A few weeks before the Worcester City Council goes into its annual exercise of setting the property tax rates, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau released a report in mid-November detailing the pitfalls of the city's split rates for residential and commercial payors, a system first introduced in 1984 as a response to Proposition 2 ½. The report "Tax Classification: Passing the Buck$" makes a strong case for a single tax rate.

Downtown Worcester is at a tipping point, where the city needs to be less concerned about incentivizing businesses, residents and visitors to the area and more concerned about providing a positive experience for those going downtown, said Timothy Murry, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

A report released Thursday from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau recommends the city create an independent parking division and raise parking rates, so a dedicated staff can give the proper attention to the infrastructure, service and technology improvements necessary for parking to complement the city's redevelopment plans.

The largest single transportation facility in Worcester, and arguably that with the most potential, Worcester Regional Airport (airport code ORH) is a critical element in Greater Worcester's transportation tripod of road, rail, and air.

Greater Worcester is a good place for businesses to operate, but a looser regulatory environment could make the region even better, especially in the face of an increasingly competitive global marketplace, according to four business leaders who engaged in a panel discussion Wednesday morning.

After several years in key roles in city government in Boston, and then Worcester, Tim McGourthy is in his second year of a position that seeks to influence government. After leading Worcester's economic development office, he moved over to the Worcester Regional Research Bureau last year, succeeding the retired Roberta Schaefer as the organization's leader.

Worcester's current median residential tax bill is $3,454, while the median commercial tax bill is $8,716. For that price, the city's taxpayers are purchasing an impressive array of services, including: • Universally accessible elementary and secondary education; • Maintenance of nearly 450 miles of free roads supported by approximately 700 miles of public sidewalk; • A safety network that provides police protection and fire response;

Central Massachusetts stakeholders are taking a hard look at how to woo more new graduates to stay awhile after they graduate from Worcester-area colleges and universities.

Greater Worcester is home to 12 colleges and universities that graduated 7,500 students in 2014. But for most, their time in Worcester is short lived.

Worcester is undeniably a college town. In the 2013-2014 school year, more than 7,500 students graduated from the 12 colleges in and around the city. But many of them may not stay here, and that could spell a lack of local talent as the city works to boost its economy, according to a study released Wednesday.