Growing Our Local Economy and Revitalizing Our Downtowns

Our towns should be places where people can work, start a business, and build a future. A strong local economy supports year-round jobs, sustains the shops and services residents rely on, and strengthens the commercial tax base that helps support our schools and town services.

 I believe our district needs an active approach, with a concrete plan for strengthening local businesses and creating opportunities in the communities we call home.

Adding residential density alone is not a complete economic development strategy. We need a diverse business community and commercial spaces where employers, entrepreneurs, and local workers can thrive.

As your State Representative, I will work with our six towns to revitalize their downtowns, support existing businesses, attract complementary new businesses, and encourage residents and visitors to spend locally.

We have a nearby example to learn from. Manchester-by-the-Sea’s Downtown Improvement Committee works with town officials and the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce on commercial recruitment, downtown improvements, and visitor outreach. Its work connects practical needs, such as parking, signage, and restrooms, with efforts to support businesses that can succeed throughout the year.

My plan builds on that cooperative approach, with five priorities:

1. Help existing businesses succeed.
   I will meet with local business owners to understand what they need to remain viable, reach more customers, and grow. Working with town officials, chambers of commerce, and business organizations, I will help coordinate efforts to address those needs and promote the businesses already investing in our communities.

2. Attract new businesses and make better use of commercial space.
   I will work with towns and property owners on a town-by-town review of vacant and underused commercial spaces. Together, we can identify businesses that would complement existing shops and services, meet residents’ needs, and create local jobs. Retaining and reusing commercial space should be part of a deliberate, locally guided economic development plan.

3. Make our downtowns welcoming and accessible.
   Safe walkways, convenient parking, clear signs, accessible restrooms, and inviting public spaces all contribute to a place where people want to spend time. I will bring together town managers, planning and zoning officials, business owners, residents, nonprofits, and our artistic community. Our existing open-space, shade-tree, beautification, bicycle and pedestrian, and trail committees have valuable experience to contribute. The people who know each town should help shape its priorities.

4. Promote all six communities together.
   Visitors coming for Crane Beach, the Topsfield Fair, or Todd Farm should also discover our shops, restaurants, galleries, and local artists. Residents should know what they can find nearby. I envision a shared promotional campaign that celebrates each town’s distinct character, inspired by the highly successful “I Love New York” campaign of the late 1970s.  Local artists, musicians, and students could help create a recognizable identity through original artwork, music, and stories about our communities.

5. Be an active ambassador and advocate.
   I will help introduce entrepreneurs to opportunities in our district, connect local partners, and help towns pursue state planning and infrastructure support for improvements they choose. My role will be to help move these efforts forward and follow through as projects develop.