brownfield Re-development incentives, especially in Traded Clusters.
S
10
Southeast Region Workforce Development & Education Summary
CHALLENGES:
•Low Educational Attainment and Skills Deficits• Population over 25 lacking a High School credential• 15.2% MA; 28% S/E Region; 41% SouthCoast
• Population over 25 with a BA/BS or above• 33% MA; 17% S/E Region; 13% SouthCoast
•Skilled Labor Shortage• Skills mismatch between existing workforce and 21st century workforce• MA ranked 47th in the nation in labor force growth in the 90s
(1.5% vs. 11% nationally)
•Insufficient Resources
11
Southeast Region Workforce Development & Education Summary
OPPORTUNITIES:
• Develop baseline education and skill levels for referrals from One-Stop Career Centers
• Develop educated and skilled workforce linked to Traded and Emerging clusters
• Continue support for K-12 Education Reform & access to Higher Education
12
Southeast Region Workforce Development & Education Summary
ACTIONS:
• Develop realistic resource strategies for K-12 Education, Higher Education, & Workforce Development
• Education & Occupational Skills DevelopmentMinimally, establish 1,000 new, additional ABE / ESOL slotsImplement multi-tier strategies to move workers up the education,
skill and career laddersEstablish Governor’s Youth Employment InitiativeDevelop “Worker Readiness” Certification ProgramIncent School Districts to lower high school drop-out rates and
increase college enrollment rates
13
Southeast Region Workforce Development & Education Summary
ACTIONS:
•Industry Cluster RelatedSupport new sectoral training initiatives in traded and
emerging clusters
Link workforce development & research initiatives with traded and emerging clusters
Link workforce development with cluster-based business recruitment strategies
Support / Facilitate technology transfer using incubators, commercializing intellectual property and patents
14
Infrastructure Priorities
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
• Capital investments boost region’s productivity and competitiveness
• Long term projects need planning and design in short term
• Leverage other investment
• Facilitate local job creation or connect to Boston area
• Improve state government responsiveness to region’s needs (DEP, DCAM, MHD)
15
Infrastructure Priorities (continued)Short Term Actions (1-2 years)
Funding: PWED & CDAG grants for business parks (Attleboro, New Bedford, Taunton); New Bedford Oceanarium; New Bedford harbor dredging; Fall River pier repair; brownfield cleanups
Permit issues: Brockton water; commuter rail environmental permits and CSX negotiations; brownfield cleanups; New Bedford Reg.Airport;
Design and EIR for road projects: Interchanges (Rt.24/140, Rt.27 & new Fall River/Freetown; I-195/ Faunce Corner, I-495/Rte.140); Brockton downtown; Route 79 Fall River; Route 44 upgrade (Carver to Raynham)
Road construction: Route 18 New Bedford; Mansfield underpass; interim Route 24 /140
S
16
Infrastructure Priorities (continued)• Intermediate Term Actions (3-6 years)
Funding: Business parks (Fall River, Taunton MSIP, Avon/Stoughton); New Bedford Reg. Airport; Attleboro & Brockton Intermodal Ctrs.; Fall River multi-use pier upgrade
Permit issues: New Bedford regional airport wetlands replication
Design for road and rail projects: Route 79 Fall River; Route 44 upgrade; Improved interchanges at I-495/Rte.140 (Mansfield) and I-195/Rte.6 (Swansea); other Route 24 interchanges; Route 3 capacity enhancement; commuter rail to South Coast
Road construction: Route 79 Fall River; Route 24 interchanges (Rt. 140 and new Fall River/Freetown); I-195/Faunce Corner (Dartmouth)
• Long Term Actions (7+ years) Construction: Improved interchanges (I-495/Rte.140-Mansfield, I- 195/Rte.6-Swansea, Route 24); Route 44; commuter rail to South Coast S
17
Southeast Region HousingSummary
• Strengths:– Relative low cost & available land for residential development– Inner city commercial-to-residential conversion opportunities– Automotive transportation infrastructure
• Challenges:– Household formation is outpacing housing stock development– Significant price escalation (16% in 2001-2002 alone)– Zoning issues & development permitting
