Vision Statement Flexible, Collaborative, and Resilient Growth in Southeastern Massachusetts We acknowledge that lasting, equitable, and substantive economic development in the region requires a diverse set of initiatives. There is no silver bullet for our weaknesses, no one-size-fits-all approach to growth. This CEDS, therefore, includes a “menu of options” that matches key Priority Sites and Priority Projects/Partnerships to our region’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats – all while attempting to proactively build region-wide Resilience in our economy, our environment, and our communities. In this way, our Vision can be summarized as “Flexible, Collaborative, and Resilient Growth in Southeastern Massachusetts.” For example, one of our flagship Priority Sites, Brayton Point exemplifies this varied approach: By building upon previous U.S. EDA investments and helping our region transition away from coal-fired power plants, the project addresses Weaknesses such as fluctuating energy markets and aging infrastructure.
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By focusing on private partnerships in the emerging off-shore wind industry, the project builds on our Strengths in the Marine Science and Technology (MST) sectors and utilizing our strategic deep water ports on Buzzards and Mount Hope Bays. By considering our region’s role in developing and maintaining modern, resilient infrastructure, the project takes on the threat of climate change and advances strong, sustainable economic activity. And by introducing cutting-edge redevelopment activities on former industrial sites, the project explores Opportunities for brownfield remediation while advancing workforce development partnerships with our regional institutions, cleaning environmental resources for our communities, and creating good jobs for our workers. To the greatest extent possible, we have crafted every initiative in our CEDS in this way. Every project plays a role in addressing liabilities while leveraging assets. Every partnership seeks to improve social, economic, and environmental well-being. Every action plays a role in the overall Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
