By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The city’s economic competitiveness will be studied in the coming months utilizing the Economic Development Self-Assessment Tool (EDSAT) utilized by Northeastern University’s Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy. The $5,000 grant, approved by the City Council at the May 23 meeting, was awarded to the city through the Community Compact initiative, sponsored by Governor Charles Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.
“As you may recall, the city chose job creation and retention as initiatives we would continue to work on over the next two years,” stated Mayor Arthur Vigeant in a communication to councilors. “While the city has benefited from strong economic growth – and was recently recognized by the Boston Globe as a game changer for our progress – it is important to continuously self-evaluate and assess our programs.”
In congratulating the mayor for entering into a Community Compact with the Baker-Polito administration, Stephen O’Neil, finance director of the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, said the program “creates clear mutual standards, expectations, and accountability for both the state and municipalities as together we seek to create better government for our citizens.”
Vigeant said his office will work closely with the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to engage the Dukakis Center and utilize EDSAT.