• Actions– Add tax-benefit programs for inner-city conversion &
residential development– Add “developer” incentives for starter and mid-range housing– Add city/town incentives or impact offsets for starter &
mid-range housing – Restructure zoning code(s): Statewide zoning with regional
modifiers
S
18
s
SUMMARY
19
Guiding Principles & Objective
Guiding Principles• Regions are the basic unit of economic development• Local leadership is needed to create and sustain a
regional strategy for development• The Governor formed Regional Competitiveness
Councils (RCCs), comprised of regional leaders to advise him on matters bearing on economic development
Objective• The first task of regional leadership is to …
– Identify and agree to the regional priorities for economic development
– Identify barriers to economic growth in the region
20
RCC Year 1 Work Plan
Kick-off with the Governor
Overview ofRegionalEconomy
RegionalCompetitiveProfile
RegionalPriorities
Presentation to Governorand Cabinet
Identify majoropportunitiesand obstacles
Review areasof economicspecialization
Surface issues• Housing• Workforce• Infrastructure
Primary researchfrom RCCs re:competitivenessissues
Assess competitivestrengths and weaknesses
Identify key Traded clusters
Analysis of Traded clustereconomy & business leaderperceptions
Develop priorities forjob creation
Develop priorities foreconomicdevelopment
Define Priorities:• Housing• Workforce• Infrastructure
Outline region’spriorities and plansto address
Identify actionsneeded from stateto support region’sPriorities
Briefing to Governor& Cabinet
Plan outreach to localstakeholders
1. Feb / March 2. May / June 3. Sep / Oct 4. Nov / Dec 5. DecPhase
Milestones
Actions
21
The Region’s Competitiveness
Priority Rationale
Action
Region Role / State RoleStrengths to Reinforce
Relatively Low Cost Location
• Low housing costs, wages, land, and business costs
• Pursue local/regional strategies to preserve cost advantages
Skilled Manufacturing Workforce
• Strengths in fabric-based industries, jewelry, and fishing. • Skills adaptable to support other precision manufacturing industries.• Strong work ethic• Global competition a major threat
• Preserve & extend precision manufacturing capabilities to new businesses• Support region’s efforts to maintain competitiveness in value added manufacturing. Inventory programs and communicate them to the region.•
Transportation Hubs and Proximity to Boston
• Region straddles I95, I495, I195 and MA Route 24• Commuter and business spillover from Boston-area businesses
• Support investments that enhance region’s transport infrastructure, including the seaport.• Leverage transportation programs that have local, regional, state and federal support and funding as well as generate new jobs.
22
The Region’s Competitiveness
Priority Rationale
Action
Region Role / State Role
Barriers to Remove
Low Educational Attainment • Low levels of BA/BS attainment, esp. in Bristol County• High demand for ABE/ESOL, due to immigrant workforce
• Maintain commitment to education reform K-12.• Maintain commitment to higher education access, hold higher ed summit•Establish and support a stay in school program for schools in trouble.•Support educational programs that support key industy clusters
Regional Identity or Identities • Brockton/Taunton, Plymouth, and SouthCoast support different businesses and populations• Identities complicate efforts to secure consensus and action
• Focus on promoting regional competitiveness• Identify initiatives that serve multiple sub-regions, use initiatives to promote collaboration
23
Priority Traded Industry Clusters
Priority Cluster Rationale
Life Sciences:Analytical Instruments, Medical Devices
and Biopharma Manufacturing
• Analytical Instruments – large cluster, strong but declining specialization• Medical Devices = large cluster, growing specialization
Biopharmaceuticals(Combine with Life Sciences above)
• Small cluster, not specialized in region• Growth potential in manufacturing, esp. in pharmaceuticals and biological products.
Marine Technology • Large cluster. Region strength, links to Cape, Islands and RI
Processed Food & Agricultural Products
• Agricultural Products - small but desirable cluster.
