This document discusses Massachusetts' strategy for planning ahead given demographic changes. It notes that the state's existing population will be insufficient to fill job openings as the large baby boomer generation retires from the workforce by 2030. As a result, Massachusetts is shifting to a new economic development strategy focused on creating strong mixed-use districts, urban innovation districts, and reinventing office parks and strip malls to attract and retain younger talent through lifestyle amenities. Examples provided include Kendall Square and redevelopment projects in Downtown Hyannis and Marlborough.

1. PLANNING AHEAD IN
MASSACHUSETTS
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
Department of Housing and Community Development
MAPD Conference
June 5th, 2014

2. Old vs. New Strategy?
Suzanne Kreiter/Globe

3. Innovation Economy

4. Attracting/Retaining Talent is Key

5. -
100,000
200,000
300,000
15 -
19
20 -
24
25 -
29
30 -
34
35 -
39
40 -
44
45 -
49
50 -
54
55 -
59
60 -
64
65 -
69
70 -
74
75 -
79
80 -
84
85
plus
Age
2040, Status Quo
Boomer Exodus from the Labor Force
-
100,000
200,000
300,000
2010 In Labor Force
Not In Labor Force
-
100,000
200,000
300,000
2020, Status Quo
Baby Boomers (born
1945 – 1970) comprise
49% of labor force
One million workers now
over the age of 40 will
be retired by 2030
(39% of labor force)
Existing population
insufficient to fill vacant
positions
Baby
Boomers
Baby
Boomers
Baby
Boomers

6. Lifestyle Shift?

7. New Economic Development Strategy
Strong Mixed-Use Districts

8. Shift Away from Office Parks?
Credit: Mark Hoffman
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

9. Urban Innovation Districts
Kendall Square

10. “Urbanizing” Office Parks

11. Reinventing Strip Malls

12. Strengthening Town Centers
Smart Growth America Case Study
Downtown Hyannis—EPA award winner 2007

13. Marlborough—Forest Park
Redevelopment includes:
• 350 apartments
• 125 hotel rooms
• 730,000 sq. ft. of office &
lab space, including
Quest Diagnostic
• 50,000 sq. ft. retail
• $1.6 million MassWorks
grant for road, bike and
pedestrian improvements

14. Thank you
Department of Housing and Community
Development
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
617-573-1100
Arthur Jemison
Deputy Undersecretary
DHCD
Arthur.Jemison@state.ma.us