UMass Donahue Institute

04/08/2026

We engaged community interviews and focus groups to explore how Whittier Tech and NECC might create a shared campus. Our report proposed a model in which they maintain their unique identities while sharing resources. https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/a-new-vision-for-career-and-technical-education-in-massachusetts/

A new vision for career and technical education in Massachusetts is taking shape and Whittier is helping lead the way.

Superintendent Maureen Lynch recently co-authored an article in CommonWealth Beacon outlining how stronger collaboration between K–12 and higher education can expand access and better prepare students for high-demand careers.

For Whittier students, this work means more opportunities to earn college credits, industry credentials, and real-world experience.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2s4a9u8d

04/02/2026

Report: Research & Development Ecosystem is the Engine of the State Economy A new study by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute provides a first-of-its-kind analysis of the commonwealth’s research & development ecosystem, which includes jobs in scientific research and development acti...

03/26/2026

If you also follow the institute on X/Twitter, we’re moving! To stay updated on our latest research and organizational news, please follow us on our new platform at Bluesky:

We are a public service, research, and economic development arm of the University of Massachusetts. Our mission is to foster healthy communities and support economies that alleviate poverty and promote opportunity.

03/12/2026

Join us and our partners, Way Finders and Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to discuss moving forward to tackle the housing issues in Hampden County.

Join a free learning and dining opportunity on Wednesday, March 18!
Hampden County Housing Conversation | Forum & Dinner

- DYK? Hampden County needs just shy of 13K (12,991) new housing units to meet the current demand.
- Even with current construction trends and projected declines in population, by 2035 the need for new housing units will remain stubbornly high at more than 10K (10,618).

Explore these and other key findings from our 2025 regional housing study. And be a part of shaping the housing solution for our communities. Held at Holyoke Community College from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Presented by Way Finders, UMass Donahue Institute and Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. Thank you to Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank and Keiter for their generous support of the forum.

Learn more and register: https://www.wayfinders.org/event/hampden-county-housing-forum/

02/25/2026

ICYMI: When recreational ma*****na was legalized in Massachusetts, making the industry equitable was front and center. More than seven years later, however—as a ballot measure to kill recreational ma*****na works its way toward voters in November—these progressive reforms have not led to the economic justice many had hoped for. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/17/metro/social-equity-cannabis-challenges-massachusetts/?p1=BGSearch_Overlay_Results
Our 2022 report on communities that have previously been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. https://bit.ly/3MN9y2Q

About 15 percent of pot businesses are owned by people in the state’s primary equity programs, the Globe found.

11/18/2025

Our recent housing research, for our client Way Finders, on the Pioneer Valley and The Berkshires housing climate is noted here:

A study of housing supply released in August showed that minorities are more likely to rent and likely to live in segregated circumstances.

11/18/2025

Short notice! Executive Director Johan Uvin will join this timely morning panel tomorrow at Suffolk University to discuss the current challenges of public service. Register here: https://forms.gle/B4azfDm4i1wLmNjx9 Sawyer Business School

10/22/2025

Our Economic & Public Policy Research Team supported projections and research for A Home For Everyone, Governor Healey's housing plan for 2025-2029. Thanks to the Office of Housing and Livable Communities for sharing it widely. https://www.mass.gov/a-home-for-everyone

10/20/2025

Our Economic & Public Policy Research Team supported projections and research for A Home For Everyone. Thanks to the Office of Housing and Livable Communities for sharing it widely.

A Home for Everyone is now live — Massachusetts’ first comprehensive housing plan is now an interactive site. Explore YOUR region to see needs in your area.

Dive in: www.mass.gov/a-home-for-everyone

10/06/2025

We are proud of our continuing partnership with Way Finders!

Better data >>>>> Better housing

Better housing >>>>> Better economy & futures

Earlier this week Way Finders, with our research partner UMass Donahue Institute launched the latest regional housing study to a packed crowd at the University of Massachusetts Thomas Center in Springfield.

The event connected data, policy, and lived experience—painting a full picture of both challenges and opportunities. Along with housing supporters and advocates, the event assembled elected officials, policy makers, and media outlets.

A major theme from the event: Everyone can play a role in helping to make housing more affordable and available in our region. How? Share the data, speak up locally, and advocate at the state level!

Read the report and event coverage here:
https://www.wayfinders.org/about/about-us/research-and-reports/

University of Massachusetts WWLP-22News New England Public Media MassLive

Thanks to sponsors: MassMutual, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Baystate Health, The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, Berkshire United Way, Berkshire REALTORS, City of Pittsfield, Florence Bank, Adams Community Bank, Berkshire Community College, Berkshire Health Systems, Fontaine Bros, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Berkshire Design Group

10/02/2025

Newton Thrive, an effort to provide under-resourced families in Newton, MA, disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, with individual, intensive support for economic stability and mobility, was largely effective according to an institute evaluation.

Newton residents gathered with mentors, city officials and nonprofits at City Hall on Sept. 20 to celebrate the first participants’ completion of Newton Thrive, an initiative that provides two years of money and coaching services [...]