This Crisis Shows the Value of a Strong MBTA
Finger-pointing and debating who is time blame is tempting but won’t move the MBTA out of its state of crisis fast enough.
Let’s Make a United Case to Invest in Allston
A new phase is beginning for President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package. States are in fierce competition for the largest grant awards that would support multi-billion-dollar projects.
Don’t Turn Away from Existing Blueprints for the MBTA
Under the MBTA’s new board, important transit plans are falling aside and public commitments are falling off-track. And vital zoning reforms and carbon emissions plans depend on the plans being abandoned.
The Time is Right for the Region’s Next Mega Project
In the next few months in Massachusetts, we will hear a great deal from the candidates running for governor and their top priorities if elected. During this same time, the actions by the Baker Administration will determine the future viability of transportation projects that would occur in the next decade.
Climate-Informed Updates to Chapter 91 Can Help Protect Massachusetts
If the commonwealth can set predictable, well-defined rules for property owners and stakeholders in the context of climate-informed coastal development regulations, then we can continue to create vibrant waterfronts and protect our future economic growth.
Time to Accelerate the Pace for Transit Infrastructure Projects
We can now raise expectations on what should come next and demand ambitious schedules for the transformational infrastructure changes this region deserves.
Mayor Wu Has Opportunities to Continue Boston’s Growth
Mayor Michelle Wu takes office with an ambitious agenda, broad support and real excitement that the city will prosper in new ways. Fortunately, today’s economy in Boston is strong in many areas, but this region’s future growth is far from guaranteed.
The T’s New Board Should Embrace FMCB’s Vision
A new board of directors is now in place at the MBTA, and we will soon learn if this means a new direction for public transit in this region. They should focus on implementing the FMCB’s ideas rather than any attempts to revisit the debates of the past few years.
Banker & Tradesman’s Editorial Cartoon: New Teammate at the Bank
The Patriots’ newest quarterback has signed with a second local team: HarborOne Bank.
Boston Takes a Step Towards Carbon Neutrality
Based on input from the business community, Boston’s new requirements for carbon neutrality in the city’s commercial buildings are clearer and more achievable. But hard work remains to make BERDO 2.0 succeed.
Business, MBTA Can Deliver Transportation Options that Appeal to Workers
There are real risks that the future of this region could be dominated once again by roadway traffic congestion if we fail to design policies and transportation goals that appeal to both workers and employers.
Full Speed Ahead on New Transportation Options
Commuting times and transportation options will once again be a critical issue throughout metropolitan Boston, as workers and employers prepare for increased return to the workplace this fall.
The Potential of Carbon Offsets Starts with Proper Guidance
Boston and state leaders must engage with the business community, environmental justice communities and others to develop this vital component of successfully decarbonizing our region’s commercial real estate.
We’re One Step Closer to the Right Path in Allston
MassDOT recently made a down-payment on temporary strategy for the deteriorating I-90 viaduct that gives hope for the future, but additional steps are necessary in the coming months to avoid falling short of our ultimate goals.
Big Things Are Possible – If Massachusetts Acts Now
If President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion American Jobs Plan passes Congress this year the next major infrastructure projects may be possible, but only if Massachusetts leaders act with urgency.
Boston’s New Mayor Should Seize Transportation Opportunities
Boston Mayor Kim Janey takes office during one of the most challenging times in modern history. At the same time, this extraordinary moment can be the start of a sustained, more equitable and prosperous future for Boston if she makes two key moves.
Start Designing Our Transportation Solutions Now
The early success of COVID-19 vaccines gives us all hope for the future, but we need to capitalize on this moment to address roadway congestion, maximize future federal infrastructure funds and create of smarter transportation policies throughout the commonwealth.
We Have the Opportunity to Get it Right on Climate
The foundation of the legislature’s climate road map bill is solid, but some key amendments are needed to address implementation concerns, specifically relating to the stretch energy building code.
We Have an Opportunity to Grow the MBTA in 2021
With funding that is currently in place, there are many opportunities for the MBTA to evolve into a more modern system as workers return to physical workplaces, as recent employer and employee surveys show they will do once vaccines arrive.
Stay Focused on the Next Improvements at the MBTA
The new MBTA board seems worryingly focused on the agency’s future operating budget as reason to delay action on established plans that would achieve important, long-term changes.
