Boston's Innovation and Creative Economy

On Tuesday, I sat down with 50 business and innovation leaders to talk about Boston’s economy.

Leaders from companies at different growth stages and in various sectors -- including technology, clean energy, venture capital, music, and finance, among many others – joined me to discuss their successes and challenges.

We talked about transportation, retaining talent, attracting new companies, and promoting Boston on the world stage.

Though we are proud of being the birthplace of innovation, we must also become its lifelong home. If elected mayor, I will focus on continually making it easier for entrepreneurs and businesses to start here – and stay here. I will also work to promote the growth of innovation throughout the entire city, and not just in select districts.

My innovation and job creation priorities include:

• Establishing a start-up clearinghouse to support new companies and connect them with talent;
• Instituting a “Buy Boston” program to promote Boston products and companies;
• Recruiting anchor companies across all industries;
• Establishing a Made-In-Boston venture capital firm to encourage investment in local and neighborhood businesses; and
• Removing barriers to small businesses and our creative economy.

• Putting fully accessible, multilingual city services on-line;
• Creating externships for technology leaders and coders; and
• Making the permitting process more streamlined and fully accessible online.

• Advocate for longer hours for the MBTA;
• Encourage construction of more three bedroom housing units for young families and microlofts to create affordable options for recent graduates, young artists, and young professionals; and
• Nurture our creative economy and support our parks and open spaces.