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, and about 40% of the state's foreign-born populations, live.
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. Please double check schedule — this has been updated!
Sept. 23 • 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Attleboro Public Library, 79 North Main St., Attleboro
Sept. 23 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. WANDER Berkshires Cafe, 34 Depot Street, Suite 101, Pittsfield
Sept. 24 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St. Holyoke
Sept. 25 • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Identity Coffee, The Center on Main, 49 Main St. Taunton
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 are focusing on Gateway Cities— getting to know 26 cities in the year 2026 (our “26 in 26” project). We are hosting listening sessions to hear from residents, and, with the help of on-the-ground reporting, expert sources, and data-driven research, we are producing 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 at equityandjustice@wgbh.org or fill out this questionnaire.
Gateway Cities Unlocked
What are community listening sessions?
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Salem climate change conference offers mix of hope and caution
The sixth annual conference, held at the Peabody Essex Museum, was hosted by the City of Salem and Salem’s Preservation in a Changing Climate Partners. -
‘It’s like an ice cream truck, but with books!’: Mobile libraries deliver books across Mass.
A small but growing number of public libraries across Massachusetts are reaching residents by bringing books directly to readers in a truck. These mobile libraries — known as bookmobiles — are attempting to bridge accessibility needs for library patrons who can't easily go to a branch. -
Revere has waited years for new fire engines. Critics blame private equity.
Consolidation of fire truck manufacturing companies have created long wait times and higher prices. A lawsuit involving the Revere Fire Department aims to hold the private equity firms behind the increased consolidation accountable. -
Worcester Public Schools opening 7 new libraries — but lacks books to fill shelves
A parent-led campaign is fundraising to collect more than 15,000 new books. -
Classroom to the Streets: Local teens add art to Lynn's outdoor museum
New youth program adds to the dozens of outdoor murals seen on the streets of Lynn, a North Shore city known as a premier destination for public art in Massachusetts. -
Boston Fed wealth report shows Gateway Cities lag far behind the Boston area
The recent report from Federal Reserve Bank of Boston highlights a stark economic divide between Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities and the rest of the commonwealth. -
In some Worcester neighborhoods, trees are few and far between
Gateway City programs, local initiatives and city investments are helping expand Worcester's urban tree canopy. Yet some of the neighborhoods that would benefit most remain the hardest places to plant. -
Massachusetts House primary spotlights Lowell's growing Cambodian political influence
State Rep. Tara Hong is challenged by former Lowell Mayor and current Lowell City Councilor Sokhary Chau for the 18th Middlesex District seat. -
Haverhill culinary program cooks up opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities
Organizers say adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are an untapped pool of talent often overlooked in the workplace. -
Haverhill’s shoe-making history now on display in downtown exhibit
Haverhill was once known as “Queen Slipper City.” Now, Historic New England's new exhibit features designs by high school juniors and seniors from the state’s 26 Gateway Cities.