Precision Manufacturing & Production Technology
(Automotive, Jewelry, Precious Metals, Production Technology)
• Jewelry – large cluster, high specialization• Production technology – large cluster, growing specialization• Reflects region’s ability to support precision manufacturing
Hospitality & Tourism • Large cluster gaining share but not specialized in region• Component of “creative economy” cluster
24
Priority Traded Industry Clusters
Priority Cluster Rationale
Textiles & Apparel • Textiles - large cluster, growing specialization• Apparel - large cluster, high but declining specialization• UMass Dartmouth a key R&D resource
Education & Knowledge Creation • Large cluster, not specialized in region • Provides skills foundation for traded & local clusters• Links to Cape & Islands R&D, esp. Woods Hole
Local Health Services • Large local cluster, generates quality jobs• Ongoing need for entry-level and skilled workers• Cluster quality critical to maintaining region’s quality of life
Distribution Services & Transportation & Logistics
• Distribution Services – large cluster, high specialization• Benefits from proximity to road transport hubs
Business & Financial Services • Large cluster, generates quality jobs• Quality jobs, Links to Boston financial markets
25
Priority Industry ClustersAs Proposed by the Southeast MA RCC
Priority Cluster Leading Sub-Clusters
Distribution Services & Transportation & Logistics
• Apparel Wholesaling• Catalog & Mail Order
• Food Products Wholesaling
Business & Financial Services
Textiles & Apparel • Specialty Apparel Components• Finishing Plants•Upholstery
• Knitting & Finishing Mills• Men’s Clothing
Precision Manufacturing & Production Technology
(Automotive, Jewelry, Precious Metals, Production Technology)
• Automotive Components• Jewelry & Precious Metals
• Costume Jewelry• Process Equipment Sub-systems & Components
Life Sciences:Analytical Instruments, Medical
Devices, and Biopharma Manufacturing
• Process Instruments• Surgical Instruments/Supplies
• Ophthalmic Goods
Education & Knowledge Creation
• No leading subclusters identified
Processed Food & Agricultural Products
• Fishing & Hunting• Fish Products
• Processed Seafood
26
Priority Industry ClustersAs Proposed by the Southeast MA RCC (Continued)
Priority Cluster Leading Sub-Clusters
Marine Technology • How define – separate from analytical instruments?
Local Health Services
27
28
29
Southeast RCC Critical ClusterMaintenance vs. Growth
Cluster Growth
High New CompanyGrowth Potential
Lower Need
Less New CompanyGrowth Potential
High Need(High loss potential)
Existing Cluster Maintenance
-Distribution
- Financial Services
- Textiles
- Precision Mfg
- Analytical Inst & Med. Devices
- Education
- Food & Agr.
- Tourism
- Marine Tech
- Bio-Tech
LargeGrowingCluster
NewGrowingClusters
High Maintenance NeedMedium Growth Cluster
Medium Maintenance NeedMedium Growth Cluster
Highest Priority
High Priority
- Health Care
Some Clusters need support for growth, others need support to maintain their strength
S
30
South-East Priority Traded Clusters
• Textiles & Apparel– Large cluster in our region but under attack.
Actions:- Support and expand UMD Advanced Tech Manf Center in existing endeavors and to support emerging industries.- Provide manufacturing support, training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Coordinate with industry associations.
• Education– Large cluster that is critical to our other clusters.
Actions:- Strengthen and expand engineering, Sciences and other tech programs in region. Tie into our cluster needs.
31
South-East Priority Traded Clusters
• Local Health Services– Important local cluster in our region.
Actions:- Implement a statewide strategy to reduce labor shortages in healthcare professionals in short supply.
• Distribution Services & Transportation– Large cluster that will build if we provide locations.
Actions:- Keep investing in transportation systems. See infrastructure.- Cultivate relationships with large distributors to locate here
• Business & Financial Services– Large cluster but not growing.
Actions:- Identify cluster’s long term prospects and reposition regional efforts based on findings.
