Assuming that new businesses arrive, Cambridge political and neighborhood leaders have raised the question of what types of new jobs will become available.
City developers and business leaders insist that the market demand more office space and white collar industry. Harvard and MIT create many opportunities for research and development, small management, and consulting firms which rely on the resources and manpower of the two universities. Most recently, genetic research firms have shown a great interest in Cambridge. Four firms are trying to locate in the area, and one Biogen, has already moved in and is planning to expand its operation in Kendall Square.
But city councilors, many of whom represent areas particularly hard hit by unemployment, have voiced dissatisfaction with the employment plans proposed by these essentially white collar firms. One such program submitted recently to the council by one of the DNA firms was rejected outright by several councilors as inadequate. "We need to control what kind of industries come into the city." says Councilor David Sullivan. "I'm not suggesting that we bring in a steel plant, but we could have a technology manufacturing plant that makes for example, computer chips."
Studies conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Manpower Development shows that statewide, high technology business such as the computer electronics, and industrial chemical industries are expanding at a tremendous rate and that many supply jobs for a variety of white and blue collar positions, with excellent opportunities for advancement.
"The question for the future of this city and this state is where will the expanding high technology firms locate," Lindquist says. But he adds that "so far, high-tech manufacturing hasn't really knocked on our door."
Many of the high-tech companies with manufacturing operations in the area have settled in the rural and suburban areas, such as the so-called "technology belt" along Route 128. "To make sure those kinds of industries come into the city," Lindquist continues, "we would have to really best the bushes and actively recruit. Then we would have to offer incentives." In other words, Cambridge would need the comprehensive employment and development plan it now lacks.
City Council hearings which could lead to the establishment of such a plan will begin this month. One program already underway which could become the model for a citywide system is the Cambridge Citizens Employment plan, adopted in 1980 for development projects in the Alewife area.
That set of guidelines, which resulted from negotiations with neighborhood residents, calls for all new industries entering the area to set a hiring goal for "Cambridge residents, particularly the unemployed, underemployed, and unskilled." While Lindquist anticipates problems enforcing that law and says that it may even be ruled unconstitutional, he calls it a step in the right direction toward establishing a united employment policy.
Recent statements by city councilors indicate that the city will follow in Alewife's footsteps. David Sullivan, chairman of the committee holding the upcoming hearings, says that through careful use of zoning laws, and distribution of development funds and permit grants, the city can influence companies to hire local residents. Councilor Francis H. Duehay '55 agrees, saying, "We've got a lot on our plates that we can offer businesses in return for employment programs."
But Duehay adds that such programs will be crippled if local residents aren't trained adequately to enter the job force: "We don't live in a socialist country. Government can't force businesses to accept people that they don't need." He and others agree that the city must also adopt an expanded job-training program.
Marlene Seltzer, executive director of the Middlesex County CETA affiliate, says, "We have got a whole lot of training to do." She adds that her agency, which now relies on federal funding to train unskilled workers for jobs in computers and electronics, can only service about 850 people a year. Seltzer promises to present broader job-training and employment proposals to the council in July.
The combination of outside planning expanding commercial activity and local dedication to the plight of the unemployed could well produce an improved city economy. Politicians, even those suspicious of unfamiliar investors and unpredictable federal programs say they are optimistic about the future. But the uncertainties remain overwhelming. A great distance still exists between the frustration of the unemployment office and the excitement in Russell Lindquist's headquarters. The planner points out one final concern. If Cambridge goes too far in controlling who works for new city businesses. Cambridge residents may find a cold reception from employers in other towns. "I know we like to think of the city as an economic entity," he says, "but it isn't really. This is a regional economy, with a great deal of interaction between communities concerning jobs."