Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Baker administration has created a council charged with leveraging the strengths of coastal communities to develop jobs and create economic growth.
The Seaport Economic Council, chaired by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, will provide statewide coordination of all coastal community planning and investment activities, with the aim to stimulate economic development and create jobs in the maritime economy sector as well as to protect coastal assets that are vital to achieving these aims.
“The maritime economy remains a vital part of Massachusetts and presents an untapped potential for growth in this sector,” said Polito in a statement announcing the creation of the council. “The council will prioritize innovation in creating ‘blue’ or ocean-based jobs, partnerships with public education institutions, local maritime planning efforts, and supportive coastal infrastructure projects that meet standards of resilience and sustainability.”
The council will meet at least four times per year and will be responsible for:
• Monitoring the maritime economy at the local, national and international level
• Analyzing risks to coastal communities posed by climate change
• Designing and implementing a statewide growth strategy for the maritime economic sector, including trade, science and technology, recreation and tourism, clean energy, and the seafood industry
Members of the council will include representatives of state agencies representing housing and economic development, transportation, administration and finance, and energy and environmental affairs. There will be nine representatives of coastal communities appointed by the governor, and there may be up to two representatives of trade associations representing the maritime economy.
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, Quincy Mayor Tom Koch, and Gloucester Interim Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken have been appointed to fill three of the community seats. The additional appointees will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Salem’s economy has thrived in part due to targeted grants from the Commonwealth focused on growing our maritime businesses and services,” said Mayor Driscoll. “We are excited that the Baker-Polito Administration is continuing this focus.”
The council was created by an executive order signed by Gov. Baker on Aug. 10, replacing the Seaport Advisory Council, which was created by former Gov. William Weld in 1997.