32
Traded Cluster ActionsTraded Clusters Action
Region Role / State Role Potential Impact
Life Sciences:Analytical Instruments, Medical Devices and Biopharmaceutical
Manufacturing
•Establish/expand efforts to market region to attract medical devices & biotech manufacturing firms. Target companies preparing to emerge from R&D phase and move to manufacturing• Improve communications to CEO’s of Life Science companies in Greater Boston• Attend technology conferences• Market available skilled labor• Develop a state strategy for preventing the migration of the established firms out of MA.• Maintain tax benefits for capital investments including permanent investment tax credit.• Establish and expand education programs in science oriented fields to support this cluster.• Provide manufacturing support; training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Coordinate with industry associations.• Identify and maintain site list for Life Science manufacturers• Make South East Region a priority in State efforts to encourage bio-tech firms to locate manufacturing in MA.• Finalize Governor’s Jobs First & Legislature’s Industry initiatives• Support & leverage growing cluster in Bio-tech at UMD and ATMC.
• Increasing employment & establishments• Expanded collaboration networks• Increased productivity• Retain companies who might consider moving production off-shore• Link Boston based R&D firms with local manufacturing benefits• Grows Educational and Health Care Clusters
33
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)Traded Clusters Action
Region Role / State Role Potential Impact
Marine Science & Technology
• Identify small businesses and their inventions/technologies• Develop collaborations with Cape-, RI-, and CT-based entities• Brand South Coast & Cape Cod as “Nation’s Marine Science & Technology Corridor”• Support & maximize utility of marine technology demonstration site at UMass Dartmouth• Map patent activity and facilitate technology transfer from UMass Dartmouth (SMAST) & Woods Hole in industry clusters• Provide targeted tax incentives. Include this cluster in Governor’s (Job’s First) and Legislature’s industry initiatives • Help pursue federal R&D and contracting opportunities, including those related to homeland security & defense• Provide manufacturing support; training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Coordinate with industry associations including those at SMAAST & ATMC.• Create incubator environment for this cluster• Support Oceanarium development for its impact in education, research, tourism and marine cluster development in the region•Establish and expand education programs in science oriented fields to support this cluster. Create Marine Demonstration and Research Center.• Conduct an industry study to quantify the economic impact of Marine Science & Tech on the state.
• Expanded collaboration networks• Expand cluster• Increase employment and establishments• Increase Educational and R&D Cluster• Support Hospitality & Tourism Cluster
34
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)
Traded Clusters ActionRegion Role / State Role Potential Impact
Processed Food & Agricultural Products
• Link with value-added seafood, aquaculture, and cranberry production• Promote expansion of wineries to help preserve region’s open space• Develop program to transition fishermen to other related industries•Provide manufacturing support; training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Coordinate with industry associations• Identify and maintain site list for Processed Food and Agricultural Products
• Increasing employment and establishments• Increase productivity and competitiveness of new and existing businesses.• Provide jobs to declining employment in seafood industry.•Expand seaport activity.
35
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)Traded Clusters Action
Region Role / State Role Potential Impact
Precision Manufacturing &
Production Technology(Automotive, Jewelry, Precious Metals,
Production Technology)
•Market availability of skilled labor• Establish cluster leadership to support education and other cluster needs• Help region’s jewelry “job shops” develop own brands, include links with education institutions• Market state educational support to this cluster once initial program starts. Encourage participation and maintain focus on manufacturing in MA. • Provide manufacturing support; training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Coordinate with industry associations.• Link educational system curriculum and internship opportunities to relevant current sector practices and future trends. Work with industry associations.• Develop realistic resource strategy for incumbent worker skills training focused on applying new technology.• Maintain tax benefits for capital investments including permanent investment tax credit
• Increasing employment & establishments• Increasing productivity• Cluster leadership at region level• Retain companies who might consider moving production off-shore
36
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)
Traded Clusters ActionRegion Role / State Role Potential Impact
Hospitality & Tourism • Create links to downtowns: Main Streets and cultural opportunities• Develop a coordinated marketing strategy for the entire southeast region• Improve region’s recognition of cluster’s importance• Develop a realistic resource strategy to ensure stability for RTC and information/welcome centers• Reauthorize the Mass Tourism fund, dedicating 35% of state rooms tax to tourism reinvestment•Support Oceanarium development for its impact in education, research, tourism and marine cluster development in the region
• Increasing employment & establishments• Established marketing strategy for the entire region• Predictable state funding to support destination marketing
37
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)Traded Clusters Action
Region Role / State Role Potential Impact
Textiles & Apparel • Expand ABE/ESOL training
• Establish link between textiles and nanotechnology initiatives that utilize new materials, composite materials, and advanced materials. • Support and expand UMass/Dartmouth Advanced Technology Manufacturing Center in existing endeavors and to support emerging industries.• Provide manufacturing support; training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Coordinate with industry associations.•Expand textile cluster in new areas like specialty fibers and advanced materials.
