Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

Enabling An Equitable Energy Transition Through Inclusive Research, Michael Ash, Erin Baker, Mark Tuominen, Dhandapani Venkataraman, Matthew Burke, S. Castellanos, M. Cha, Gabe Chan, D. Djokic, J.C. Ford, Anna P. Goldstein, David Hsu, Matt Lacker, C. Miller, D. Nock, A.P. Ravikumar, Allison Bates, Anna Stefanopoulou, E Grubert, D.M Kammen, M. Pastor, S.Z, Attari, S. Carley, D.L Clark, D. Dean-Ryan, U. Kosar, Kerry Bowie, Tina Johnson

ETI Publications

Comprehensive and meaningful inclusion of marginalized communities within the research enterprise will be critical to ensuring an equitable, technology-informed, clean energy transition. We provide five key action items for government agencies and philanthropic institutions to operationalize the commitment to an equitable energy transition.

Petco Park: Evaluating Economic Health Of The Dining Establishment Industry In The Vicinity Of A Downtown Major League Baseball Stadium, Georgy Shukaylo

Masters Theses

This thesis analyzes the economic health of the dining establishments in

Downtown San Diego, CA, specifically in the vicinity of Petco Park. Opened in

2004, Petco Park is home to the San Diego Padres, a Major League Baseball

franchise. In addition, it serves as a venue for outdoor concerts and shows. The

venue is used for most of the year due to an expanded Major League Baseball

schedule, especially compared to other professional sports. Much of the

transformation of San Diego’s Downtown can be attributed to the late 1990’s East

Village Revitalization Plan, which included municipal anchors like the San …

Food-Based Businesses And The Creative Class In New England's Post-Industrial Cities, Francesca Cigliano

Masters Theses

This master’s thesis examines how the density of food-based businesses in New England’s post-industrial urban neighborhoods relates to neighborhood demographic characteristics. The relationship between food-based businesses and demographic change has been examined in larger metropolitan areas like New York City and Chicago and has found that younger, wealthier, and more highly educated residents tend to live where there are greater densities of food businesses. However, there has been little research on the topic in New England’s post-industrial cities that have historically struggled to attract highly sought knowledge workers. I find that food business density and the share of residents employed …

Boxborough Economic Development Study: Phase 2, Technical Memo, Henry Renski, John Mullin, Camille Barchers

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The Town of Boxborough’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) contracted with the Center for Economic Development at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to produce an economic development study. Phase II began in January of 2020 and provides a deeper evaluation of the development scenarios proposed at the completion of Phase I, involving four key components: 1. Summarize the results from a survey of citizen preferences on the Phase I scenarios. 2. Produce a series of "vignettes" to explain the key elements of the different scenarios to the public. 3. Assess the potential market demand for specific office, retail, and other commercial …

Three Essays On Remote Work And Regional Development, Ryan Wallace

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation is comprised of three papers that collectively explore the relationship between remote work, or people that work from anywhere, and regional economic development. The first paper measures remote occupational employment in the United States with Census microdata and a shift-share model to decompose the share of occupational growth attributed to remote work. Findings indicate remote work has grown significantly since 2000, with the most pronounced growth in high skill jobs. The second paper uses a mixed-methods design to understand the role of remote work in migration decisions. It concludes that remote work arrangements enable access to employment opportunities …

Planning For Industrial Land And Industrial Jobs: An Evaluation Of New York City's Industrial Business Zone Program, Jennifer Davis

Masters Theses

In recent years, industrial preservation policies, which aim to preserve urban industrial activity and industrial employment often through the preservation of industrial land, have emerged as a flashpoint in cities across the country that have implemented these policies. While critics contend that industrial preservation policies amount to smokestack chasing in “post-industrial” cities like New York City, industrial preservationists argue that such policies help to preserve well-paying, middle-class jobs and thus represent a tool to mitigate rising income inequalities in cities. Despite considerable attention to these policies, minimal research has evaluated the effectiveness of industrial preservation policies as land use and …

Boxborough Economic Development Study: Phase 1, Technical Memo, Camille Barchers

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The Town of Boxborough’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) contracted with the Center for Economic Development at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to produce an economic development study. Phase 1 of the study, conducted from September through December 2019 by Regional Planning Studio master’s students, began with an investigation of existing conditions and public opinion on economic development and concluded with four plausible future economic development scenarios designed to support the eventual creation of the Town’s long-term economic development plan.

