More To Do For Business, Job Growth In Worcester
In 2010, Mayor Joseph O’Brien assembled a diverse group of stakeholders with an interest in improving the business climate and job market in the City of Worcester. The Mayoral Task Force on Job Growth and Business Retention included 36 men and women representing small and large businesses, for-profits and nonprofits, neighborhood business associations and local institutions. After months of hearings and working sessions, the task force issued a comprehensive, 16-point report designed to grow and retain jobs in the city. One year later, progress has been made toward each recommendation and some have been completely adopted.
The 16 strategies to improve the city’s business climate fall into four major categories: municipal staffing and organization, promoting a fair and equitable taxation system, business incentives, and branding and marketing.
Consistent with the recommendations, City Manager Michael O’Brien renamed, restructured, and allocated additional investment to the economic development division. The division, now known as the Business Assistance Division, is now able to better respond to businesses of all sizes and better promote city business development programs. Other changes resulting from the report include the creation of a business retention manager’s position to help local businesses deal with municipal challenges, the reestablishment of the chief development officer position, and Mayor O’Brien’s establishment of an ongoing Small Business Roundtable in collaboration with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to allow local businesses an opportunity to connect regularly with local government.
And in December 2010, the mayor and City Council took a historic vote toward lowering the property tax burden on businesses under the city’s dual rate system while taking steps to protect senior citizens and other vulnerable homeowners.
Despite significant progress, there is still much work to be completed. That’s why Mayor O’Brien established an executive committee of task force members to advocate for continued implementation of the 16 recommendations.
The city’s commitment to a strong business climate has helped contributed to a 2 to 3 percent job growth rate in Worcester from 2010 to 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. We should be mindful that this success resulted from focused work of both the public and private sectors and dedicate ourselves to continue to build upon this foundation for future job growth.
Jim Leary, Shyla Mathews and Jon Weaver,
Members, Mayoral Task Force on Job Growth and Business Retention
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