• Stable cluster overall; increase employment and establishments in Textiles segment• Increase productivity • Retain companies who might consider moving production off-shore• Expansion of non-apparel & Specialty fibers industry in the region.
38
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)
Traded Clusters ActionRegion Role / State Role Potential Impact
Education & Knowledge Creation
• Develop collaborations with Cape and RI-based entities•Develop new initiative to reduce drop out rate and support higher education attainment • Maintain commitment to education reform, K-12, and support pursuit of Federal R&D grant opportunities with State match• Strengthen and expand Engineering, Sciences, and other tech programs in region• Expand health profession education in region•Develop programs to assist other clusters; grow by targeting needs outlined in our priorities•Convene education and workforce summit•Support CONNECT (higher ed) initiative to promote collaborations among educational institutions•Support matching R&D opportunities
• Stable employment & establishments• Increasing quality and capacity of region’s institutions• Support and grow other Clusters.• Link to traded clusters in training and R&D.
39
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)Traded Clusters Action
Region Role / State Role Potential Impact
Local Health Services • Tie local medical establishments to life sciences cluster• Expand capacity of education institutions to support cluster, target opportunities to region’s workforce• Implement a statewide strategy to reduce labor shortages in healthcare professions in short supply•Expand capacity of higher education institutions to increase supply of nurses and technical professionals.
• Increasing cluster employment, decreasing job vacancy rates• Increase number of professionals who are in short supply.
40
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)Traded Clusters Action
Region Role / State Role Potential Impact
Distribution Services & Transportation &
Logistics
• Promote region’s business cost and location advantages.• Establish database of preselected “smart growth” compatible sites• Identify and maintain site list for Distribution and Transportation Companies.• Implement seaport strategy• Maintain/improve Interstate/State Highway access supporting cluster
- Support Route 24 ramp in Fall River
- Upgrade the MA Route 24/ MA Route 140
interchange
- Improve Rt. 24 to reduce traffic tie-ups
- Expand commuter rail from Stoughton to
New Bedford/Fall River • Provide educational support; training & education in automation, efficiency and lean distribution. Coordinate with industry associations..• Study potential of Ocean/Rail linkage in Fall River•Convene large distributors and manufacturers to identify needs; infrastructure, economies•Implement New Bedford’s State approved harbor plan
• Predictability in costs shaped by city/town governments• Increasing employment• Infrastructure investments targeted to specific needs•Expand seaport utilization•Establishes 14,000 acre bio-reserve and increased access to 600 acres for business development
41
Traded Cluster Actions (Continued)Traded Clusters Action
Region Role / State Role Potential Impact
Business & Financial Services
• Identify leading cluster firms and markets they serve• Create financial services pool for investing capital in new, higher risk small ventures• Identify cluster’s long-term prospects in urban areas• Reposition efforts based on findings• Expand I.T. / broadband capacity in the region
• Stable number of employees and establishments• Increased availability of risk capital
42
Priorities: Workforce Development & Education
Priority Rationale
ActionRegion Role / State Role Potential Impact
Focus Higher ED on Supporting Traded Clusters
• Significant gap between traded cluster needs and available skills in region