Innovation Districts As A Strategy For Urban Economic Development: A Comparison Of Four Cases, Joshua Drucker, Carla Maria Kayanan, Henry Renski

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Innovation districts are a relatively new strategy in urban economic development. They have been fast gaining attention and popularity, due in part to energetic third-party promotion and the apparent successes of two early adopters: Barcelona and Boston. As additional cities establish and promote innovation districts, it benefits policymakers to possess information regarding their characteristics and suitability as an economic development approach.

We conduct in-depth case studies of four innovation districts in the United States—located in Boston, Detroit, Saint Louis, and San Diego—that present contrasting settings, policies, and outcomes. The empirical information is drawn primarily from interviews with the innovation district …

Towards A Passenger Station On The East-West Massachusetts Train Line - The Case For Palmer, University Of Massachusetts Amherst Center For Economic Development, Umass Design Center

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report is to examine the feasibility of the Town of Palmer becoming a passenger stop on a proposed East-West rail line that would connect to Union Station in Springfield and South Station in Boston. The report is presented in two parts. Part one presents the primary reasons that would make the case for a stop being placed in Palmer. The second presents a series of case studies to stimulate ideas on how Palmer could promote further growth through the creation of transit oriented development (TOD) around any future stop.

The findings in this report are based …

Site Evaluation Study For A Horse Park In Massachusetts, Henry Renski, John R. Mullin, Jonathan G. Cooper, Sarah Lang

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This assignment required CED to work with an Advisory Board – consisting of Association members, equestrian center operators, equine studies managers, and equestrian merchants – to create a vision of the park and center, to determine its markers of success and to undertake an economic feasibility study that would show potential financial returns to the Commonwealth.

Publications From The Mastering Mills Symposium, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Through the Center for Economic Development's research, consulting and technical assistance efforts, it has become increasingly apparent that increased knowledge concerning the revitalization of old mills and mill communities is necessary. The problem is particularly acute in smaller communities and in areas of slow growth, where problems and solutions are addressed differently than larger towns near urban locations. The purpose of this symposium was to gain an understanding of the methods that can protect and enhance mill character and the economic viability in mill communities. It included several presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities for audience involvement. Presentations and any supplemental …

Promoting Productive Agriculture In Massachusetts: An Analysis Of Chapter 61a Land In Hardwick, Massachusetts, Sarah Lang

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this study is to look at the role MGL Chapter 61A plays in promoting agricultural production within the state of Massachusetts.

Towards The Creation Of A Horse Park In The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts: A Feasibility Study, Henry Renski, John R. Mullin, Jonathan G. Cooper

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This study finds that the development of a Massachusetts Model horse park represents a significant economic opportunity for the Commonwealth. Capital costs are not expected to exceed $150 million. The annual economic impact is expected to approach $99 million and lead to the creation of more than 950 jobs throughout Massachusetts. Economic activity resulting from the facility’s development would also generate an additional $5 million in state and local tax revenues per year.

Mastering Mills: Recommendations For Planning Massachusetts Mill Communities, Angelica Carey, Madison Burke, Alexandra Smialek, Margaret Palmer

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This paper is meant to summarize the findings and recommendations that came directly from attendees at the “Mastering Mills” Symposium in order to influence future state policies regarding mill revitalization, especially for rural communities.

Orange Arts And Economic Development: Identifying Non-Traditional Innovative Educational Opportunities For Economic Development In The Town Of Orange, Massachusetts, Brendan Conboy, Michael Goulding

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this collaboration is to develop creative, ‘out of the box’ solutions for a wide range of economic development issues in Franklin County, Massachusetts. One area of focus is in identifying innovative and educational opportunities that promote economic development strategies for the town of Orange, Massachusetts.

Forging Ahead: Towards An Arts Center In North Quabbin, Leonard Kendall, Stephen Meno

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report is a feasibility study to assess the potential adaptive reuse of mill buildings in the North Quabbin region as a site for an arts education center that would specialize in large-scale sculpture fabrication. This report relies on interviews with experts and conducting case studies on similar instances of creative economy revitalization.

