A Boost for Framingham's Business Reputation

Framingham got some nice press recently from Area Development Magazine, which is focused on covering the business topics of company site selection and relocation. The article noted that "Framingham is a thriving, diverse community that is frequently recognized for its high quality of life and well educated work force," and is home to the corporate headquarters of well-known firms such as TJX, Staples, Cumberland Farms/Gulf, and Bose Corporation.

The town was ranked ninth overall nationwide for economic and job growth, and eleventh in the category of small cities. You can read the entire article here.

And today's Metro West Daily News published an op-ed piece by MetroWest Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Bonnie Biocchi, praising the efforts of the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, and Town Manager Bob Halpin to make Framingham "business-ready". Key steps that were cited include the town's use of the Economic Development Self-Assessment Tool developed by Northeastern University's Center for Urban Policy and Planning, the recent BOS vote to decrease the commercial tax rate, and the article approved by Town Meeting and sponsored by the BOS and Planning Board to adopt the state's Chapter 43D, which streamlines the permitting process and guarantees decisions on priority development sites within 180 days.

While Framingham already leads the region in jobs and payroll, the recognition from a leading business publication and the recent actions by town officials point to an even brighter future for our town as a business hub.