The US Geological Survey has completed hydrologic studies of a limited number of watersheds in Eastern Massachusetts, including the Ipswich, Upper Charles, and portions of the SuAsCo.  These hydrologic studies provide a platform for analysis of alternative growth and water supply alternatives.  Additional funding and support is needed to create more watershed models and to integrate the findings into comprehensive water resource planning at the local/subregional level and into the withdrawal permitting process.  

Water utilities should conduct a comprehensive audit every 5 to 10 years depending on the findings of the Annual Statistical Report audit. A comprehensive audit is strongly recommended for communities/systems showing significant and unexplainable increases in  unaccounted-for water (UAW) from one year to the next, and for communities/systems that are consistently unable to meet regulatory standards for UAW.

Massachusetts transportation agencies must develop comprehensive systems to assess project delivery and operation.  Such a system will have both internal and external purposes: internally, it will help create a “feedback loop” to help transportation agencies improve project delivery and public policy; externally, it will demonstrate accountability and pursuit of efficiency necessary to restore public confidence in the transportation system.

In order to use limited funds wisely, the MPO and the state must develop Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) priorities that accurately reflect the availability of funds.  A realistic transportation program will ensure that state and federal funds can be fully accessed, fewer projects will be delayed, and cost overruns will have a minimal ripple effect on other projects.  

The region needs to implement roadway design best practices that will foster bicycling and walking, improve safety, and enhance community character.  From the heart of Boston to the region’s most low-density suburbs, roadways should be designed and operated to enable safe access for all users of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders.  This does not mean that all roadways in the region should be built the same, but that the needs of diverse users should be considered and accommodated in the design process.  The outcome wi

High quality customer service, transit stations, and bus stops can make transit more attractive, increasing transit ridership and supporting transit oriented development.  Stations and stops should be clean, safe, well-lighted, and protected from the weather.  Signage and information should clearly indicate transit route, schedule, and fare, as well as real-time vehicle arrival information.  Stations should be integrated into the surrounding area, with entrances and exits located near key destinations; and nearby development also oriented toward the station.  Customer se

The region needs a robust analytical infrastructure to support informed and coordinated transportation decision-making.  The MPO should invest in comprehensive data and analysis tools that reflect the relationships among transportation, land use, and travel behavior.  Better performance evaluation is also needed to assess whether projects achieved their mobility, safety, environmental, or other objectives, creating a “feedback loop” that will inform future investment decisions.

Small businesses often have a great need for technical assistance and training.  By necessity, entrepreneurs must “multi-task” at nearly every aspect of their business; in doing so, they often find themselves far from their area of expertise, lost in the weeds of finance or contract negotiations.  

Productive relationships between municipalities and the development community attract economic investment and the opportunity for meaningful growth to Metro Boston.  These relationships should be encouraged. Long-term prosperity depends on it.  Where the permitting process brings satisfactory results, the applicants, the public, and the economy stand to benefit.  MetroFuture recommends that municipalities adopt a set of best practices that can make permitting more predictable, equitable, cost effective, and efficient.  

Foreign-born immigrants who study and then remain in the United States drive innovation, create jobs, and help keep the economy strong.  Highly educated immigrants are likely to be trained in high-demand fields such as computer science, mathematics, architecture, engineering and life and physical sciences. Although qualified, many immigrants cannot attain the credentials they need to practice their occupations in the United States because of outmoded regulations.