Skip to content
  • About Us
  • Foundation
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
  • Membership
        • Membership

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • Chamber Membership
        • About Us
          Our Impact

          Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.

        • Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
        • Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.

        • For our members

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Sign In
  • join
Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
  • Membership
        • Membership

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • Chamber Membership
        • About Us
          Our Impact

          Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.

        • Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
        • Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.

        • For our members

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Sign In
  • join
  • About Us
  • Foundation
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join

Shaping the Future of Downtown: Catalysts to Ensure Success

July 11, 2024 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce or Virtual

Event Details

  • Downtown Boston is experiencing unprecedented disruption due to changing work and life patterns. Thank you for joining us for a presentation on Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation’s research on the topic and a panel discussion.
  • In partnership with the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a panel of experts discussed the most recent research of urban downtown areas across the country.

Tickets

  • Free and open to the public.
  • In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually!

Jump to page section

  • Overview
  • Speakers
  • In Partnership With

Shaping the Future of Downtown: Catalysts to Ensure Success

On Thursday, July 11 at 2pm, attendees joined us for a free hybrid event, “Shaping the Future of Downtown: Solutions to Ensure Success.” After a presentation, a panel discussed the most recent research of urban downtowns across the country, the implications for Boston, and the urgent actions needed to ensure a successful future for Boston’s residents and businesses.

Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President, Doug Howgate, presented on his group’s latest research, and Bob Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank, delivered remarks. A panel featuring James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Tamara Small, President of NAIOP Massachusetts, and Martha Walz, Interim President, Boston Municipal Research Bureau discussed the future of downtown.

Attendees heard from experts from the finance and real estate sectors about the future of downtown and the actions that government and business leaders should take.

Click HERE to view the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation’s report on downtown Boston.

Questions? Contact us.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Angelica Medina

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Angelica

Speakers

Doug Howgate Headshot
Doug Howgate

President, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation

Doug Howgate is President at the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Doug began as President in January of 2023, after two years as the Foundation’s Executive…Read more
Doug Howgate is President at the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Doug began as President in January of 2023, after two years as the Foundation’s Executive Vice President. This is Doug’s second stint at MTF, having served as Research Director between 2015 and 2018.

Prior to his time at the Foundation, Doug held a number of prominent policy positions in Massachusetts. He served as Senior Policy Advisor to Senate President Karen Spilka between 2018 and 2020, and Budget Director at the Senate Committee on Ways and Means between 2010 and 2014. He has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Port Authority and as a Senior Researcher at the Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center.

Doug has a B.A. in Political Science from Holy Cross and holds a Master’s degree from Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Tamara Small Headshot
Tamara Small

CEO, NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association

Tamara Small serves as CEO of NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association. NAIOP represents the interests of companies involved with…Read more
Tamara Small serves as CEO of NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association. NAIOP represents the interests of companies involved with the development, investment, ownership, and management of office, multifamily, industrial, retail, lab, mixed-use, and institutional properties in Massachusetts.

Committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within the commercial real estate industry, NAIOP provides educational and networking opportunities while advocating for laws, policies and regulations that strengthen the industry.

Tamara provides vision and leadership in establishing strategic initiatives and objectives for NAIOP while ensuring that the budget, staff and priorities are aligned with the organization’s core mission. A registered lobbyist, Tamara serves on numerous regulatory working groups, regularly testifies before the Legislature, and is the spokesperson for the organization.

Tamara currently serves on the boards of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau and the 495/MetroWest Partnership. In 2023, Tamara served on the Commonwealth’s Economic Development Planning Council. In 2024, she was appointed by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to serve on the Unlocking Housing Production Commission, which is currently working on recommendations to advance housing production in Massachusetts. Tamara is a graduate of Boston University.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Bob Rivers HS
Bob Rivers

Chair and CEO, Eastern Bank

Bob Rivers has been the Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank, the largest commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts with $23 billion in total assets and 120 locations,…Read more
Bob Rivers has been the Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank, the largest commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts with $23 billion in total assets and 120 locations, since 2017. A 40-year community banker who started his career as a teller at Randolph Savings Bank, he is a graduate of Stonehill College.

Bob is involved extensively in the community, serving as Chair of The Dimock Center and on the Board of Directors of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, The Lowell Plan, and The New England Council. He also is a member of the Board of Trustees of Stonehill College, the Advisory Boards of the JFK Library Foundation, Lawrence Partnership and UTEC, as well as the Boston Women’s Workforce Council and The Boston Club, in addition to providing support and guidance to numerous other non-profit organizations. In addition, he is a Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education, comprised of more than 100 Massachusetts companies and business associations focused on raising awareness about the need for a more robust and sustainable network of early childcare and education. A co-founder of Eastern’s innovation hub, Eastern Labs, which has pioneered new products with fintech’s and advanced digital banking services, Bob also serves on the Advisory Board of the Mass FinTech Hub. Most recently, he was appointed to the Federal Reserve’s Federal Advisory Council.

Bob has been recognized by many organizations for his work in championing diversity and social justice and has been regularly named among the Top 10 “Most Influential People in Boston” by Boston Magazine, and to the Boston Business Journal’s Power 50 list.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
James Rooney Headshot
James E. Rooney

President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

James E. Rooney is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, one of the region’s leading business associations. Under…Read more
James E. Rooney is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, one of the region’s leading business associations. Under Rooney’s guidance, the Boston Chamber has become the leading voice of the business community on public policy issues, weighing in on important matters such as our region’s public transportation infrastructure, economic mobility, health care costs, workforce development and policy regarding our state’s competitiveness.

In addition, Rooney has focused on broadening the Chamber’s membership, including introducing new programs and initiatives designed to attract and retain next generation leaders, minority-owned and small businesses. Prior to joining the Chamber in 2015, Rooney was executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for nearly 15 years, overseeing the development and construction of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and leading the management teams of four MCCA owned facilities in Massachusetts. Before moving to the MCCA in 2001, Rooney served two years as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, chairing the Mayor’s cabinet and playing a critical role in all aspects of city governance including education, public safety, public works and transportation. He began his public career at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the nation’s fourth largest transit system, where he spent 18 years, starting as a track laborer and ending as Deputy General Manager. He also served one year as the MBTA’s Acting General Manager during a gubernatorial transition. During the 1990s, Rooney served in senior positions at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the Central Artery Project, Boston’s $15 billion “Big Dig” highway project.

Rooney has served in leadership positions on several boards of directors and currently sits on professional and non-profit boards including the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) North American Advisory Board/Mexico Tourism Board, Vice Chair of the Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE), The Partnership, Inc., and the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC). Rooney has been recognized many times throughout his career for both professional and civic contributions including, a PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global meetings industry and a City of Boston Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership and advocacy for immigrant advancement and diversity.

In 2018, Rooney was named one of Boston’s Top 10 Most Influential People by Boston Magazine, and one of the “Power 50” executives who made the biggest impact on Greater Boston’s business community and the region’s overall economy by the Boston Business Journal. Rooney grew up in South Boston and attended the prestigious Boston Latin School, graduating as president of his class. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard College and attended the Boston University Graduate School of Management.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Marty Walz HS
Martha Walz

Interim President, Boston Municipal Research Bureau

Martha (Marty) Walz joined the Research Bureau in November 2023 as Interim President. She has over 35 years of experience and leadership positions in the non-profit,…Read more
Martha (Marty) Walz joined the Research Bureau in November 2023 as Interim President. She has over 35 years of experience and leadership positions in the non-profit, corporate, and government sectors, including work in interim leadership roles for a diverse array of organizations. Previously, Marty served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, leading the organization’s health care, education, and advocacy work. She is also a former Massachusetts State Representative. Marty holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University, from which she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She is a resident of South Boston.

See on LinkedInarrow-go

In Partnership With

MTP Logo 2
265 Franklin Street
Suite 1701
Boston, MA 02110
Get Directions
Contact us
  • Events
  • Learning & Development
  • Economic Inclusion
  • Policy & Impact
  • Our Networks
  • Membership
  • join
  • About Us
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

© 2025 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Resources

  • Small Business  
  • News & Insights  
  • Member Resources  
  • Small Business  
Close