Chamber’s Public Policy & Economic Development Committee: February Update
February Updates from the Public Policy Committee
Public Policy committee members discussed several topics affecting the MetroWest region, including:
- Updates on the State budget process and goal of approving in time due to an election year.
- Wage Transparency Bill focusing on ability of applicants applying for jobs to have open wage discussions.
- Taxes on gas, ride-hailing and businesses in the House version of the Transportation Plan.
- The effect of local permitting on businesses.
The committee was joined by James Freas, Director of Community and Economic Development of Natick and Kevin Shea, Director of Planning and Development of Framingham. Mr. Freas updated the committee on downtown Natick zoning changes, change in parking requirements, and reviewing the Master Plan. Focus on streamlining zoning process and planning. Mr. Shea discussed the vision for downtown Framingham; including existing building use, and streamline permitting. Mr. Shea discussed the overall process of obtaining information from departments with regards to open space, permitting, and general information about the City of Framingham. The goal is to make it easier for businesses looking to locate in Framingham to obtain information from one department. Both agreed to share information and work together with the Chamber to support current and future business.
The next public policy meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2020 from 8am to 9:30am. Please contact the MW Chamber office for more information, 508-879-5600 or
[email protected]
