Craig Blais Discusses Worcester’s Economic Development Coordinating Council and Its Impact on City Growth

Craig Blais, President of the WBDC, discusses the mission of the Economic Development Coordinating Council (EDCC) in Worcester, Massachusetts, which was established about 15 years ago to coordinate economic development efforts in the city. “We needed a coordinated effort of priorities, and those priorities needed to be set by the city,” said Blais. The EDCC was formed in response to Congressman McGovern’s call for local leaders to coordinate their economic development efforts and priorities. This was driven by a need to align funding requests and avoid duplication of efforts at the state and federal levels. The EDCC meets weekly to discuss and coordinate economic development projects and initiatives, aiming to align priorities and prevent duplication of efforts. Speaking with Craig Blais are Peter Dunn from the City of Worcester, Jon Weaver (MBI), and Tim Murray (Worcester Chamber). The EDCC helps ensure transparency and a coordinated approach to economic development in Worcester, allowing the city to more effectively advocate for funding and support at the state and federal levels. The EDCC process does not replace public processes, as projects still go through the standard regulatory and approval channels. As Muray says, “To the extent that there can be coordination in terms of what is more doable, what’s doable faster, and making that the priority, you’re making it easy for federal and state decision makers. So that makes it more likely you’re going to be a recipient of those grants.”