Economic Development Updates

by Yari DeJesus

Supplier Diversity Program Launch Recap 

On July 23rd, MACDC hosted an introductory meeting to relaunch and expand our Supplier Diversity Program statewide. The program aims to strengthen MBE and WBE participation in CDC-led real estate projects by providing tools, monthly convenings, and a data collection framework. Over 30 CDC staff joined the kickoff, where we shared program goals, walked through new resources available on Boardable, and gathered thoughtful feedback to guide the implementation. Monthly meetings will begin in August, with data reporting starting later in 2026. We strongly encourage all participating CDCs to join the Boardable platform, which will serve as the central hub for accessing program resources, participating in group discussions, and staying connected. 

MACDC Staffing update 

Yari DeJesus, MACDC’s Director of Economic Development, will be out on maternity leave starting at the end of August as she welcomes her first baby. During her leave through the fall season, Supplier Diversity Program convenings and related communications will be managed by Don Bianchi, Director of Housing and Gracie Theobald-Williams, Data and Equity Specialist. We thank you in advance for your support during this transition and look forward to Yari’s return after the fall season. 

Final Report from the Massachusetts Poverty Commission Released 

After more than a year of in-depth research, public hearings, and stakeholder engagement, the Massachusetts Special Legislative Commission to Study Poverty has released its final report: Pathways to Possibility – A Ten Year Roadmap to Expand Economic Mobility in Massachusetts. Yari DeJesus, MACDC’s Director of Economic Development, proudly served as one of 32 appointed commissioners contributing to this statewide effort. The report offers a comprehensive framework to reduce poverty through targeted policy recommendations across four key areas: access to essential support, stability for individuals and families, opportunity for economic mobility, and systems coordination. It also includes data on the state of poverty, lived-experience testimony, and spotlights on recent legislative achievements. The final report reflects extensive commissioner feedback and is designed to guide legislative and programmatic actions toward a more equitable and economically secure Commonwealth. 

You can access the full report HERE: 

Final Report - Special Commission to Study Poverty.pdf 

Virtual Brownfields Roundtable 

On September 9th, MassDEP in partnership with MassDevelopment will be hosting a virtual Brownfields ‘Roundtable’ webinar for everyone who is interested in learning about current funding and technical assistance available from: MassDevelopment, UConn Technical Assistance to Brownfields, the US EPA, and MassDEP. 

Please register to attend this 90-minute meeting at 6:00 PM EST on the Zoom platform [prior registration is required].  

Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/eEnuCRnd 

Join The Mel King Institute and Our Partners for Fundamentals of the Opportunity Finance Industry

Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Hearing 

On Tuesday May 27th, Yari DeJesus, Director of Economic Development at MACDC, and Kim Lyle, CEO of Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and Chair of MACDC’s Board of Directors, participated in an Informational Hearing held by the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. They shared pressing challenges facing small business owners in the Commonwealth, including those served by Dorchester Bay, particularly around social, economic, and environmental barriers to growth. They emphasized the importance of increased support for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), especially in light of potential reductions to the federal CDFI Fund, and called for sustained investments in the small business technical assistance program that help entrepreneurs navigate administrative and financial hurdles. They also highlighted the critical role of microlending in expanding access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs, particularly for small-dollar loans used for working capital, inventory, equipment, or startup costs. The testimony offered both a sobering look at current challenges and practical recommendations to strengthen the Commonwealth’s small business ecosystem.