Search Results
Journal Article
The economic performance of the New England States in 2002: an overview
Following a weak performance in 2001, New England's economy continued to struggle throughout 2002. The region faced faltering employment levels, rising unemployment, and escalating consumer prices. Economic uncertainty was reflected in dwindling consumer confidence. Despite a rather gloomy labor market, New England's residential real estate and export markets flourished.
Journal Article
Focus on high-tech: what's in a name?: gauging high-tech activity
The Boston metro area fares well when assessing a regions high-tech capacity by its share of scientific and technical occupations.
Journal Article
Reasons for optimism
President Minehan delivered these remarks during the July convening of the Bank's Community Development Advisory Council in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
Journal Article
The economic performance of the New England states in 2001: an overview
The year 2001 marked the end of a ten-year economic expansion for the nation and New England. Both the recession that began in the first quarter of 2001 and the terrorist attacks of September 11 weakened the region's labor market, which had built strength in the 1990s and through 2000. Employment in nearly all of the region's states and major industries declined in 2001, while unemployment became more widespread. Furthermore, the value of exports dropped across most major industries and destinations. The region's residential real estate market remained robust, however, as prices increased ...
Discussion Paper
Jobs in Springfield, Massachusetts: understanding and remedying the causes of low resident employment rates
As part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's commitment to supporting efforts to revitalize the economy of Springfield, Massachusetts, this paper explores the causes of and potential remedies for the city's low resident employment rates. When compared to the state as a whole and to other midsize New England cities, the share of employed city residents is low, particularly for residents of downtown Springfield and its nearby neighborhoods. By analyzing the availability of jobs across Springfield's various neighborhoods and in nearby towns and cities, this paper's goal is to learn why so few ...
Briefing
Massachusetts employment growth 1996–2006: effects of industry performance and industry composition
This brief examines the effects of industry performance and industry composition on overall changes in Massachusetts employment in the period 1996 to 2006. Through 2000, Massachusetts enjoyed strong economic expansion. Around the time of the nationwide recession of 2001, however, the Massachusetts economy experienced a relatively severe setback, and the state has yet to regain as many jobs in the ensuing expansion as it lost in the downturn. ; The study finds that Massachusetts industries generally experienced slower employment growth than their national counterparts in the early 2000s. The ...
Report
Lessons from resurgent cities
In 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston began a project to help reinvigorate the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. This cross-departmental initiative uses the Boston Fed's research and convening capabilities to complement the efforts of other organizations dedicated to improving economic and social conditions in New England's fourth-largest city. As noted in an earlier joint Federal Reserve-Brookings Institution study, Springfield has one of the highest rates of concentrated poverty in the country: one-third of the city's poor live in neighborhoods where poverty rates exceed 40 percent. ...
Journal Article
Building a workforce from preschool up: a western Massachusetts commitment
With the western Massachusetts economy struggling in 2005, area leaders formed the Berkshire Compact to develop solutions. As the cornerstone of a comprehensive plan, members are pursuing efforts to interest children at younger ages in higher education.
Discussion Paper
Jobs in Springfield, Massachusetts: understanding and remedying the causes of low resident employment rates
As part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's commitment to supporting efforts to revitalize the economy of Springfield, Massachusetts, this paper explores the causes of and potential remedies for the city's low resident employment rates. When compared to the state as a whole and to other midsize New England cities, the share of employed city residents is low, particularly for residents of downtown Springfield and its nearby neighborhoods. By analyzing the availability of jobs across Springfield's various neighborhoods and in nearby towns and cities, this paper's goal is to learn why so few ...
Discussion Paper
Towards a more prosperous Springfield, Massachusetts: project introduction and motivation
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has committed to supporting ongoing efforts at the state and local levels to revitalize the City of Springfield, Massachusetts. Drawing upon its analytical capabilities, its experience working with community organizations and earlier research on poverty in Springfield, the Bank seeks to develop strategies that will enable Springfield residents, particularly those living in impoverished neighborhoods in and near downtown, to participate more fully in the Springfield economy and the revitalization process. The Bank?s efforts are also intended to complement the ...