Doing Business in Boston

In recent years, Massachusetts has enjoyed a healthy economic environment, thanks partly to policies that businesses have found hospitable. Shortly after his election in 2014, Governor Charlie Baker appointed Jay Ash as Secretary of Housing and Economic Development.  Since then, Massachusetts has welcomed a new GE headquarters, applied to host Amazon’s second headquarters, and reviewed business regulations, both big and small, to ensure continued economic growth in the state.

While new economic policies have helped spark investment in Massachusetts, particularly the greater Boston area, the state has opportunities to continue to foster a positive economic climate. Additionally, the impact of such rapid growth on current neighborhoods has some residents concerned about housing costs and potential inflation. Join us to hear Secretary Jay Ash discuss how he intends to size these opportunities and overcome these challenges. Secretary Ash will share his department’s new economic development plan and explain how continuing to implement market-based policies will ensure long-term economic growth.                                              

About the Speaker

Secretary Jay Ash

Jay Ash currently serves as the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development of Massachusetts, where he’s responsible for job growth, economic development, and community building. Under Secretary Ash’s leadership, Massachusetts transformed into a friendly environment for business and tech through his infrastructure, development, and workplace training reforms. Ash is a staunch proponent of expanding the presence of large employers in Massachusetts, including Amazon, General Electric, IBM Watson Health, Kronos, and Siemens.

Secretary Ash served as the city manager in Chelsea from 2000 to 2014. In Chelsea, Secretary Ash’s leadership produced both economic expansion and fiscal stability. He previously served as the staff director to the Massachusetts House Majority Leader, as co-founder and vice-chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, as past president of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, as a board member of the public policy think tank MassINC, and as an elected trustee of his alma mater.

Jay Ash was born and raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts and graduated from Chelsea High School. He attended Clark University where he received a degree in Government while being a captain on the baseball team.