Lt. Governor Polito Signs Community Compact Agreement with Medford

Agreement ensures mutual accountability, sharing of best practices

On March 10 Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito signed a Community Compact agreement with officials from Medford.

“We are excited to announce this new partnership between the Commonwealth and Medford,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “We look forward to working with local officials to realize their self-selected best practices.”

Community Compacts are one tool the administration is utilizing to strengthen the partnership between cities and towns and the Commonwealth. By entering a Community Compact, a community agrees to implement self-selected best practices. As part of this partnership, the Commonwealth agrees to fulfill a set of commitments and works to provide assistance for a community based on their chosen best practices.

“We feel that the three initiatives selected demonstrate the City’s commitment to a transparent and efficient government, safe streets and public outreach to invigorate our hub, Medford Square,” said Mayor Stephanie M. Burke. “We are eager to implement best practices in these areas!”

Through their Compact, Medford has chosen to work with the Commonwealth toward implementing the following best practices:

Financial Management – Systems:

The Commonwealth will provide Medford with a Community Compact grant to hire a consultant to explore moving to a single financial system, which would provide operating efficiencies, comprehensive detailed information for all departments and the ability to provide a transparent open checkbook to the public.

Transportation/Citizen Safety: Complete Streets:

In an effort to provide safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and users of public transportation, Medford will seek funding through the Commonwealth’s Complete Streets Grant Program, which gives preference to cities and towns that have entered into a Community Compact.

Housing and Economic Development – Infrastructure:

Medford has applied to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s (MAPC’s) District Local Technical Assistance (DTLA) program in pursuit of assistance carrying out a public process aimed at invigorating revitalization efforts in Medford Square through research and stakeholder engagement.

The Community Compact is a voluntary, mutual agreement entered into between the Baker-Polito Administration and individual cities and towns of the Commonwealth. In a Community Compact, a community will agree to implement a best practice they select from across a variety of areas. The Compact also articulates the commitments the Commonwealth will make on behalf of all communities, including helping the community attain their chosen best practice. For more information or to apply for a Community Compact go to www.mass.gov/ccc.

– Information, photo, and video from City of Medford