Good morning friends

Congressman Jake Auchincloss has a message to each of the 35 cities and towns in his 4th Congressional District.

Failure to comply with the state’s MBTA Communities Law won’t just make your municipality ineligible for a long list of state grants, it could result in the loss of federal dollars too.

“Cities and towns that don’t comply with the MBTA Communities Act by allowing for more housing production will not be eligible for community project funding through the congressman’s office,”  Auchincloss’ office said in a statement.

Now if we can only get the rest of the state’s congressional delegation to emulate Auchincloss' lead.

There are carrots for municipalities too

In addition to being ineligible for many state grants (including funding for roads, bridges, water and sewer improvements, housing and other discretionary local aid), Gov. Maura Healey is offering carrots for the growing number of cities and towns that have an approved MBTA Communities-compliant plan.

As part of her Capital Investment Plan, Healey announced the creation last month of the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund.

The three-year, $15 million pilot aims to reward communities in compliance with the state housing law, with funding for infrastructure projects and planning for housing, housing development, and acquisition of properties to develop housing units.

That could be a big asset, for example, in Watertown which just approved a reimagining of Watertown Square (including allowing a by-right housing unit capacity of 3,133), although many details remain to be worked out.

The vilification isn’t supported by the data

It was another attack-fest on migrants at this week’s convention in Milwaukee, loaded with falsehoods about voter fraud, renewed calls for mass deportation, and fear-mongering about migrant crime waves

But there is no migrant crime surge, writes German Lopez at the New York Times.

Many studies show that crime has gone down while illegal immigration has increased, and that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than are people born in the U.S.

In contrast, a new report out this week from the Pioneer Institute documents how immigration benefits our economy and could further boost economic vitality.

International students are responsible for nearly a quarter of all current billion-dollar private startups in the U.S.  On average, those 143 companies each created 800 jobs and have together generated $591 billion in value, according to Pioneer.

The founders of 25 of those 143 unicorns were educated at Massachusetts colleges and universities, according to the report’s authors.  Fifty-nine percent of the former international students who founded venture capital-backed startups in the commonwealth were educated here.

In terms of attracting foreign students, other countries offer more secure employment opportunities or even guaranteed employment after graduation, the authors add, while the current U.S system  “discourages business creation, hampers the nation’s ability to maximize the enormous benefits foreign-born graduates of U.S. colleges and universities can provide.”

Immigrants are up to twice as likely to start new businesses than those born in the U.S. and more likely to own a STEM firm. Immigrants holding a master’s degree are 57 percent more likely to own an incorporated high-growth business than their U.S.-born peers.

Michael Jonas at CommonWealth Beacon has more.

Child care discussion next Wednesday

Massachusetts has the highest average cost of child care in the nation -- if you can find a spot.

Employers are invited to join Sect. of Economic Development Yvonne Hao next Wednesday (Jul 24) at 4 p.m. for an overview of the state’s child care taskforce, followed by discussion.

This is an opportunity to discuss the impact of child care on your workforce and provide feedback.  If this is an issue of importance to your workforce — and we know it is for so many local companies — RSVP

Friday’s grab bag

• This is big: Every student in Massachusetts would be able to attend community college for free starting this fall -- and take free regional public transit to get there, under a $58 billion compromise budget House and Senate negotiators filed Thursday night. (State House News).
  
  
• Here’s why people (including me, it seems) are getting COVID again this summer and the latest guidelines about variants, symptoms and more.
  
  
• Needham Rotary Club’s Annual Carnival at Needham High School, featuring rides, carnival games and food, began last night and continues through Sunday.
  
  
• The St. Mary of Carmen Festival also continues in Nonantum though Sunday.
  
  
• Wellesley’s Annual July Jubilation Sidewalk Sale is tomorrow (Saturday)  
  
  
• Flummoxed by detours? Needham has an interactive map showing where construction is happening and when. Find the link on the DPW’s Construction Alerts page.  
  
  
• The Wellesley Select Board has developed a survey as part of the town’s DEI Equity Audit.  Wellesley-based employers and employees please take the survey.
  
  
• Our friends at Newton Neighbors are at it again. They’re collecting new and gently used school supplies to ensure students begin the new school year with the tools needed to succeed, now through July 31. List of requested items here.
  
  
• If you liked Spring Seasoning, you may want to experience “A Taste of Ethnic Boston,” July 30, 6 to 9 p.m. at Big Night Live! Discover the top restaurants showcasing Boston's culture including two chamber members: Fuji and Naislee Catering. Use promo code "CHAMBER20" for 20% off.
  
  

Watertown to help small businesses save on energy

The City of Watertown is partnering on a small business energy efficiency initiative with Mass Save on its Main Streets Program.

The program connects small business owners with approved contractors who offer no-cost energy assessments to discuss upgrades that will lower energy use and reduce costs.

Starting July 29, energy experts will be in Watertown meeting with businesses, non-profits and houses of worship, scheduling no-cost energy assessments and answering questions about energy-efficient equipment upgrades and other improvements.

Many upgrades qualify for Mass Save incentives and interest-free financing, up to 90% of the improvements. Email questions.

Join us for BBQ, networking and lawn games Tuesday

The heat wave has broken, just in time to join us our annual Needham Night event, Tuesday (July 23) from 5 to 7 p.m.

We’re serving Blue Ribbon BBQ, Kona Ice, and frosty beverages with a side order of lawn games at the Tripadvisor amphitheater.

The main focus will be on networking. But we’ll also have a short speaking portion celebrating Bigbelly Solar, the Needham Revitalization Trust Fund, The Common restaurant, and retiring State Rep. Denise Garlick. RSVP.

Newton state rep candidates talk business

Finally today, yesterday’s chamber state rep candidates debate with Bill Humphrey, Rick Lipof and Greg Schwartz got a little feisty at times, although there was a lot of support for brisket and Joe Biden stepping aside.

Here’s the video and the Newton Beacon story.

Scroll down for the video of Tuesday’s chamber debate of the three Democrats competing  Sept. 3 primary to fill state Rep. Denise Garlick’s 13th Norfolk seat.  Our debate for the 11th Middlesex run-off to fill Rep. Kay Khan’s seat is July 31 at noon.

And that’s what you need to know for today, unless you need to hear what may be the first-ever love ballad about heat pumps. (And you should.)

Make it a good one. Dine outdoors at your favorite local restaurant this weekend.

Greg Reibman (he, him)

President & CEO

Charles River Regional Chamber

617.244.1688

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