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Economic Development Summit
Every year, the Town of Reading's Economic Development Division plans and hosts this public forum. Speakers provide timely remarks and insights on economic trends that dovetail with the Town's latest Economic Development initiatives. The Town hosts this event annually during the Fall. Forum specific materials will be circulated to the public ahead of these meetings.
2023 PUBLIC FORUM
Summary
This Economic Development Summit was combined with Reading's 2023 Financial Forum II. At this year's summit, MBTA Communities Zoning and the Community Preservation Act, two important concepts related to economic development, housing, and sustainable municipal finance, were discussed.
The MBTA Communities Section 3A law will zone areas within a 1/2 mile radius of Reading's Commuter Rail Station for multi-family housing. This will enable greater housing stock within Reading and within all MBTA Communities. The presentation linked below is an excellent overview of where Reading stands as of October 2023 regarding MBTA Communities.
For more information regarding the overall, state-wide initiative, please see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta-communities.
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) can serve as an annually replenishable funding source for Affordable Housing, Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation/Reuse, as well as acquisition of land and property for public projects. The presentation linked below provides specific Reading examples of projects that could be funded by CPA.
For general information on CPA, please see https://www.mass.gov/lists/community-preservation-act.
Presentations
Recording
Economic Development Summit 2023
2022 Public Forum
Summary
This Economic Development Summit was formatted as a neighborhood public forum to review the 2019 design concepts for the area between the MBTA train tracks and Ash Street. The Town reengaged the Ash Street neighborhood and commercial property owners within "The Yard" to hear feedback and preferences. Topics of discussion include: land use, open space, mobility, and placemaking. This community planning initiative is to help the Town continue to be proactively ready for any future economic development opportunities in this area per the Town's Economic Development Action Plan.
Recording
Economic Development Summit 2022
2021 Summit
Presentation Recording
Documents and Presentations
- Town of Reading Opening Presentation (PDF)
- Business Improvement District Brochure (PDF)
- Local Rapid Recovery Final Presentation (PDF)
- Downtown Streetscape Improvements (PDF)
Project Summaries and Reports
For more information about these featured projects visit "Downtown Reading Initiatives".
2020 Summit
Presentation Recording
Documents and Presentations
2019 Summit
Documents and Presentations
Project Summaries and Reports
For more information about these featured projects visit the "Eastern Gateway Initiatives" page.