Mayor Nicole LaChapelle of Easthampton, MA requested a comprehensive review of the underlying barriers to an inclusive economic development strategy. The onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic magnified known gaps in the City’s ability to support existing businesses struggling to survive the pandemic, which includes assisting them with pivoting or adapting their business models. The City does not have a data collection system or common economic development language and resources for serving all types of businesses and their diverse owners. Additionally, many business sectors are siloed, resulting in lost opportunity for cross-sector growth and innovation.