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Worcester Regional Research Bureau

@wrrbureau.bsky.social

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The Research Bureau serves the public interest of Greater Worcester by conducting independent, non-partisan research and analysis of public policy issues to promote informed public debate and decision-making.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 14h

This week is the Demographics & Economy Data Dashboard on Households, Income, Population, Race/Ethnicity, Disability, Language & Origin, Internet, Poverty & Inequality, Housing, Home Values & Rent, Homelessness, Office Space, Employment, Hotels, & more: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 14h

The Healey-Driscoll Administration nominated 13 census tracts in Worcester County for the Opportunity Zone Program so WRRB updated its work! Users can explore the OZ nomination map to view all nominated census tracts. Explore the Update: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

The latest Insights Insider explores poverty & cost burden throughout Worcester County including household incomes, cost-burden, rates of poverty over time, poverty in rural/suburban/urban communities. Read the latest Insights Insider: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Insights Insider: Poverty and Cost Burden in Worcester County - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

This Insights Insider explores poverty throughout Worcester County including household incomes, cost burden, geography, and changes over time.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

This week, its the Transportation & Infrastructure Dashboard which includes data on Commuting, Motor Vehicles, the Airport, Parking, Rideshare, WRTA, Commuter Rail, Street/Water Infrastructure, Trash, Recycling, & more. For Almanac Dashboards: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

WRRB recently released "On Track for Zero Emissions?" - a close analysis of electric vehicle (EV) adoption within Worcester County's sixty municipalities! Here are some key takeaways, for our full analysis and recommendations, read the report: www.wrrb.org/reports/tran... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

For the first time, WRRB is publishing dashboards for each section in the Worcester Almanac. This week, its the Government Data Dashboard! This tool includes charts/tables on much of the data as well as a map function. Worcester Almanac: 2026: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

New Report! On Track for Zero Emissions? is a close analysis of electric vehicle adoption in Worcester County! The number of zero-emissions vehicles grew from 0.44% in Jan. 21 to 2.21% of all vehicles in Jan. 26. Low, but growing! For more: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

This edition of Insights Insider uses preschool enrollment data from Worcester County Insights (WRRB & GWCF collab) to explore participation, facility density by community, & overall affordability. Read Insights Insider: Pre-K Education in Worcester County: www.wrrb.org/wp-content/u... #WorcPoli

Graphic explores population ages 0-5, and facility enrollment. Image also includes MA ranking of 2nd most expensive state for childcare at $20,913 and Most Cost-Burdened communities are Leominster, Worcester, Gardner, Fitchburg, & Athol.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

WRRB releases a 2026 Update of Understanding Your Neighborhood Schools in partnership with Worcester Education Collaborative. These dashboards use 2025-2026 enrollment data for Worcester Public Schools, MSBA's 2025 survey data, & the American Community Survey: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

In Paying for a Public Education, WRRB explains how WPS' budget works, highlights revenues/expenditures, how MA determines the cost of an “adequate education,” how WPS compares to Gateway Cities, & what to watch in the future. Read the report: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Breaking Down the Budget is WRRB's annual examination, reviewing the budget process & governance structure, and diving into how the City funds services, allocates resources, & prepares for future challenges. Read Breaking Down the Budget: FY27: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Worcester faces an intensifying housing crisis. The Housing Production Plan (HPP) provides a roadmap for addressing it. This Bureau Brief is an overview of the HPP, core housing challenges, goals, & strategies proposed to address them: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026.... #WorcPoli

Housing Production Plan Explainer - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Bureau Brief: Housing Production Plan Explainer is an overview of the HPP, housing challenges, goals, & strategies proposed to address them.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Mapping the Next Opportunity and accompanying interactive map highlights the Opportunity Zone program and the next round of designations, examining all 49 OZ eligible census tracts across Worcester County. Read the Brief or Use the Map: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