A Call To Arts: Integrating The Arts Into Downtown Orange, Ma, Leonard Kendall

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report is an implementation plan for a demonstration project to integrate the arts into the economy of the town of Orange. It includes recommendations for the town to develop an arts-led economy as well as an arts chapter for the master plan. This is the last report in a series of three that have analyzed creative economic development strategies for the region.

Working Draft, The Mill And The Mill Town Pilot Feasibility Checklist: Redevelopment Of Once And Future Mill Sites, John R. Mullin, Erica Roper

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This checklist was designed by the University of Massachusetts Center for Economic Development to identify how prepared a town is to revitalize its Mill buildings and to help potential developer identify priorities and viable redevelopment sites. The high volume of abandoned mills in New England demonstrates the need for creative tools to serve as a preliminary filter for redevelopment opportunities.

Vermont Futures Project: Vermont Economic Indicators And Dashboard., Henry C. Renski

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

http://www.vtfuturesproject.org/vermont-economic-snapshot/
Statistical data compendium website with narrative.
Prepared on Behalf of the Vermont Futures Foundation.

Mastering Mills: Recommendations For Planning Massachusetts Mill Communities, Angelica Carey, Madison M. Burke, Alexandra 'Ola' Smialek, Margaret Palmer

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This paper provides specific recommendations that have been prioritized in an effort to influence state policy that will positively support mill revitalization.

Syllabus: Introduction To Permaculture, Lisa Depiano

Sustainability Education Resources

The Permaculture Design Course is a three-credit course that offers students a foundation in permaculture history, ethics, principles, design process, and practical applications. The framework behind the theory and practice of permaculture is rooted in the observation of natural systems. By observing key ecological relationships, we can mimic and apply these beneficial relationships in the design of systems that serve humans while helping to restore the natural world. This course trains students as critical thinkers, observers, and analysts of the world(s) around them, and then goes on to provide students with the tools needed to design for inspired and positive …

A Model Ecotourism Master Plan Chapter For Rural Massachusetts Communities: A Case Study Of Hardwick, Ma, Sarah Lang, Madison Burke

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The primary purpose of this project is to create a model chapter on ecotourism to better leverage the available natural resources within rural towns (under 50,000 population) in MA as an economic development strategy.

Long-Term Population Projections For Massachusetts Regions And Municipalities, Henry C. Renski, Susan Strate, Daniel Hodge, William Proulx, Katherine Paik, Steffen Herter

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Creative Placemaking: A Case Study Exploration Of How Creative Economy Strategies Can Provide Potential Opportunities For Revitalization In Downtown Chicopee, Ma, Laura Selmani

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

Chicopee, a former industrial center in western Massachusetts, is experiencing a stagnant economy, high vacancy and a steady loss of population. City of Chicopee wants to increase downtown visibility and bolster its economy by attracting in the area people constituent of creative class. This research represents an attempt to identify creative strategies to develop the neglected downtown of Chicopee. After more than a century of economic blight, vacancy and declining population, the city wants to research and exploit the potential of arts and culture as means to a physical, social and economic revivification of its downtown.

A key aim of …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Cape And Islands Region: Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Cape and Islands region. This report is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines recent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s sub-sectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

The Advanced Manufacturing sector has an almost negligible presence …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Central Region: Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Central region. This report is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines recent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s subsectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

Advanced Manufacturing is a particularly vital component of the Central region’s …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Northeast Region: Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Northeast region. This re-port is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines re-cent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s subsectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

More people in the Northeast work in Advanced Manufacturing than in …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Boston/Metrowest Region:Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Boston/MetroWest region. It is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines recent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s subsectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

With nearly 50,000 workers and over 1,000 businesses, the Boston/MetroWest region’s Advanced …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Pioneer Valley Region: Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Pioneer Valley. This report is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines recent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s subsectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

With over 600 businesses and 22,000 employers, Advanced Manufacturing accounts for …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Southeast Region: Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Southeast region. This re-port is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines recent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s subsectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

With nearly 30,000 workers and over 1,000 businesses, the Southeast region’s …