Economic Development

The Business and Economic Development subcommittee, co-chaired by Frederick Dello Russo Jr. and Rick Orlando, was tasked with finding ways to assist existing businesses, reach out to new businesses and promote the city to surrounding communities and institutions.

The Business and Economic Development Transition Team Committee Report is a comprehensive report that organizes, compiles, and analyzes important community input from throughout Medford. The committee consisted of 8 individuals: Co-chairs Rick Orlando and Councillor President Fred Dello Russo, Jr., as well as Muhammad Chowdhury, Christine Cousineau, Linda Garriott, Kelly Hurstak, Paul Materazzo, and Tim McGivern. Between February and March 2016, the committee conducted five community meetings throughout the various business districts, and engaged over 250 participants who contributed ideas about desired changes, upgrades, and initiatives in our community. These results were then gathered, categorized, and five key priorities were identified:

1. Streetscape Improvement/Beautification improvements
2. Circulation (vehicular, pedestrian, bike)
3. Safety (mainly for pedestrians and cyclists)
4. Business Development and Marketing
5. Development (new construction, mixed-use development)

Read the report: download PDF or view online. A copy is also available at the Medford Public Library, located at 111 High Street.

Participants at each meeting broke into discussion tables around a map of the business district, with post-it notes to write comments, and small images of elements they may want to see in the area, that they could paste onto the map. In addition, each table took notes of their discussion and reported to the larger group.

From the comments on maps and the discussion notes, responses were tabulated into eight categories and analyzed to identify most commonly expressed desires. Details on specifics and location can be found in tables available by following this link:

Read the comments: download PDF or view online

To follow up on the report, Mayor Burke and members of the Business and Economic Development Transition Team returned to the squares in the fall of 2016 to report on the findings of the report and talk about upcoming implantation strategies.

Medford Hillside
Thursday, September 29 at 574, Boston Avenue, Room 401
SEE PDF OF PRESENTATION

South Medford:
Wednesday, October 5 at the South Medford Fire Station community room, Zero Medford Street
SEE PDF OF PRESENTATION

Haines Square:
Wednesday, October 12 at Roberts Elementary School, 35 Court Street
SEE PDF OF PRESENTATION

West Medford:
Wednesday, October 26 at Brooks Elementary School, 388 High Street
SEE PDF OF PRESENTATION