fb-pixel Skip to main content
Massachusetts Works
In this special section, we’re turning the typical model of journalism on its head — instead of focusing on what’s broken, we’re taking a look at what Massachusetts gets right. By many measures, we lead the nation in social indicators that have a direct impact on how we live. We wanted to know: How did we get here, what can we learn from our successes, and what can we teach other states? But it’s not all perfect: We also examine areas where Massachusetts can improve.
Ideas | Michael Porter

What Massachusetts can teach America

Massachusetts is the clear leader among all states on social progress. The Commonwealth has been a pioneer and a leader in advancing crucial areas such as the quality of public education, health care coverage for all, same-sex marriage, and many others.

'If you want to develop a new medicine, Boston is the place'

How did gay marriage happen here first? Judicial independence

How Massachusetts became a national leader on healthcare — and how it can lead again

Readers respond to ‘Massachusetts Works’

The people who make Mass. Work

David Liu

A pathbreaking Harvard chemist is developing new ways to edit DNA.

Ekua Holmes

An artist returns to her “beautiful community.”

Toby Merrill and Eileen Connor

Taking on the for-profit college industry — and fighting for the American Dream.

Betty Francisco and Eneida Roman

Building power in Massachusetts’s Latino community.

Colin Angle

The CEO of iRobot imagines a smarter smart home.

Julianne Boyd

An innovative artistic director puts her theater on the map.
What works in Massachusetts?
In this special section, we’re turning the typical model of journalism on its head -- instead of focusing on what’s broken.

More on how mass. works

Ideas | Alex Krieger

How we got here: Boston's history, enabler of present fortune

IDEAS | Brian Dolan

Silicon Valley may have more start-ups — but we do start-ups better

IDEAS | JENEÉ OSTERHELDT

The beauty of collective art creates sacred spaces

How mass. can get better

Ideas | Marcella Bombardieri

Massachusetts excels at higher education — for the white and well-off

Ideas | Zoe Greenberg

A dubious distinction: Massachusetts ranks first in growth of family homelessness

Ideas | Ken Kimmell

Massachusetts is a leader on climate change — but it can do better