▶︎ Economic development

Blue Water unveils fully ‘crewless’ military test ship in New Bedford
The Navy-backed startup will perform thousands of tests in the local harbor before its autonomous vessel goes live.
Underground Railroad Café is making a comeback
The café is set to reopen in May 2026 as a community kitchen and will host events in the meantime.
New Bedford Whaling Museum takes first public step in expansion set for 2026
The museum launched the public phase of its $31.5 million project Thursday morning.
New Bedford’s on track for bump in visitors this year
It may be too soon for big pronouncements, but early indicators show that the South Coast Rail is bringing Bostonians to New Bedford.
Could change be in the air for New Bedford’s airport?
A decades-long decline in passenger business has left the airport scuffling but a new $76 million control tower and terminal is on the horizon. The question is: If the city builds them, will more passengers come?
New Bedford Whaling Museum on course for major expansion
A new building on the north side of William Street will be added to the museum complex and house a new main entrance, space for large exhibitions and a gift shop.
New pitch for business park at Whaling City Golf Course
It’s the second shot in three years at engaging private business to buy and transform the southwest portion of the Whaling City Golf Course into a research and manufacturing center.
