The High Tech Agenda

State Business Climate, Government News, & Public Policy Updates

Massachusetts made major gains in CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business rankings, but serious cost challenges continue to threaten the Commonwealth’s long-term competitiveness.

Click here for the full ranking analysis and five-year data trends.

On July 4, the Governor signed an FY26 budget that acknowledges fiscal challenges but continues troubling trends. The $60.9 billion budget, with a bottom line below initial proposals, recognizes uncertainty around revenue collections and federal funding. Yet, spending growth outpaces revenue growth, relying on one-time fixes and diverted income surtax funds to balance the budget.

Redirecting $500 million in surtax revenue to cover existing obligations undermines commitments made to voters, confirming critics’ warnings—including the Council’s—that the surtax would become a legislative blank check, not a dedicated fund for new education and transportation initiatives. This maneuver frees general funds for the Legislature to spend on other uses, exactly as surtax opponents predicted, and proponents denied.

As state spending outpaces available revenue, risking a need for increasing tax rates and revenue, the Council and our colleagues are preparing to advance a proactive strategy to restore fiscal discipline, ease taxpayer burdens, and ensure sustainable budgets that prioritize essential services and foster long-term economic stability.

The Mass Opportunity Alliance (MOA), an initiative included in our MassVision2050 business climate priority, launched in September 2024 and distinguishes itself through its commitment to data-driven insights into Massachusetts residents’ sentiments on critical issues affecting their quality of life. As a cross-organizational resource, MOA conducts monthly polling to track public opinion on topics such as tax policy, energy costs, and state leadership priorities, offering a dynamic and timely pulse on voter awareness and concerns. This consistent, high-frequency polling sets MOA apart, providing a granular view of evolving public sentiment rather than relying on sporadic or outdated data.

MOA’s new webpage serves as a centralized hub for these polling results, making comprehensive trend data accessible to policymakers, business leaders, and the public. This platform enhances transparency and empowers stakeholders with actionable insights into residents’ views on Massachusetts’ economic and social landscape, including key issues like the high tax burden (82% of respondents in September 2024 felt taxes were too high) and outmigration drivers (e.g., 66% cited high taxes as a reason for leaving).

Additionally, MOA’s Opportunity Report Card complements its polling by evaluating the state’s performance across metrics like business dynamics, labor market trends, and educational investment, assigning Massachusetts a C+ grade for standards of living and business operations. This data-driven storytelling, combined with regular public engagement, positions MOA as a unique, long-term movement to address competitiveness challenges and enhance quality of life in the Commonwealth. 

MHTC News & Updates

Massachusetts climbed 18 spots in CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business rankings—landing at #20 overall after falling to #38 in 2024. This marks the largest year-over-year improvement of any state and underscores several of the Commonwealth’s competitive advantages:

But those strengths are not enough to offset structural weaknesses that continue to undermine growth and investment. CNBC again placed Massachusetts in the bottom 10 for key business climate indicators, including:

These persistent barriers are a warning sign and a call to action for policymakers and business leaders. As Council President Chris Anderson stated in MOA’s press release on the rankings:

“It’s encouraging to see Massachusetts make overall gains, but our bleak business climate is a clear signal that we must act decisively and together to course-correct. High taxes, rising costs, and growing fiscal pressures are eroding our ability to retain talent, attract investment, and support thriving communities. We invite elected state leaders to join the growing number of business leaders and residents across Massachusetts who are committed to enacting forward-looking solutions that will restore our competitive edge and secure a stronger, more prosperous future for all.”

Massachusetts’ movement in the rankings over the past several years reflects an unstable but telling pattern, combining long-standing advantages with urgent challenges. The five-year trend below illustrates this trajectory:

Click here to explore the full results of CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business Rankings.

Registration will open soon. Keep an eye out for your official invitation.

Together, they will guide participants through a real-world case study and lead a discussion on:

This program is designed for business, cybersecurity, and innovation leaders across all sectors looking to move from AI experimentation to enterprise integration. Join us to explore how to unlock AI’s potential without compromising your organization’s security.

Contact Jenny Enfield with registration questions.

Looking Ahead: Remaining 2025 Cybersecurity Community Programs

Two additional Cybersecurity Community programs are planned for the remainder of the year:

Registration for the September program will open soon! Please keep an eye out for your official invitation.

The Cybersecurity Community will delve into Advanced Ransomware Mitigation Strategies during a small group discussion in Q4. Hosted by Goodwin Procter and WTW, this program will focus on prevention and incident response strategies for ransomware threats.

Stay tuned for more information about this session in the weeks ahead.

For questions or to get involved, contact Jenny Enfield.