New housing. Construction near commuter rail and on the waterfront. The city’s planners have plenty of new ideas to promote development.
Category: Look Ahead 2026
Posted inImmigration
Limits to birthright citizenship, tighter visa rules on the docket in 2026
Legislators across the country – including Massachusetts – are debating how far states should go to protect immigrants from federal enforcement.
Posted inOffshore Wind
City ports pivoting to compensate for shaky offshore wind industry
In a best-case scenario, experts predict offshore wind construction in Massachusetts will stall until 2028; in the worst case, current industry chaos may be too difficult for a future pro-wind administration to overcome.
Posted inEducation
Analysis: New Bedford and Massachusetts schools at the crossroads
Will historic education funding lead to historic results?
Posted inCity Hall
Analysis: Even-year elections could save thousands, restore trust, and improve government
Moving local elections to even-numbered years alongside state and federal elections could increase turnout, lower costs, and is broadly popular with Republicans and Democrats.
Posted inPolice and Courts
Chief: Changes coming to New Bedford police in 2026
Police Chief Jason Thody’s plan calls for new audits and transparency reports, new policies and processes for narcotics and internal affairs, and new officer committees and positions.