Economic Development
Welcome to Brockton...
A Thriving Hub in the Heart of New England
Located 26 miles south of Boston and 43 miles north of Providence, Brockton is uniquely situated within the region for businesses that want access to either metropolitan area as well as New England as a whole.
Offering unparalleled access to markets and transportation corridors, Brockton has established partnerships at the local, state, and federal level to bring economic development resources within easy reach of investors, whether they are native or new to the City.
With large diverse and established commercial clusters that include food production, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare, Brockton is the ideal location for doing business in the metro area. The Department of Planning and Economic Development is ready to help you get established in our City.
Brockton is the largest city in Southeastern Massachusetts, with the most diverse workforce in the state
Businesses exist in the city
Jobs are created by Brockton Businesses
[2021]
Outside residents travel to Brockton for work
People both live and work in Brockton
People both live and work in Brockton
Workers
[2021]
People live in Brockton and work outside the city
Largest city across New England
...offering a potential Retail Trade Area [RTA] of 325,000 people and growing.
City of Brockton Prospectus
A compelling snapshot of a city poised for growth and innovation
Spanning 21 square miles, this dynamic urban center boasts over 1,200 acres of public open spaces and premier golf courses. Home to nearly 106,000 residents, the city reflects a rich tapestry of cultural diversity within Plymouth County, serving as the vital heart of Southeast Massachusetts.
Strategically located just 20 miles from downtown Boston, Brockton offers exceptional connectivity through three commuter rail stops, extensive bus networks, and major highway access, making it a prime location for both living and business. The city's economic landscape is vibrant, with affordable real estate, high-speed internet accessibility for over half of its job sites, and robust infrastructure, including a recently upgraded $100M wastewater treatment plant. Brockton's commitment to sustainability and convenience is further highlighted by its surplus in water and sewer capacities, extensive healthcare network, and educational institutions. With its unique position in the market, offering significantly lower commercial and residential rents compared to neighboring cities, Brockton stands out as a city with unparalleled potential for economic development and investment opportunities.
Economic Output
#9/381
among regions in Gross Regional Product (GRP)
Innovative Capacity
#1/50
among states in Bloomberg U.S. Innovation Index
Brockton, Where Better Begins
For generations, Brockton has welcomed those seeking something better. From those who came in search of opportunity to today's multicultural population that makes us the most diverse community in all of New England. Brockton is where a strong and talented workforce fuels the success of businesses big and small and the vision of a more diverse and equitable America is being realized every day.
Downtown Urban Renewal District
As the commercial and residential revival of Brockton's historic downtown continues, the Urban Renewal District is one of the economic development tools the City has made available to investors. A part of the Brockton Downtown Action Strategy, created with support from MassDevelopment, the district includes incentives and financing options for new construction and renovation of existing sites. The District is also in one of the City's four Federal Opportunity Zones.
Trout Brook Urban Renewal District
The City of Brockton has prepared a Master Plan and created an Urban Renewal District for the former CSX rail yard and the surrounding underutilized properties. Sitting adjacent to a 100-gigabyte fiber optic cable, the 66-acre site on Mass. Rte. 28, in a Federal Opportunity Zone, is ideally situated for a data center or back-office operations for regional corporations. It is also served by Brockton's best-in-class public water and sewer utilities, and its electrical supply is double-fed by National Grid. The site, which is part of an Urban Renewal District, will be the first purpose-built industrial park in the City.
Lovett Brook
The Lovett Brook area is located at the intersection of Routes 24 and 27 in northwest Brockton. The site is anchored by the Good Samaritan Medical Center and includes the headquarters of Harbor One Bank and the Original Tommy Doyle's Pub and Grill. Lovett Brook bisects the site, which contains a broad mix of office, retail, residential, and auto-oriented uses. Oak Street and North Pearl Street are lined with active businesses, although one is located directly over the brook.
Federal Opportunity Zones
There are four federal Opportunity Zones in Brockton, each of which is designed to maximize investment opportunities. Two are located downtown - at Trout Brook, the former CSX site, and in the historic downtown building around the MBTA Commuter Rail Station. One is the 65-acre Brockton Fairgrounds on Mass. 123, the largest undeveloped site in the city; and one at Lovett Brook, the area around Good Samaritan Medical Center, part of the Route 24 life sciences cluster. Special federal tax benefits are available to qualifying developments in these zones.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT
PLANNING &
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Rob May
Director of Planning & Economic Development
[email protected]
(508) 580-7113
Rob joined the City in 2014 as the Director of Planning and Economic Development, bringing with him a rich background from cities like Chicago and Somerville, and an MBA from Indiana University. In his role, he and his team focus on improving life quality, job creation, environmental and historical preservation, and fostering a vibrant economy through professional support to key city boards and commissions, aiming for balanced growth and planning in Brockton for both its current and future residents.
City of Brockton
- Brockton City Hall
- 45 School Street
- Brockton, MA 02301
- (508) 580-7123
- Directions