Chair Lisle Baker

Newton City Council Zoning and Planning Committee

1000 Commonwealth Ave, 

Newton Centre, MA 02459

Jan. 12, 2025

Dear Chair Baker,

On behalf of the Charles River Regional Chamber and Newton’s business community, we write in support of the Laredo administration’s proposal to move economic development staff into the Executive Office.

The decision to staff economic development with two positions, rather than a single role, appropriately reflects both the scope of the work, the diversity of Newton’s business base and opportunities for growth.

However, staffing alone is not sufficient.

Housing economic development within the Planning Department has too often siloed this function, even though existing and prospective businesses regularly interact with multiple city departments, including Inspectional Services, DPW, Health & Human Services, Licensing, Parking, and Public Safety. Without a central coordinating role, businesses face unnecessary friction and delays, and the city risks missed opportunities.

Relocating economic development to the Mayor’s Office will significantly strengthen the city’s ability to support existing businesses and compete for new employers. It elevates economic development from a departmental function to a citywide priority and ensures coordination across agencies that businesses depend on every day. Over time, this approach will help grow Newton’s commercial tax base and reduce pressure on residential taxpayers.

Looking ahead, Newton’s economic health will be especially critical as the city confronts potential federal funding cuts, a softening office market and ongoing school funding needs. Economic growth cannot be an afterthought. It must be central to the city’s decision-making.

This proposal ensures that the team responsible for retaining and recruiting businesses, large and small, supporting business expansion and removing barriers to investment has a seat at the table when decisions are made.

The Chamber applauds Mayor Laredo for taking these important first steps to strengthen Newton’s long-term economic vitality, and we respectfully urge the City Council to approve this proposal

Sincerely,

Greg Reibman

President & CEO 

Charles River Chamber

117 Kendrick St., Suite 300, Needham, MA 02494