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May 8, 2019 Fact Book 2018

Marlborough Economic Development Corporation

Marlborough, MA: The region’s economic hotspot

When it comes to economic development, Marlborough’s track record for success is clear. In September, the unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, a 10 percent drop from the previous month and a 23 percent decrease from the start of the year. The overall vacancy rate stands at 10 percent and new growth over the past year has allowed the city to add $3.4 million to its levy limit. 


The numbers are unsurprising, given all that Marlborough has to offer. Thanks to the efforts of Mayor Arthur Vigeant, the local City Council and the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), this MetroWest community is experiencing a growth explosion and serves as a thriving hub for several key industries. 


At least forty life sciences companies, including the headquarters of GE Healthcare Life Sciences, Quest Diagnostics, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Boston Scientific and Hologic, employ approximately 6,000 people in the city.


Marlborough is ranked among the Top 40 Small-Market Cities for High Tech Manufacturing in the country. More than 100 industrial companies are located in the city and nearly 7,000 people work in manufacturing. 


In 2016, Marlborough was named among the world’s Smart21 Communities. The local High Tech industry employs almost 2,000 workers, and the city and its surrounding areas are home to 30 percent of all Massachusetts technology jobs.


Revitalization efforts are producing economic, aesthetic and cultural benefits for the city. Beginning with the 2014 rezoning initiative, the Downtown area has undergone a transformation that is fostering business development, creating jobs, enhancing property values and establishing the district as a tourist destination. Additionally, expanded arts and cultural facilities, activities and programs in a compact, walkable space have earned the Marlborough Downtown Village a Cultural District designation, paving the way for new opportunities.


In 2018, MEDC purchased five parcels of land adjacent to downtown and the Assabet River Rail Trail, with the intention of creating a mixed-use complex to spur redevelopment and complement the area’s natural assets. Furthermore, two downtown area residential projects are in the works, a new downtown brewpub is about to open for business, and another one is under development and scheduled to launch within the next year. 


At the end of 2017, Marlborough celebrated the opening of the Apex Center of New England, a 450,000-square-foot project that includes a 170,000-square-foot entertainment complex, office and retail space, about a dozen restaurants, two hotels and more than 30 new businesses. A $3 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant funded major road improvements alongside the development.
While Marlborough has its fair share of large employers, MEDC’s Economic Development Toolbox has been helping to launch, expand and improve small businesses through gap financing, beautification grants, amenities funding, rental assistance and tax reimbursement. Since its 2015 kick off, the Toolbox has helped 10 small businesses open or expand in the city, adding 158 jobs, retaining 22 jobs and filling 75,100 square feet of commercial space. 


In an effort to promote the city to a wider audience across New England, Marlborough became the first and only community to partner with the popular TV program, Phantom Gourmet. The relationship allows the city to showcase its many live-work-play offerings—including entertainment and dining options, job opportunities and lifestyle amenities—at public Phantom Gourmet events, as well as through a 30-second commercial currently airing weekly on the show.


MEDC’s efforts to market the city have earned it attention on the global stage. The organization recently released its latest Marlborough – Live, Work, Play promotional video—an update to its wildly popular 2017 version, which received an award from the International Economic Development Council.


Whether you are looking to launch a small business, find a job, enjoy a meal, purchase a nice home, or just have some fun, Marlborough is your destination.
 
Contact Executive Director Meredith Harris at 508-229-2010 or mharris@marlboroughedc.com
to find out how your business can become part of this thriving community.

Marlborough Economic Development Corporation

Address: 91 Main Street, Suite 204, Marlborough, MA 01749

Phone: 508-229-2010

Website: marlboroughedc.com

Executive Director: Meredith Harris, mharris@marlboroughedc.com

Year Founded: 2006