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Framingham Mayoral Candidates Respond to Business Related Questions - Charlie Sisitsky Responses

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Framingham Mayoral Candidates Respond to Business Related Questions - Charlie Sisitsky Responses

1. Streamlining Permitting & Business Support

Framingham’s city website notes its “Plan-Build-Grow” initiative, expedited permitting adoption (via Chapter 43D), and business assistance (site finding, licensing, financing) through the Community & Economic Development Division. (Framingham MA)
o How will you ensure the city continues to reduce red-tape, coordinate business support, and improve response times for new and expanding companies?
 
Chapter 43D is limited to certain areas of Framingham and was adopted when we were a Town.  It has worked well for Sanofi and TJX.  However, we approach every project in the city as a 43D project by following those guidelines and work closely to ensure that successful projects can benefit our residents and tax base.  I have reinstituted the “Technical Review Team” from when we were a town.  The team is made up of full-time staff that meet in order to assist in coordination and project flow.
 

2. Downtown & Transit-Oriented Economic Revitalization

Framingham’s Strategic Plan and Consolidated Plan highlight the need to improve the appearance of business areas, decrease vacancies, enhance pedestrian/bike access, and focus on the downtown and south side of the city. (Framingham MA)
o What policies or incentives will you propose to reduce commercial vacancy, boost mixed‐use development, and increase foot traffic?
 
I have created a Grants Manager position which has secured funds to purchase land to connect Framingham to the Upper Charles Trail in Ashland, design money for the Chris Walsh Trail, and several drainage projects around Lake Waushakum.  My team and I have had several successful meetings with MASS DOT and other state officials to secure design work to address the railroad grade crossing at Waverly and Concord Streets.  Since I took office the vacancy rate downtown has decreased and currently is less than 5%.  Last but most important to the downtown is that we have a grocery store coming to 35 Concord Street.
 

3. Workforce Development, Housing & Linking Business with Talent

Framingham’s economic development site mentions workforce development (internships, training funds) as key for business growth. (Framingham MA)  Framingham faces a tight housing market with high prices and low vacancy rates, which make it difficult for employers to attract and retain talent.
o What specific strategies would you pursue to balance workforce needs with housing affordability and community growth?
o How will you align Framingham’s educational institutions, business community, and workforce training programs to ensure local companies have access to the talent they need? 
 
My strategies align with the Governor’s plan when it comes to Economic development priorities for funding and focusing on the “Fundamentals” to enable economic growth. Talent – retaining and attracting talent across all backgrounds; and Sectors supporting businesses here in Framingham. These past 4 years I was able to meet with the top businesses in our community and the feedback gathered from these meetings centered around the cost of housing. Massachusetts needs more housing to support our workforce and drive economic development. We increased our affordable housing inclusionary zoning across the city my first year as Mayor from 10% to 13%. We have also approved over 1,000 units of housing in our current CB District. The City of Framingham has administered a college student internship program to retain and attract talent. Framingham over several years has attracted capital-intensive businesses, including technology, pharmaceutics, and biomanufacturing. Framingham is home to leading corporate headquarters and technology employers, such as the TJX Companies, Bose, Staples, Alira Health, Sanofi, Definitive Healthcare, and Ameresco. .I will continue to build relationships with these companies to make sure they have access to the talent they need.
 
 

4. Supporting Business Diversity & Inclusive Growth

Framingham has a dedicated “Business Diversity Collection” (highlighting BIPOC-, woman-, veteran-, LGBTQ‐, and disability-owned firms). 
o What specific initiatives will you champion to increase procurement opportunities, support access to capital, and reduce barriers for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Framingham?
 
As always, we follow M.G.L Chapter 7 Section 58 with regards to procurement opportunities. Under my leadership, the city has taken deliberate steps to foster a more inclusive and equitable local economy. Following recommendations from the city's recent first equity audit, which included a review of our procurement process, we are expanding procurement opportunities through supplier diversity initiatives that will engage minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQIA+-owned businesses. In collaboration with the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Office (DEI), the Procurement Office, and the DEI Advisory Committee, we are assessing current vendors, implementing inclusive procurement policies, and establishing performance measures to track spending and progress. This data-driven approach will inform targeted outreach and ensure greater participation of underrepresented entrepreneurs in the city’s supplier network.
 
This year we have also established a new Asian, Black, Brazilian, Hispanic, and Latino Business Advisory Council, composed of local minority business leaders who will advise the city on how to strengthen outreach, build relationships, and reduce barriers to participation in public contracting. 
 
Together, these efforts will help ensure that our city’s economic opportunities reflect the diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Framingham community.
 
 

5. Infrastructure, Innovation & Business Attractiveness

Framingham’s economic development materials highlight access to major transportation, world-class companies, biotech readiness, and infrastructure improvements. (Framingham MA)
o What is your plan to maintain and upgrade key business-supporting infrastructures (roads, utilities, broadband, transit) in Framingham to keep the city competitive for headquarters, research and development, and high-growth companies?
 
Infrastructure development is the backbone for economic activities, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and for our city to thrive. We have funded water and sewer upgrades across the City the past several years.  Some this work allowed TJX to purchase and renovate a vacant building on Leggatt McCall Connector and additional buildings on Speen Street.  We are also working on providing the businesses along the Cochituate Rail Trail with safe and better access for their employees to enjoy.  More Infrastructure work is planned on major intersections throughout the city.  The City of Framingham worked with Massport to approve a remote terminal pilot facility at Logan Express this year. The pilot project is designed to test remote terminal operations that reduce congestion at Boston Logan International Airport and encourage mode-shift to high occupancy vehicle (HOV).   

This article was copied from the original response we received from Charlie Sisitsky, see the response document here!

Framingham Mayoral Candidates Respond...