Boston, MA, January 7, 2026
Boston is reinvigorating its coastal economy through the relaunch of the Seaport Economic Council. This initiative aims to streamline coastal planning and foster economic growth, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities across Massachusetts. The Council, now led by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, focuses on coordinating efforts to enhance infrastructure and support local entrepreneurs, ensuring a resilient future for waterfront communities.
Boston Reenergizes Coastal Economic Development
Boston, MA
Massachusetts is taking a significant step to fortify its vital coastal economy with the revival of the Seaport Economic Council. This initiative aims to streamline coastal planning and foster economic growth, promising new opportunities for businesses and communities across the state.
The re-establishment of the Council underscores a commitment to harnessing the natural advantages of Massachusetts’ shoreline, a move that could particularly benefit Boston MA business and its maritime industries. This proactive approach seeks to coordinate efforts and reduce potential inefficiencies, enabling local entrepreneurs and established enterprises to thrive in a more predictable and supportive environment.
Governor Healey Relaunches Seaport Economic Council
Governor Maura Healey is relaunching the Seaport Economic Council, an entity previously established by Executive Order No. 564. This re-establishment signals a renewed focus on strategic development for coastal areas across the State-level. The Council’s primary mandate is to coordinate coastal planning and economic development, aiming to ensure that the Commonwealth’s valuable waterfront assets contribute robustly to the overall economic growth of Massachusetts. This coordination can be pivotal for enhancing infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to private sector investment and job creation in coastal communities.
Leadership and Structure
The newly re-energized Seaport Economic Council is set to be led by key figures dedicated to its mission. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll has been appointed as the chair of the Council. Serving as the vice chair is Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. Additionally, David Perry has been designated as a key member of the Council. This leadership structure brings together experienced individuals tasked with guiding the Council’s initiatives and ensuring its objectives for coastal economic development are met effectively across the State-level.
Focus on Coastal Planning and Development
The Seaport Economic Council’s core mission revolves around comprehensive coastal planning and economic development for Massachusetts. This includes addressing various aspects critical to the prosperity of waterfront communities. By focusing on coordination, the Council aims to create a more cohesive strategy for managing coastal resources, protecting environmental assets, and fostering economic opportunities. For coastal communities, this could translate into better infrastructure, support for maritime businesses, and enhanced quality of life for residents. The council is positioned to play a pivotal role in ensuring that development along the Massachusetts coastline is both sustainable and economically beneficial.
Supporting Small Business Resilience and Innovation
A key theme in the Council’s renewed focus is the support for Boston small business and broader Massachusetts entrepreneurs operating in coastal regions. Coordinated planning and development efforts can create a more predictable regulatory landscape, allowing businesses to innovate and expand with greater confidence. By potentially streamlining permitting processes and identifying strategic investment areas, the Council aims to reduce barriers for local enterprises. This approach recognizes the vital role of individual initiative and private investment in driving local economies, fostering an environment where Massachusetts entrepreneurs can pursue new ventures and contribute to job creation along the coast.
Collaborative Economic Growth
The Seaport Economic Council’s work is anticipated to involve a collaborative approach to economic growth. While the Council leads coordination efforts, its success will also rely on engagement with local communities, businesses, and environmental stakeholders. This inclusive strategy can ensure that economic development aligns with local needs and environmental stewardship, creating a balanced path forward. Such collaboration can empower communities to have a stronger voice in their economic future, leading to more tailored and effective development initiatives across Massachusetts.
Conclusion
The relaunch of the Seaport Economic Council represents a forward-looking strategy for Massachusetts’ coastal regions. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, the Council is poised to coordinate coastal planning and foster economic development, providing a stable foundation for economic growth. This initiative holds the promise of bolstering local economies, supporting innovation among Massachusetts entrepreneurs, and ensuring the resilience of coastal communities. Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as the Council progresses in its mission, contributing to a vibrant future for our valuable coastline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the revived Seaport Economic Council?
The revived Seaport Economic Council’s primary purpose is to coordinate coastal planning and economic development across the State-level.
Who chairs the Seaport Economic Council?
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll chairs the Seaport Economic Council.
Who is the vice chair of the Seaport Economic Council?
Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley is the vice chair of the Seaport Economic Council.
Who is a designated member of the Seaport Economic Council?
David Perry is a designated member of the Seaport Economic Council.
Who relaunched the Seaport Economic Council?
Governor Maura Healey is relaunching the Seaport Economic Council.
How was the Seaport Economic Council originally established?
The Seaport Economic Council was originally established by Executive Order No. 564.
Key Features of the Revived Seaport Economic Council
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Council Name | Seaport Economic Council | State-level |
| Primary Goal | Coordinate coastal planning and economic development | State-level |
| Chairperson | Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll | State-level |
| Vice Chairperson | Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley | State-level |
| Designated Member | David Perry | State-level |
| Relaunching Authority | Governor Maura Healey | State-level |
| Original Establishment | Executive Order No. 564 | State-level |
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