The Green New Deal Innovation Center is the response of concerned members of the local business community to the rising environmental injustice and economic inequity currently eroding growth opportunity for their businesses and communities. On one hand, the legacy of income inequality in Boston neighborhoods, reinforced by limited access to home ownership opportunities and good education, has contributed not only to a reduced quality of life caused by air, water, and noise pollution, but also to a serious lack of preparedness for the devastating impacts of anticipate climate change. On the other hand, the expanding reach of real estate developers in the City of Boston is not displacing only low-income residents who can no longer afford housing in the City, but also small manufacturing businesses that can no longer manage their businesses effectively under the threat of fast rising lease rates.

The combination of rising environmental injustice and eroding economic equity will reverse only with the commitment of all community members and with bold action by policy-makers.

The GDCI will provide the nexus that will bring together multiple local businesses, education partners, local artists and artisans, and community members to grow the local economy and improve the environmental impact of local businesses. The Center will provide the base of operation for existing city-based local small businesses that require space for expansion and need to preserve their operations in the city. It will provide job training and certification space to education partners who will train and prepare community members for the jobs of the green economy. Finally, it will provide affordable space for artists, artisans, and light fabricators who are unable to afford the cost of remaining and locating in Boston.