New Bedford 2020 - VHB.com

A City Master Plan New Bedford 2020The HDC represents a wide array of harbor interests and one of its primary roles is to support economicdevelopment along the waterfront. The HDC has planning, developing, and financing authority for City-ownedproperties within the Port. For over 40 years, the HDC has overseen private development on the waterfront andhas actively developed locations for marine industrial use, including North Terminal, South Terminal, and theNew Bedford Ferry Terminal at State Pier.The HDC assesses user charges and fees for vessels that use its facilities. The HDC also leases properties,usually involving long-term arrangements. Revenues are used to operate and maintain the City-ownedwaterfront property. With City Council’s approval, the HDC may borrow and issue municipal bonds for capitalimprovements. Through its close relationship with the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority (NBRA), theHDC also has access to other financial means for redeveloping harbor property.Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment BoardThe Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is a business-led, policy-setting board thatoversees workforce development initiatives in the 10-community region stretching from Dartmouth toWareham. Appointed by the mayor of New Bedford, the WIB is composed of business, civic, education, labor,and community leaders. Established under federal law, the WIB's Chairman is a member of the private sector.The WIB employs a staff of full-time professionals and maintains offices in New Bedford. The WIB itselfconsists entirely of volunteers.The WIB oversees workforce development efforts in Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville,Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, and Wareham. Included are the Greater New Bedford CareerCenter and the Wareham Career Center, both operated jointly by New Directions Southcoast, Inc. and theMassachusetts Division of Career Services.The WIB is one of 16 similar boards in Massachusetts. WIB’s direct federal, state and private funding foreducational and occupational skills programs. In addition to responsibilities mandated under the federalWorkforce Investment Act, boards have been called upon to play a major role in a variety of key state initiatives,and to define their vision, mission, and goals based on local community needs.New Bedford Redevelopment AuthorityThe New Bedford Redevelopment Authority (NBRA) was created in 1960 with the purpose of engaging inredevelopment projects under the Urban Renewal Program. This is a five member board with four membersappointed by the mayor subject to confirmation by City Council and one member is appointed by the Governor.The Urban Renewal Program is a state program that allows New Bedford to take a lead role in theredevelopment of substandard and blighted areas by completing formal Urban Renewal Plans as New Bedforddid in the 1960s creating the North and South Terminal projects that supported the growth of the fishprocessing industry in New Bedford. By completing this state required plan the NBRA is empowered todevelop and implement redevelopment projects, establish design and rehabilitation standards, acquire land fordevelopment, relocate businesses and residential occupants, demolish or rehabilitate structures, improveinfrastructure, and serve as the responsible party to receive grants and loans that support this activity.The NBRA is a strategic partner with the NBEDC and has a memorandum of agreement with the NBEDC toprovide general management and project management services to support the work of the NBRA. Theexecutive director of the NBEDC also serves as the executive director of the NBRA by vote of the members asprovided by the by-laws.Appendix D: Economic Development and Workforce Training Agencies and OrganizationsD-2