Established by the state legislature in 2009, Gateway Cities were imagined as mid-size economic hubs that provide a stepping stone — or gateway — to the American Dream. The cohort includes 26 cities where more than a quarter of all Massachusetts residents live and almost 40% are foreign born.
Join GBH News at an upcoming listening session. We want to hear what matters to you, what keeps you up at night, and what makes you proud.
March 31 • 3 to 6 p.m., Canvas by Coff33 Corp, 326 Main St., Fitchburg
April 1 • 1 to 4 p.m., MOTW Cafe, 279 Willard St. Quincy
From Springfield to Chelsea, these communities face many economic and social challenges. They also are lively, diverse areas that often are left out of the headlines except for breaking news. GBH News and its Equity and Justice Team plan to focus on Gateway Cities – getting to know 26 cities in the year 2026. We are hosting listening sessions to hear from residents, and, with the help of on-the-ground reporting, expert sources, and data-driven research, produce multi-media stories to provide a clearer picture of these key communities in our state. We’d like to hear from you. Reach out to us equityandjustice@wgbh.org or fill out this questionnaire.
What are community listening sessions?
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Malden faces ‘painful’ cuts after voter reject first-ever tax override
With a turnout of 15% of registered voters, the $5.4 million override option fell short by just 124 votes. -
Malden residents vote down first-ever tax override
Tuesday's vote was the first in a Gateway City in 17 years to attempt a Proposition 2 ½ override tax hike. -
‘The opportunity is here’: Inside the state effort that’s transforming Gateway Cities
Revere’s Shirley Avenue district has seen significant transformation in recent years. Many say that a state revitalization program has played a key role in that shift. -
Malden tries to become the first Gateway City in 35 years to approve a Prop 2 ½ tax hike
On March 31, the city will ask voters to raise the total amount the city can raise in taxes by up to $8.2 million. -
Disability groups sue Worcester, alleging ADA violations in 911 responses
Disability advocates say while EMTs respond to physical health problems, armed officers respond to mental health crises. -
Worcester to give tax break to housing project despite opposition
Opponents say the developer of the housing project doesn't deserve the tax exemption because it has violated local development regulations. -
Boston-area cafes and restaurants are staying open late during Ramadan
During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from dusk to dawn. -
Former Worcester councilor found guilty of assault, not guilty of interference during ICE operation
The jury cleared her on the charge of interfering with police during a federal immigration operation last year. -
‘I’m crushed’: Transgender patients left in limbo after UMass Memorial canceled their surgeries
Some people had waited nearly a year for their appointments with a preeminent surgeon. Now, they don’t know what to do. -
Gateway to prosperity: What’s next for Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities?
Made an official designation almost 20 years ago, Gateway Cities are largely mill towns that were once the anchors of the state’s industrial past. The idea was to provide longtime residents and newly arrived immigrants a path to the “American Dream.”
