COVID-19 will likely lead to a recession. Can Massachusetts municipal budgets handle one?

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Using municipalities' experiences during the Great Recession, a new policy brief examines the likely impact of COVID-19 on local property taxes, as well as political implications for state aid. We list the municipal revenues by category among the least tax-reliant communities in Massachusetts, show the trajectory of tax revenue growth rate in Massachusetts state and local governments, and rank stabilization fund assets per capita among Massachusetts Gateway Cities.

Public Statement: Extend Massachusetts’ Income Tax Filing Deadline

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Massachusetts must extend the tax filing deadline, just as the federal government and 34 of the 41 states that tax income have done.

MassAnalysis: Drawing data-based comparisons between cities and towns

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Massachusetts has 351 cities and towns—a constellation of communities…

The Connection Between Property Taxes and Pension Funding

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A recent study from economist Evgenia Gorina, published in the…

Time to Say "Cut" on Massachusetts' Film Tax Credit?

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State Senate President Karen Spilka is taking preliminary steps…

A Primer on Secondary Revenue Sources for Local Governments

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Using Pioneer Institute’s MassAnalysis tool, one can find information…

The State Legislature Should Steer Clear of New Occupational Licensing Laws

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The reach of occupational licensing laws has expanded greatly…

The Storrow Drive Tunnel Has The Lowest Sufficiency Rating In The Country, Why Hasn’t It Been Fixed Yet?

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If you live in or commute to Boston, chances are you’ve driven…

What impact do Massachusetts home prices have on Boston commuters?

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Massachusetts is commonly ranked one of the most expensive states…

Blandford’s Police Resignation Could Shed Light on Underlying Issues

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Last week, the Town of Blandford’s police force resigned en…

Got Milk? The Answer Might Soon Be No in Massachusetts

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It’s not a good time to be a dairy farmer in Massachusetts,…

A Public Transit that Neglects Its Public

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Two of a community’s most important hubs are its colleges and…

Should Boston want to be the home of Amazon’s second headquarters?

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Amazon is the kind of company whose mere presence is enough to…

Investing in commercial development may ease fiscal woes without affecting crime

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Bedford, Massachusetts is a suburban town of about 14,000 in…

Boston is a global city. Here’s why that status is threatened

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Boston is often touted as a “global city.” A quick Google…

Newburyport, Abington and Beyond: How Should Massachusetts Towns Prepare for Legalized Recreational Marijuana?

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Recreational marijuana businesses are legal in Massachusetts…
the Boston skyline overlaid with money.

Which State Employees Make More than the Boss?

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In 2017, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections had 20 employees…

Why Did the Department of Corrections Pay a Chef $166,762 last year?

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Pioneer Institute’s MassOpenBooks transparency tool shows an…

Many Massachusetts towns choosing to forego marijuana tax revenue

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Local officials, health advocates, and neighborhood group leaders…

The role of old industrial districts in residential suburbs

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The City of Waltham was once an aging mill town. Its flagship…

Can Cape Cod’s economy rely on tourism forever?

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Cape Cod’s character has long been dependent on the season.…

Everett on the Rise

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This year, the City of Everett is celebrating its 125th anniversary.…

Managing Growth in Malden & Somerville: A Tale of Two Cities

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The influx of new residents into Boston and its surrounding communities…

Regulatory reform of the taxi industry is long overdue

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If the events of the last several months are any indication,…

The Internet Sales Tax: Gone But Will It Be Back?

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On June 30th, two days before it was scheduled to go into effect,…

The Downgrade: Perhaps A Yawn But We're Not Alone

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Since the end of the Great Recession in 2009, economic indicators…

A Safe Bet For Massachusetts

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As talk heats up around town about a possible deal to sell and…