Date

12-2-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This undergraduate thesis investigates the Town of Bridgewater, Massachusetts through a qualitative process. Through this approach, the interconnection between community and economic development was explored and analyzed to understand how these factors and their underlying elements impact the Town of Bridgewater stakeholders. The Town of Bridgewater Master Plan, 2022 is a key cornerstone in this study, providing a compendium of influential priorities for the Town, current efforts initiated to support those priorities, barriers hindering further advancement, and future opportunities. Additionally, the unique Town characteristic of occupying a university-town partnership is considered when investigating the influences on community and economic development. Moreover, the experiences of small local businesses are also taken into consideration, while highlighting their perception of what the Town can do to support their economic success and the growth of Bridgwater's community. The examination of these significant Town viewpoints enables this undergraduate thesis to provide a comprehensive overview of what is influential, the barriers that hinder, and the further opportunities to advance community and economic development in the Town of Bridgewater.

Department

Management

Thesis Committee

Dr. Uma Shama, Thesis Advisor
Dr. Xiangrong Liu, Thesis Advisor
Dr. Stephanie Jacobsen, Committee Member

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