WRRB releases a 2026 Update of Understanding Your Neighborhood Schools in partnership with Worcester Education Collaborative. These dashboards use 2025-2026 enrollment data for Worcester Public Schools, MSBA's 2025 survey data, & the American Community Survey: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Mapping the Next Opportunity and accompanying interactive map highlights the Opportunity Zone program and the next round of designations, examining all 49 OZ eligible census tracts across Worcester County. Read the Brief or Use the Map: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Worcester Regional Research Bureau is proud to recognize five extraordinary unsung heroes with the 2026 Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards! Join us on June 11, 5pm, at the DCU Center to celebrate them! For more on this year's recipients: www.wrrb.org/thomas-s-gre.... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

"Raising Housing" moves beyond description, highlighting the Housing Production Plan's most consequential findings & assessing their implications while situating our challenges & production targets within the broader context. Raising Housing: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Raising Housing: Understanding the Affordable Housing Crisis in Worcester - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Raising Housing: Understanding the Affordable Housing Crisis in Worcester examines the HPP, highlighting findings & assessing implications.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

The City of Worcester and the Worcester Regional Research Bureau (WRRB) will present a State of the City Address on Wednesday, June 17 at Worcester City Hall. Learn more:https://www.worcesterma.gov/announcements/city-manager-batista-deliver-state-city-address-june-17

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Worcester Regional Research Bureau is proud to recognize five extraordinary unsung heroes with the 2026 Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards! Join us on June 11, 5pm, at the DCU Center to celebrate them! For more on this year's recipients: www.wrrb.org/thomas-s-gre.... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

With GWCF & data from Worcester County Insights & MassGIS, this Insights Insider explores publicly accessible land, open space, & how the amount of protected land has changed over time. Read Insights Insider: Protected Land in Worcester County: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Insights Insider: Protected Land in Worcester County - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

This Insights Insider explores protected land in Worcester County: publicly accessible land, open space, and how it has changed over time.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Worcester faces an intensifying housing crisis. The Housing Production Plan (HPP) provides a roadmap for addressing it. This Bureau Brief is an overview of the HPP, core housing challenges, goals, & strategies proposed to address them: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026.... #WorcPoli

Housing Production Plan Explainer - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Bureau Brief: Housing Production Plan Explainer is an overview of the HPP, housing challenges, goals, & strategies proposed to address them.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Have you read WRRB's report The Promises of the Worcester/Framingham Line? If not, here are some of the Key Recommendations. For more details, read the full report: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026.... #WorcPoli

1. Every community along the line must work together for improved and more frequent service now, before any Allston construction begins.

2. The Grand Junction bridge must not become inaccessible - as this bridge is the shortest link to key maintenance facilities used by all MBTA trains.

3. The third track project should not be forgotten as potentially necessary for the Worcester/Framingham Line to host full Compass Rail Service in the future.

4. Communities themselves must prioritize state infrastructure projects on the line, including improvements to at-grade crossings.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

The Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards Committee is accepting nominations for unsung heroes of public service in Worcester County! The deadline is Friday, March 27! Nominations can be emailed to wrrb@wrrb.org or submitted via the online form: www.wrrb.org/thomas-s-gre... #WorcPoli

Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards - Nominations Open! - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Thomas Green Public Service Award nominations are open & recognize unsung heroes of public service in Worcester County! Deadline is March 27.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

WRRB - NEW RELEASE - The Promises of the Worcester/Framingham Line looks at the need and the vision of what that service could look like, explaining ongoing and future work that could unlock its promises. Read the report: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

The Promises of the Worcester/Framingham Line - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

The Promises of the Worcester/Framingham Line looks at the need & vision of the Line, explaining ongoing/future work that unlock its promise.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

The Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards Committee is accepting nominations for unsung heroes of public service in Worcester County! The deadline is Friday, March 27! Nominations can be emailed to wrrb@wrrb.org or submitted via the online form: www.wrrb.org/thomas-s-gre... #WorcPoli

Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards - Nominations Open! - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Thomas Green Public Service Award nominations are open & recognize unsung heroes of public service in Worcester County! Deadline is March 27.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

WRRB has long analyzed data on elections and voting in Worcester. This dashboard continues this trend by analyzing Worcester's municipal election results from November 2025. Interact the Data: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

WRRB, with Worcester Education Collaborative, developed the Worcester Public Schools Strategic Plan Evaluation Tool, an interactive Data Dashboard & Bureau Brief that displays progress so far. Use the Dashboard or Download the Brief: www.wrrb.org/reports/2026... #WorcPoli #worcedu

Bureau Brief - WPS Strategic Plan Evaluation - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

WRRB & WEC developed an interactive Tableau dashboard & Bureau Brief that displays progress on the Worcester Public Schools' Strategic Plan.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Worcester Regional Research Bureau is hiring a full-time Research Associate! The full position description can be found here: www.wrrb.org/other/2026/0... #WorcPoli Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and work/writing sample to info@wrrb.org.

