R E C E N T   R E L E A S E S

Research Bureau Supports BID

On August 2, 2010, the Research Bureau testified before the Boston City Council's Committee on Economic Development and Planning in support of  a business improvement district (BID) for the downtown area of Boston.  Sam Tyler, Research Bureau President, testified that the supplemental services that a BID will offer beyond the City's baseline services will help revitalize Downtown Boston and support longterm enhanced maintenance of the area.  The City Council is expected to vote on this issue at it's regular meeting on August 4.  For more information READ>

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The Utility of Trouble: 
         Providing Pensions in Difficult Times
The Research Bureau in partnership with The Boston Foundation released a report today that provides a comprehensive study of the Massachusetts Pensions System and its impact on the City of Boston.  May 5, 2010

Using the current economic crisis as a launching point, this report examines in detail the operation of the Massachusetts pension system and focuses on the next level of reforms needed to control costs and improve the management, investment of assets and equity of benefits for all 105 retirement systems.  The report also dispels some of the myths associated with public  pensions in Massachusetts.  The escalating cost of employee health insurance and the looming liability of retiree health insurance (OPEB) are covered in this report to provide a complete assessment of the challenges of growing employee benefits to the proper delivery of public services.  Click below to read.

 

       Full Report         Executive Summary      

Powerpoint Presentation                Press Release

                                                                       

 

Bureau in the News:

Watchdog: Mayor shouldn’t sign library trustees’ expansion
Dorchester Reporter | August 12, 2010

Gov. Deval Patrick eyes liquor chief picks
But critic says city should have say

Dave Wedge  |   The Boston Glober | July 8, 2010

 

Budget saves 200 jobs for summer

Andrew Ryan | The Boston Globe |  June 23, 2010