Discusses recent changes in Worcester's approach to economic development and the opportunity they provide to strengthen both accountability and coordination between various economic development agencies.

In light of the deteriorating condition of many City neighborhoods and lack of a strategy to address these problems, the Research Bureau sponsored a series of forums on neighborhood revitalization in the Spring of 2000.

Drawing from the successes of 5 cities whose downtown areas face similar challenges to that of Worcester's, this report recommendations specific steps to revitalize downtown Worcester.

This report discusses the role of Worcester's zoning ordinance in stimulating development.

Facilitating the Cleanup and Development of Worcester's Brownfield.

An overview of payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) programs, through which private, non profit organizations holding tax exempt properties make voluntary payments to the municipality in which they are located.

Discusses Worcester's distressed-property problems, such as abandoned buildings, property neglect and vacant lots, and their adverse social and economic impact on City neighborhoods.

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The purpose of this report was to study the planning and development operations in the City Manager's Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) and the Bureau of Land Use Control (BLUC), and to compare them with the manner in which several other New England cities organize similar operations.