• Focus SouthCoast Education Compact on supporting traded clusters with workforce development and R&D• Establish continuing education programs in sciences & engineering • Link Precision Manufacturing and Traded Clusters to multi-tiered career ladder strategies, current curriculum and internship opportunities•Develop realistic resource strategy to support higher education•Support technology transfer
• Education Compact defines plan to support traded clusters•Link University R&D with traded clusters
Preserve region’s depth in manufacturing clusters
• Share of employment in manufacturing higher than state average• Survival depends on increasing region’s productivity
• Focus SouthCoast Education Compact on supporting traded clusters• Target WTF, other resources to improving competitiveness of small manufacturers in priority clusters• Increase opportunities for tech-centered incumbent worker training for precision manufacturers• Establish education & training programs and develop career ladders for Marine Tech and other Traded Clusters. • Provide resources to support training and education in automation, efficiency improvements and lean manufacturing• Seek expanded federal assistance •Develop realistic resource strategy for human capital revolving loan program•Support R&D innovation and technology transfer at ATMC•Support value-added manufacturing
• Increasing number of workers trained• Priority for WTF, other resources to targeted industry clusters• Career ladders established
43
Priorities: Workforce Development & Education (Continued)
Priority Rationale
ActionRegion Role / State Role Potential Impact
ABE/ESOL • Large share of work force lacks basic skills• Immigrants form large share of work force
• Target resources to expand ABE/ESOL training•Develop a resource strategy to implement MassINC recommendations to increase ABE/ESOL by no less than 1,000 slots
• Increasing numbers trained• Shorter waiting lists
Close skills gaps in non-manufacturing clusters
• Employees in all sectors must be technology proficient
• Link Distribution & Transportation cluster to retraining programs serving low-skilled dislocated workers • Focus SouthCoast Education Compact on supporting traded clusters• Establish career ladders in select clusters • Seek expanded fed. assist.
• Increasing number of workers trained• Career ladders established • Increased federal funding
Commitment to Education Reform K-12 & Expand Access to Higher Ed
• Large share of work force lacks basic skills
• Ensure reforms are fully funded• Ensure reforms are fully funded
• Stable class size
• Improving MCAS performance• Full range of academic & extracurricular offerings
44
Priorities: InfrastructurePriority (Short Term=1-2yrs; Intermediate=3-6 yrs; Long Term=7+yrs.)
Rationale
ActionRegion Role / State Role Potential Impact
Local Industrial/ Business Parks
1.Attleboro/Commerce Way (ST-I)
2.Fall River Executive Park (ST-I)
3.Taunton MSIP Phase 4 (ST-I)
4.Taunton Liberty & Union (ST-I)
5. Stoughton/Avon (ST-I)
• PWED/CDAG grants will leverage federal grants (EDA)
• All in SRPEDD or OCPC CEDS rated “Highest Priority”
• Identify specific elements requiring state support • Support immediate and future requests for PWED/CDAG funding•Land swap/interchange for Fall River project•DCAM land transfer for Taunton MSIP
• Direct impact on job creation (est. 10,000+ jobs)•Supports 8 of the region’s priority clusters, esp. manufacturing• ½ mile of industrial park road (w/utilities) costs $1 mill.±; facilitates 1500-2500 jobs; $50 mill.± in private investment
Brockton Water project (desalinization)-(ST)
•Enable business expansion•Private investment in project
•Quantify potential benefits, identify key barriers•Facilitate permits
•Increased employment• Support to all priority clusters in region
Expand New Bedford regional airport runway (ST-I)
• Enables larger planes for freight and passengers• Establish strong intermodal transportation links
• Galvanize support in region and business community• Support wetlands replication initiatives•State funding request
• Support to seafood processing industry and other clusters•State investment leverages 1900 jobs by 2010
45
Priorities: Infrastructure (Continued)Priority (Short Term=1-2yrs; Intermediate=3-6 yrs; Long Term=7+yrs.)
