For many years, Boston Indicators has produced descriptive, data-driven research analyzing many of the pressing challenges we face as a region. As a complement to this ongoing data work, the Big Ideas research organized on this page represents a new body of policy research for Boston Indicators. These reports describe and model policy ideas that often are not yet on the immediate legislative agenda, but that might have the potential to help address shared challenges at scale.
While the policy ideas analyzed in these reports vary in scope, ambition, and topic area, they ultimately share a common goal – sparking new policy conversations focused on building a region that is more just, equitable and prosperous.
A vision for building walkable 15-minute neighborhoods that leverages our strengths and addresses many of our region’s persistent challenges.
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Roughly half of small businesses nationwide have unmet need for capital, and this share jumps to two-thirds for entrepreneurs of color.
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Guest policy briefs from a range of voices, including community leaders, advocates and local researchers.
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The wrong level of government—small cities and towns, rather than the state—is making too many of our important housing policy decisions. This paper offers one concrete model for how the state can take a more proactive role in setting land use regulations.
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Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead the nation in providing a guaranteed income to low and moderate-income residents, utilizing a tool already at its disposal – the Earned Income Tax Credit.
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