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!

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.

Angelica Medina

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Angelica

Speakers

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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Premier Event

2026 Pinnacle Awards

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

Member Engagement

Maximize Your Membership

Register Now

Membership Directory

Discover fellow Chamber members.

Upcoming Events

Stay Involved

Talent & Workforce

City Awake

Boston’s Future Leaders

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Women’s Leadership Program

Partnership with Boston Public Schools

Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent