Marcos Marrero, the City of Holyoke’s Director of Planning and Economic Development, has been sworn in as a member of the Baker-Polito administration’s Economic Development Planning Council. The Council held its first meeting on October 6 in Natick, offering input and guidance on the administration’s forthcoming economic development plan.

The Council will help guide the direction of this plan, which will be submitted to the state legislature this year.

The Baker-Polito administration appointed the council per the requirement of Massachusetts state law. The Council consists of people selected from banking, innovation, manufacturing, local government, and non-profits.

Marrero was only one of three municipal government representatives in the state to be selected on the body. He was appointed for his success in implementing Holyoke’s Economic Development strategies that include urban redevelopment, entrepreneurship and innovation.

“It’s an honor and privilege to serve on the Economic Development Council. I appreciate not only the confidence deposited in me to offer constructive policy recommendations to Governor Baker’s team, but being able to do so among some of the most important professionals shaping the Commonwealth’s economic future.”

“The Planning Council offers an opportunity for engagement with business, public, and non-profit sector leaders on a wide range of economic development priorities and programs,” said Governor Charlie Baker, in a release from his office. “Their invaluable experience will help guide our planning and implementation, and I look forward to continued partnerships as we work to develop Massachusetts’ economy, and ensure that communities across the Commonwealth share in our economic growth.”

“We’ve been so fortunate to have Marcos at the helm of our planning and development efforts. He’s been a cornerstone to our progress for almost four years and its hard to imagine continuing our momentum without his effective management” Mayor Morse said. “The state of Massachusetts is now fortunate to have such a thoughtful, passionate voice on the governor’s economic council. I couldn’t be prouder to have him on our team here in Holyoke.”

Other key members include the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology, Senator Eileen Donoghue, and Representative Joseph Wagner, as well as Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ron Walker, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, and Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack.

“One important message I’ll bring to the council is the importance of continuing to support development in Western Massachusetts and other regional economies outside the Boston metro area,” Marrero said. “We’ve seen how effective the state can be when it partners with communities like Holyoke to build an eco-system that support private investment. That’s why we now have over $150 million in private investment taking place throughout our city, stimulating our ability to increase our tax base and create hundreds of new jobs now and in the coming years.” 

The Economic Development Planning Council will convene again in December to offer its final recommendations for the Baker-Polito Administration’s economic development plan.

For more information on the Economic Development Planning Council, see the state’s official release here: http://www.mass.gov/hed/press-releases/administration-convenes-economic-development-council.html.