This report serves as an analysis of land use and real estate policies affecting industrial activity in seven Massachusetts cities, and explores a range of planning approaches that are preserving their manufacturing heritage – from artisan zoning to the right-sizing of space within historic industrial buildings.

We highlight these approaches through a series of case studies from across Greater Boston that are harmonizing land use and development policies with the needs of today’s light manufacturers. The report illustrates how light manufactures are successfully incorporated into the fabric of mixed use neighborhoods, and the various cross-sector partnerships that are helping to create the spaces for these businesses to scale over time.