WRRB - Hiring a Research Associate - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

WRRB is hiring a Research Associate. A Research Associate undertakes research & analysis of public policy issues impacting Greater Worcester.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Many thanks to the generous sponsors! Particularly Berkshire Bank, AbbVie, The Hanover Insurance Group, and Country Bank!

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

WRRB hosted its 40th Annual Meeting! The program featured a Panel of Worcester's City Managers: Michael O'Brien, Edward Augustus Jr., & Eric Batista; moderated by Kimberly Salmon of The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation. Highlight Reel & Full Program: lnkd.in/eRwh2XJS.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

WRRB released its 2025 Budget Reports outlining the budget-making process, analyzing revenues/expenditures, & highlighting developments to watch in the future. #WorcPoli Breaking Down the Budget: www.wrrb.org/reports/2025... Paying for a Public Education: www.wrrb.org/reports/2025...

Breaking Down the Budget: FY26 - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Breaking Down the Budget: An Examination of Worcester’s FY26 City Budget is the Bureau’s latest analysis in its municipal finance series.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

WRRB releases: Overdue for Civilian Oversight: A Pathway for Lasting Police Reform. Civilian oversight has been debated in Worcester for 50+ years. Worcester stands as one of few major cities without a civilian review board. Read the report: www.wrrb.org/reports/2025... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

WRRB releases its Questions for the Candidates. While these questions will not be asked in our debate series, the publication provides questions for the candidates and residents to consider before the 2025 municipal election. Read the Report: www.wrrb.org/reports/2025... #WorcPoli

Questions for the Candidates - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

The report provides questions for candidates & residents to consider before Worcester's municipal election, provoking discussion & debate.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

WRRB & Worcester Telegram & Gazette announce the dates for the annual Worcester Municipal Candidate Debate series hosted at Mechanics Hall on Wednesdays this fall. Save the Dates to hear directly from the candidates. #WorcPoli www.wrrb.org/events/2025/...

Worcester Municipal Election Candidate Debates - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

WRRB & WTG to host 2025 City of Worcester Municipal Election Candidate Debates on select Wednesdays this fall at Mechanics Hall.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

This edition of Insights Insider uses preschool enrollment data from Worcester County Insights (WRRB & GWCF collab) to explore participation, facility density by community, & overall affordability. Read Insights Insider: Pre-K Education in Worcester County: www.wrrb.org/wp-content/u... #WorcPoli

Graphic explores population ages 0-5, and facility enrollment. Image also includes MA ranking of 2nd most expensive state for childcare at $20,913 and Most Cost-Burdened communities are Leominster, Worcester, Gardner, Fitchburg, & Athol.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

City Council agenda: Keep Worcester Clean, homelessness, water quality, utilities, WRTA, WPD data, CPA contingency, WRRB's Commuter Rail report, WRRB's Where are Worcester's Woes?, free bulk waste, Institutions' 10yr plans, parking mins, & more: worcesterma.primegov.com/Portal/Meeti... #WorcPoli

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

At the Governmental Research Association Annual Conference (hosted by RIPEC!), in addition to its workshops, upskills, & presentations, the GRA recognizes the extraordinary work of its members. WRRB was honored to be recognized for Where are Worcester's Woes?: www.wrrb.org/reports/2025... #WorcPoli

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

In collaboration with Worcester Business Journal, "Cashing in on Cannabis" includes WRRB's visualization on excise tax collection on cannabis sales across Worcester County & WBJ's coverage investigating trends & the impact of the legal marijuana industry. www.wrrb.org/reports/2025... #WorcPoli

Cashing in on Cannabis - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Cashing in on Cannabis tracks cannabis excise tax growth in Worcester County, from 3 to 23 communities, and maps cannabis business locations.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

