Development & Industrial Commission

Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
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Members

Appointments are made by the Select Board. By statue, the commission may consist of not less than five nor more than 15 members.  Annual Town Meeting 1962 established the commission with five members and Annual Town Meeting 1963 increased the number of members to seven.  Members serve five-year terms.

  • David Bailey, Co-Chair
  • Mike Galvin, Co-Chair
  • Christopher Goode, Secretary
  • Jeff Bellows
  • Joseph Cusker
  • Kate Schmidt
  • Katie Mchardy

Mission

The Hingham HDIC is organized, under MGL CH 40, Section 8A, for the promotion and development of Hingham’s industrial resources. The HDIC’s major roles include research, supporting projects expanding or strengthening the local economy, coordinating unofficial bodies, and communication related to attracting private investment and job creation.

The HDIC plays a key role in implementing Hingham’s Master Plan, including evaluating and advancing HDIC roles.  The HDIC will honor the town’s character as it works to expand the town’s tax base.  

Roles & Example Projects

  • Research
    • Assess local business conditions, identify barriers to new investment, identify emerging opportunities, and provide recommendations to the town
    • Identify potential development sites and obstacles to their development
    • Analyze, identify & communicate local economic development best practices (organization, staffing, marketing, etc.)
    • Support Town economic development research efforts, including the Economic Development Strategic Plan
  • Projects expanding or strengthening the local economy
    • Maintain a listing of commercial properties available for redevelopment
    • Network with local business decision-makers and their advisors
    • Celebrate Hingham’s businesses
    • Market Hingham’s advantages to growing businesses, investors, and visitors
  • Coordinating unofficial bodies
    • Establish and maintain relationships with non-governmental institutions and business groups (e.g., Hingham Downtown Association, Hingham Historical Society, Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, etc.)
    • Secure local and regional support for economic development opportunities, including grant opportunities
  • Communicate
    • Research findings and positions on economic development and policy issues
    • Impart the benefits of new private investment and an expanded, diversified, and stable commercial tax base to the town’s future budgetary stability to local audiences
    • Present status and findings to the Select Board bi-annually or more frequently as required
    • Share research and findings with the Master Plan Implementation Committee