Rationale ActionRegion Role / State Role
Potential Impact
Highway Improvements
1. Route 24
a. Rte 140 interchange (ST-I)
b. New F.R./ Freetown interchange (ST-I)
c. Overall upgrade (LT)
2. Route 44 upgrade (Carver-Raynham) (ST-I)
3. Route 18, New Bedford (ST)
4. Route 79, Fall River (ST-I)
5. Brockton Downtown Circulation (ST)
6. Mansfield underpass, Rt. 106 (ST)
7. Other interchange improvements
• I-195/Faunce-Dart. (ST-I)• Rt.24/Rt.27 Brockton (I)• I-495/140 Mansfield (I)• I-195/Rt.6 Swansea (LT)
1.Region’s main connection to Boston
1.a. Region’s worst traffic location
1.b. Serves 2 new ind. parks w/ 12,000 jobs
1.c. Congestion relief
2.Regional east-west connector
3.Remove waterfront barrier to downtown
4. Create land for development
5.Safety & Congestion
6.Safety improvement
7.Relieve congestion; serve economic development areas
NOTE: All projects 80/20 federal/state funding
•Prioritize for improvement/ expansion with 80/20 federal/state funding• Prioritize for improvement/
expansion with 80/20 federal/state funding•Short term – design and EIR•Keep projects moving through MassHighway approval process
•Improved transportation access within region and linkage to Boston area•All projects support all clusters, esp. distribution cluster •Projects facilitate Boston area research companies establishing manufacturing facilities in SE Mass.•Projects meet “fix it first” criteria (New Fall River interchange facilitates 14,000 acre bioreserve)
46
Priorities: Infrastructure (Continued)Priority (Short Term=1-2yrs; Intermediate=3-6 yrs; Long Term=7+yrs.)
Rationale ActionRegion Role / State Role
Potential Impact
Seaport Improvements•Priority dredging in New Bedford (ST)•Pier repair & upgrade in Fall River (ST-I)
• Coastal ports could relieve burden on I-195 •Support distribution and food /agriculture clusters
• Quantify benefits, identify barriers• Support port plans
• Reduced truck traffic on I-195 •Opens harbor to more ships
Expanded Use of Rail•Freight rail upgrade(ST)•Station upgrades-Mans.,Brockton & Attl. (I)•Commuter rail to Taunton, F.R.&N.B. (LT)
•Reduce demand for region’s road space•Connect regional employment centers•SE Mass only part of eastern Mass not served
• Local zoning changes for smart growth •Discussions with CSX•Environmental permits•Make long term commitment to project
•Reduced traffic on region’s roads•Smart growth opportunities (TOD)•Attract better educated to region
Brownfields cleanup•Numerous local projects
•Supports smart growth strategies•Creates dvlpmt. sites
•Quantify potential projects• Support cleanup
•Development where infrastructure exists•City job opportunities
New Bedford Oceanarium (ST)
•Leverage private funds at 2:1 ratio•Education & tourism
•Secure private/local funding• Financial contribution
•Anchor for marine tech cluster
High speed tele-communications
•Southeastern Mass must keep pace with rest of state
•Quantify benefits • Identify opportunities to provide support
•Close economic performance gap with rest of state
47
Priorities: Housing
Priority Rationale
ActionRegion Role / State Role Potential Impact
Connect housing development to transportation
• Strategy helps address two key region concerns
• Study impact of new commuter rail service on housing costs• Develop housing around transit stations• Expand Tax Incentive program(s) to include inner
city & transport-hub housing
• Higher density development in region• Transit-oriented development near commuter rail stops• Smaller incremental load on region’s transportation system
Affordability near I495
• High costs deter workers from coming or settling in region
• Implement region plans• Support region plans• Incent high density development to boost housing stock
• Increased housing supply
Rising costs relative to income and low home ownership rates in SouthCoast cities
• Home ownership deters crime
• Home ownership promotes investment in community
• Improve safety in urban neighborhoods• Expand & Integrate home ownership programs with Workforce and ABE/ESOL programs.• Support region’s action plan
• Lower crime rates in urban South Coast neighborhoods• Higher home ownership rates in urban SouthCoast neighborhoods
48
Priorities: Housing
Priority Rationale
ActionRegion Role / State Role Potential Impact
Use empty and under utilized buildings in downtown areas
• Reuse of existing assets• Home ownership deters crime • Home ownership supports local clusters in downtown areas
• Create site location availability for developers, to include City/town land and abandoned property• Incent high density development to boost housing stock• Support development of “first in neighborhood” housing to minimize risk of the first developer takes when creating housing in a key but unproven downtown area.
• Increased housing supply
49
RCC 2004 Work PlanPriority Actions for the Region
Area Actions
Competitiveness
Clusters • Develop site lists for locations that fit specific cluster needs.
• Improve ties with State, Industry and Local cluster trade groups.
