When you’re leading economic development in a bustling hub like Marlborough with ideal highway access and plenty of amenities, you can afford to be picky. For Meredith Harris, adhering to a vision is the driving force, and the efforts pay off in real results.
Making the right calls is the challenge in a city drawing major corporate headquarters like life sciences firm Boston Scientific and retailer BJs Wholesale Club. The Marlborough Economic Development Corp., a quasi-public nonprofit established in 2007, is independent but collaborates closely with the City of Marlborough to work with investors, developers, and business owners supporting their growth through a variety of tools. These include expedited permitting, financial support, and even rental assistance.
Harris, the MEDC’s well-connected leader who seemingly knows every important official and serves in capacities such as on the board of corporators for Marlborough-based Main Street Bank, is quick to offer any assistance to businesses looking to invest in the city.
MEDC’s high-profile accomplishments in the last year included working on tax-break agreements leading to investments of $350 million by Cambridge pharmaceutical company Moderna and $100 million by Germany-based life sciences firm Sartorius North America, resulting in the addition of more than 300 jobs.
Harris must invest an annual budget from the City of Marlborough economic development fund – $715,000, according to a 2022 filing with the Internal Revenue Service – to support strategic development. Its focus isn’t limited to large corporations; in 2023, MEDC awarded $90,000 in grants and loans to six small businesses.
Harris pointed to the Alta-Marlborough housing development under construction as a prime example of finding the right project for Marlborough. The 276-unit luxury apartment and retail project at Lincoln and Mechanic streets, which includes improvements to the Assabet River Rail Trail, will help revitalize the inner core of the city.Â
