Public Solutions

Modeled on the successful program operating in Oregon since 2001, the Mass Solutions Program offers a process and mechanism to create sustainable solutions to public problems that support economic, environmental, and community objectives.

Mass Solutions creates community-based networks comprised of businesses, non-profits, government agencies and citizen organizations to enable them to connect their resources, expertise and interests to address local issues and concerns. This networking system makes it possible to work across sectors, jurisdictions, interests and issues. Mass Solutions staff at MODR bring the people to the table, but then these project partners work together to solve the problem at hand or create positive future opportunities. The Mass Solutions approach makes efficient use of public and private resources, accelerates the pace of a project, overcomes obstacles early on, and increases the project's visibility, thereby promoting buy-in for the agreed-upon solution.

Communities as a whole identify a project, issue or opportunity where many levels of government are involved, where no single entity has control over the outcome, or where there is a perceived need to integrate policies or resources. In addition, projects are identified by state or local environmental, land use, community development, transportation or energy agencies for their relevance to the Commonwealth's livable communities and sustainable development principles. A neutral community convener for the Solutions Process is appointed by the governor, a legislative leader, or another well-respected public leader/official.Mass Solutions staff at MODR help determine the important stakeholders and others who could contribute to the collaboration. Once a team is assembled, Mass Solutions staff assist in scheduling, facilitation, research, reporting and outreach publicity. The Mass Solutions Team of project partners works together to create an integrated solution that leverages the resources of the Team to meet the challenge at hand and sustainability objectives. Commitments of resources and time by Team members in an integrated action plan are recorded in a Declaration of Cooperation, which guides implementation.

Examples of MODR's Work:

Renovations to Recreational Space on Columbia Point: In 2006-2007 MODR facilitated a community charette regarding renovations to Mt. Vernon Street and helped launch stakeholder action teams to implement ideas generated at the charette. MODR is currently facilitating meetings of the Youth Action Team to enable collaborative planning to design and implement renovations to the physical space on Mount Vernon Street, including a basketball court, baseball field and playground. Stakeholders include residents from Harbor Point Housing Development, students from McCormack School, institutions on Columbia Point such as UMass Boston, Boston College High School, the Walter Denny Youth Center, the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center and Corcoran-Jenison Companies. This project follows up on a HUD Community Outreach and Partnership Centers grant secured through the College of Community & Public Services at UMass Boston.

Mass Solutions Program contact:

Susan Jeghelian, Executive Director
MODR at UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard, M-1-627
Boston, MA 02125
Telephone: (617) 287-4047; Fax: (617) 287-4049
susan.jeghelian@umb.edu