THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 13, 2022 Page 3 MAPC Launches ‘MetroCommon 2050: Shaping our Region Together’ New long-range land use and public policy plan offers a vision and practical steps toward a more equitable and resilient future for Greater Boston Pictured from left, Elizabeth Weyant, Rep. Barber, Rep. Vargas, and Rep. Ciccolo. (Photos are Courtesy MAPC). B OSTON – May 5, 2022– Flanked by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, MA-07, and scores of public officials and stakeholders from across Greater Boston this week, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) officially unveiled a land use and public policy blueprint designed to put the region on a course toward a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future. Developed through grassroots research, analysis, and public outreach over the past three years, MetroCommon 2050: Shaping our Region Together details five “Action Areas” including Growth & Mobility, Homes for Everyone, Equity of Wealth & Health, Dynamic & Representative Government, and Climate Change Adaptation & Resiliency – and outlines bold, achievable goals for the 101 cities and towns within the MAPC’s planning territory, along with useful research and tools to ensure success. The Action Areas were informed by four core values Greater Boston residents and workers identified as crucial for the region’s success: equity, resilience, prosperity, and stewardship. “We are charting an inclusive vision of the future of the region, and we do that together,” said Congresswoman Pressley in her keynote remarks at the launch event, noting the importance of regional planning in improving outcomes for residents across the socio-economic spectrum. “These last two years have showed us that our destinies are tied, and we don’t improve outcomes by doing what we’ve always done. We can, and we must, legislate equity, healing, and justice.” MAPC Executive Director Marc Draisen dedicated the plan to victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. “MetroCommon 2050 launches at a time when we Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. face unprecedented challenges fueled by a devastating pandemic, increased political polarization, an urgent climate crisis, and a recognition of the impact racism has had on our past and present,” said Draisen. This plan acknowledges how these global, national, regional and local events affect us all, and looks to the future of Greater Boston with hope, knowing that, together, this region has the power and ability to bring about the change we desire.” Draisen and other MAPC staff introduced MetroCommon 2050 at an event Thursday morning hosted by the John F. Kennedy Library in Columbia Point, and attended by over 200 elected and appointed Greater Boston officials, non-profit leaders, project stakeholders, community non-profit partners and others. In addition to interactive booths and exhibits matching Action Area themes, the event featured a moderated panel led by MAPC Deputy Executive Director of Public Affairs & Advocacy Elizabeth Weyant, featuring State Representatives Christine Barber, Andy Vargas, and Michelle Ciccolo. MAPC based the new regional roadmap on a robust information gathering process that included tours of the region, and interviews as well as focus groups with residents, planners, and municipal and state MAPC LAUNCHES | SEE PAGE 8
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