Economic Pulse: Spotlight on Amesbury, MA

The North Shore Alliance, or the “Alliance,” prides itself on supporting economic development initiatives across the 30 communities and four Gateway Cities of the North Shore of Massachusetts. Each month we will be conducting a community highlight. We will be taking a look at some of these communities, where they stand economically, and highlight commercial development sites that may be of interest to our readers. 

This month we will be taking a closer look at the city of Amesbury, Massachusetts, located in the northeastern corner of Essex County on the banks of the mighty Merrimack River. 

A Little Background on Amesbury, MA

Settled in 1642 as part of Salisbury and incorporated as a township in 1668, Amesbury, is conveniently located at the junction of I-95 and I-495, at the border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Amesbury is just a short drive south to Boston, Mass or north toward major cities in Maine or New Hampshire. This centralized location allows for perfect positioning for small and large businesses as well. 

In terms of governance, Amsbury is a municipality that operates under a city-based governance, but feels like a much smaller community. What also makes Amesbury unique is the blending of historic homes, museums, and sites, with areas of technical growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

Driving through the city, visitors can see both historical mills, textile buildings, and historic sites, all while also seeing the new businesses emerge in the same areas. 

With a 2021 population listed just under 18,000 citizens, Amesbury is the 51st largest city in Massachusetts and the 2060th largest city in the United States. 

Economic Development and Community Resources

Like many towns and cities across the north shore, Amesbury is in a time of growth. They have many industries that are emerging from the pandemic and beginning to grow, including those in the finance, technology/engineering, service, manufacturing, hospitality, and biotech sectors. 

In order to continue to thrive in the coming years there are several areas of support that the city of Amesbury offers. These resources include: 

The Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) 

This office works to foster economic vitality, to preserve and enhance neighborhoods, quality of life and the environment, and to promote equity and opportunity for all residents of Amesbury. 

Led by OCED Director, Angela Cleveland, the department is currently assisting with development, review, and implementation of the projects listed on the Conservation Commission and Planning Board pages. 

Economic Incentives Committee

In addition to the OCED, the Economic Incentives Committee reviews project proposal applications with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and similar methods of public financing, and makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council for action. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a public financing method that is used as a subsidy for redevelopment, infrastructure, and other community improvement projects. The original intent of a TIF is to stimulate private investment in areas that need economic revitalization. (Source: Amesbury.gov) 

Amesbury Chamber of Commerce & Industrial Foundation 

The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to promote and support the businesses of the Amesbury area.

This  membership organization’s  primary objective is to be a resource for our members to help them grow and succeed. They support and  advance the economic development programs and initiatives of Amesbury by helping our businesses succeed, and encouraging new companies to settle within the city. The Chamber works closely with local, regional, state, and federal officials to improve the economic climate and support incentives for growth. (Source: Amesbury Chamber of Commerce)