Hitting the Ground Running in 2023
2022 was a busy and successful year for our US-based Cambridge Econometrics office and we’re delighted to update you on a range of exciting projects that we are leading on in 2023.
1. The Transformative Development Initiative
Working closely with MassDevelopment, Cambridge Econometrics has started a new data analysis project to support the state’s ground-breaking Transformative Development Initiative (TDI). TDI is focused on identifying districts within small-midsized Gateway Cities in Massachusetts for targeted urban revitalization, small business support, and creative placemaking.
The thirteen new districts (stretching from Pittsfield to Barnstable) will each have a TDI Fellow and access to a wide-range of small business, arts/culture, and real estate investment funding opportunities.
Cambridge Econometrics is leading an innovative project to collect data and measure the direct effects of TDI-related programs and investments such as ground floor vacancy, small business activity, and pedestrian foot traffic.
We’re also developing business and resident public perception surveys, analyzing TDI investment data, and helping to develop novel ways to measure partnerships and capacity-building. This work will establish a baseline of conditions as the 13 districts are established and enable tracking of changes and improvements over time.
2. Network Appalachia Freight Analysis Update
Cambridge Econometrics is leading a freight analysis of the 423-county Appalachian Region which stretches from western New York to northern Mississippi.
This work is generating new maps of the multi-modal freight infrastructure system along with data analysis of the commodity flows into, out of, and within the region by mode, tons, value, and commodity.
Cambridge Econometrics is also developing lessons learned from five freight facility case studies, analysis of the jobs and wages of freight-related industries (trucking, rail, waterways, warehousing), and potential regional actions and investment priorities.
3. New Bedford Citywide Plan
Cambridge Econometrics is leading the economic development and transportation analysis elements of the New Bedford (MA) citywide plan update.
New Bedford is positioning itself relative to a number of new investment opportunities and initiatives such as the introduction of South Coast Rail and a Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) district along Acushnet Ave.
Cambridge Econometrics is also helping to define the economic development opportunities from offshore wind as the city positions itself to be a major port and economic hub for offshore wind activity.
View more of our recent work here – Our Work Archive – Cambridge Econometrics US (camecon.us)