The mission of the Economic Development Cabinet is to lead a broad effort to streamline and support areas of focus that contribute to Boston’s economy including tourism, jobs and employment, business development, and real estate development. The cabinet will concern itself with increasing transparency and promoting accessibility for all Bostonians, especially women- and minority-owned businesses and local businesses, to share in and benefit from the economic boom in Boston.
The Economic Development Cabinet includes the Office of Economic Development, Consumer Affairs & Licensing, and the Office of Tourism. Overall, the Cabinet will see a 11% increase in FY19 compared to its FY18 appropriation, largely based on critical investments to support a growing, diverse and inclusive workforce made in the Office of Economic Development
The Office of Economic Development’s (OED) FY19 budget will increase 18.7% over its FY18 appropriation. The growth in FY19 is primarily driven by investments in OED including additional funds to advance the disparity study that began in FY18, revisit the City’s Economic Inclusion and Equity Agenda, and review the Main Streets Program. OED will also continue its ongoing efforts to maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce in the City and cultivate the many businesses that contribute to Boston’s robust economic climate and culture.
Consumer Affairs and Licensing will increase by 4%, due to growth in personnel costs, along with an investment in interns that will help increase consumer engagement, to help mitigate the effects of potential scams on high-risk populations, such as the elderly and students.
