MAPC

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the MAPC region for the next five years is built on the following vision:

The region will be:

• More equitable, with opportunities for people of all backgrounds, particularly BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), and those in other marginalized groups to enjoy a high quality of life and to create, build and pass on wealth to future generations through living wages, high-quality public education, ownership of real estate, businesses, and other assets.
• More resilient, with the increased capacity and infrastructure necessary to withstand public health, economic, and climate shocks through diversification of the economy, increased collaboration, support for the most vulnerable to address disparate impacts and ensure equity and proactive care for the environment.
• More interconnected, with decreased distance between homes and places of employment, enhanced transit options that provide for more efficient travel, and digital access for all.

We will achieve this through:

• Proactively developing collaborative partnerships with a range of stakeholders from the public, non-profit, and private sectors, in suburban and urban communities, with a focus on coalition building and movement support.
• Building the capacity of MAPC and our partners to acquire tools and address barriers to advance racial equity, economic resilience, and climate resilience in the region.
• Conducting analysis of both traditional data sources and alternative ones, such as data gathered through storytelling, focus groups, lived experiences, and annual evaluation of the CEDS implementation process.

Goal 1: Residents of the region achieve financial stability in order to withstand three to six months of economic hardship.

• Provide effective workforce development supports and address barriers to quality employment for BIPOC through public-private collaboration and private sector leadership.
• Increase protections against predatory lending and expand access to financial services and education through partnerships with financial institutions and partners in the financial technology sector.
• Provide publicly funded income enhancements for those earning less than a living wage and support reduction in household expenses.

Goal 2: There is increased parity between the wealth of BIPOC and White people in the region.

• Expand access to stable housing for BIPOC.
• Build the resiliency and stability of businesses owned by BIPOC.
• Strengthen community-driven economic systems.
• Explore and advance tax reform to address systemic inequity.

Goal 3: Everyone in the region is able to access jobs, goods, and services close to their homes via affordable transportation options, with shorter commutes and fewer transfers.

• Enable the production of affordable housing near employment centers and transit nodes.
• Expand digital access to enable remote work and learning.
• Provide access to affordable, safe, and accessible transportation options.

For the full goals and strategies, read the full 2020-2025 Comprehensive Economic Development plan.