WRRB's latest report, Casting Ballots on Taxes examines the governance structure in Worcester's neighbors, Proposition 2 ½ & the limits of property tax revenue, and overcoming the property tax cap through voting & new growth. Read: www.wrrb.org/wp-content/u... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

If you missed "In the Zone: Inclusionary Zoning, in Practice" with WRRB & Rappaport Institute - the recording is available! Learn from in-depth research on IZ policies & hear directly from practitioners about their experiences: www.wrrb.org/events/2025/... #Worcpoli #mapoli

In the Zone: Inclusionary Zoning, in Practice - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Learn from in-depth research on Inclusionary Zoning policies & hear directly from practitioners about their experiences in MA communities.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

On Worcester City Council's agenda: public petitions, Mill St. review, municipally-owned grocery store, Keep Worcester Clean expansion, street/sidewalk report, body cam report, upgrade 311-cust. service, substance use/mental health fund, & more: worcesterma.primegov.com/Portal/Meeti... #WorcPoli

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

A city's gov should serve its people. A unified resident service system allows residents & visitors to the city to easily & closely interact with gov to more effectively (hopefully) solve their problems. #WorcPoli Explore Where are Worcester's Woes? www.wrrb.org/reports/2025...

Where are Worcester's Woes? - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Municipal government can't predict when & where problems arise. It relies on people to report issues in order to solve Worcester's woes.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

WRRB hosted "Building for Tomorrow" which featured Keynote Remarks from Secretary Augustus, a WRRB presentation, & add'l local context from CMHA & CMRPC. WRRB's presentation & the recording (courtesy of WCCA TV!) are available on our website: www.wrrb.org/events/2025/... #WorcPoli

Building For Tomorrow - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Program features MA's Statewide Housing Plan, UPHC's "Building for Tomorrow", & other regional housing efforts.

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Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

WRRB releases Express for Whom? Ridership, Recovery & the Importance of the Worcester/Framingham Line. Using ridership & station boarding data, the report, first in a two-part series, provides a deep look at where the Line stands today. Read: www.wrrb.org/reports/2025... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

WRRB on Bluesky! Here's some other ways to connect: - Follow on socials (@WRRBureau): #X #Facebook #LinkedIn #instagram #bluesky - Join the mailing list: www.wrrb.org - View maps on #arcgis: wrrb-mapping.maps.arcgis.com/home - Interact with data on #tableau: public.tableau.com/app/profile/...

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

WRRB releases Express for Whom? Ridership, Recovery & the Importance of the Worcester/Framingham Line. Using ridership & station boarding data, the report, first in a two-part series, provides a deep look at where the Line stands today. Read: www.wrrb.org/reports/2025... #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

WRRB & Worcester Telegram & Gazette announce the dates for the annual Worcester Municipal Candidate Debate series hosted at Mechanics Hall on Wednesdays this fall. Save the Dates to hear directly from the candidates. #WorcPoli www.wrrb.org/events/2025/...

Worcester Municipal Election Candidate Debates - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

WRRB & WTG to host 2025 City of Worcester Municipal Election Candidate Debates on select Wednesdays this fall at Mechanics Hall.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

A city's gov should serve its people. A unified resident service system allows residents & visitors to the city to easily & closely interact with gov to more effectively (hopefully) solve their problems. #WorcPoli Explore Where are Worcester's Woes? www.wrrb.org/reports/2025...

Where are Worcester's Woes? - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Municipal government can't predict when & where problems arise. It relies on people to report issues in order to solve Worcester's woes.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Join us this Thursday, 5PM, at Mechanics Hall to celebrate the unsung heroes of public service in Central Massachusetts! #WorcPoli

Worcester Regional Research Bureau @wrrbureau.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Join us on May 20, 9:15AM, Top of the Tower, for a discussion on MA's Statewide Housing Plan, Unlocking Housing Production Commission's "Building for Tomorrow" recommendations, & other regional housing efforts. Register Now: www.wrrb.org/events/2025/... #WorcPoli

Building For Tomorrow - Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Program to feature MA's Statewide Housing Plan, UPHC's "Building for Tomorrow", & other regional housing efforts.

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