• Improve communications with industry clusters describing availability of support programs and educational opportunities.
Workforce •Develop a comprehensive multi-tiered strategy designed to move individuals up the educational and skills ladder in tangible and measurable increments.•Establish a regional “worker certification program” ensuring referrals from local One-Stop Career Centers meet baseline skill levels for job preparedness, education and occupational skills training.•Develop career ladders with all major industries in the region.•Bridge the skills gap between Dislocated Workers and the evolving employer demand for occupational and technical skills.•Link University R&D and technology transfer with traded and emerging clusters
Infrastructure •Quantify potential benefits, identify key barriers•Secure private/local funding•Set federal funding priorities•Local zoning changes where appropriate
Housing •Create regional zoning exchange program•Assemble regional inventory of State/City/Town owned and abandoned land
•Build regional commitment to Educational Improvement.•Encourage adult retraining for new manufacturing models•Pursue local smart-growth, open-space-protection policies
50
RCC 2004 Work PlanPriority Actions for the Commonwealth
Area Actions
Competitiveness
Clusters • Include SE Region in State Bio-Tech Efforts.• Support & leverage growing cluster in Bio-tech at UMD & ATMC.• Brand Route 195 as “Nations Marine Science & Technology Corridor• Include Marine Science & Technology in Governor’s Job’s First initiatives.• Provide manufacturing support, training & education in automation, efficiency and lean manufacturing. Coordinate with industry associations.
Workforce •Develop realistic resource strategy for K-12 Education Reform & Higher Education•Establish a Governor’s Youth Employment Initiative by bringing together public and private sector resources to create job opportunities for unemployed older youth and to develop our future workforce.•Implement MassINC recommendations to expand Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program offerings to raise educational attainment and increase our regional workforce.•Fund new sectoral initiatives such as Building Essential Skills through Training (BEST) that focus on one industry or occupational skills sets that cut across industries to increase the skills of workers and the competitiveness of regional industries.•Support cluster based business recruitment strategies
Infrastructure •Financial support for industrial park, oceanarium, seaport and highway improvements to leverage outside funding opportunities•Long term commitment to commuter rail project to Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford to link region to Boston area•Permitting assistance for Brockton water project, New Bedford airport wetlands replication, commuter rail, brownfields cleanup, harbor dredging
Housing • Implement 40B Task Force recommendations•Legislate State-wide zoning regulations•Provide “Developer” incentives for affordable housing•Provide City/town incentives for affordable housing
•Maintain commitment to Ed. Reform; consider differential investment.•Increased funding and commitment to workforce development and retraining.•Improved transportation infrastructure, particularly north-south and mini-hub to Hub•Smart-growth enforcement
51
Suggested Criteria for Evaluating and Funding SE Regional Projects
• Job Development
• Leveraged Funding
• Educational Enhancement
• Housing Creation
• Smart Growth
• Impact on Key Traded Clusters• Project Feasibility…(Likelihood it will happen)
S
52
Southeast Massachusetts RCC Membership
Kenneth Shwartz Ahead Headgear
Alan Huffenus Brainin Advance Industries, Inc.
Dana Mohler-Faria Bridgewater State College
Daniel DeMarco Campanelli Companies
Kevin Champagne Compass Bank
Peter Neville Concord Foods
Donald O'Neill Condyne LLC
James Karam First Bristol Corp
Thomas Davis Greater New Bedford Industrial Foundation
Leonard Coriaty Greater New Bedford WIB
Steve Gaskins Jordan's Furniture
Charles Wall Massasoit Community College
Gary Perkins Perkins Paper
Patrick Apel Plymouth County Council/CVB
Denis Hanks Plymouth Regional Econ. Dev. Foundation, Inc.
Michael Faulkner Pomreantz Staffing Group
Cynthia Gordan Quaker Fabrics
Steve Smith Southeastern Regional Planning & Econ. Dev. District
Michael Metzler St. Anne's Hospital
Bill Kennedy Standard-Times
Dick Shafer Taunton Development Corp.
David Curtis The Community Bank
Ray Cebula Titleist/Acushnet CompanyJean MacCormack University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Bonnie Coughlin Verizon WIB