Needham economic advisers plan outreach after assessment surge; March webinar set for Great Plain redesign

The Town of Needham’s Council of Economic Advisers on Feb. 14 agreed to begin a renewed outreach effort to local businesses after hearing from the Board of Assessors about a surge in tax abatement filings.

Chair Heidi said the council should help businesses understand the assessment and abatement process and consider ways to reach lessees who may be affected but lack access to landlords’ filings. “I see a little gap that I find disconcerting,” she said, referring to the mismatch between the party that receives tax bills (landowners) and the party that often feels the economic impact (tenants).

Members discussed a multi‑pronged listening strategy. Adam said focused questions and a clear goal make sessions more productive; Rick and others recommended door‑to‑door outreach to get candid feedback from retailers and restaurants. “You get better information going singularly door to door than having a group,” Rick said, noting some businesses will not speak openly in a forum.

Envision Needham has scheduled a targeted webinar on the Great Plain redesign for March 13, intended to reach businesses who cannot attend in person. Lise said the Town Chamber and other partners will help promote that Zoom session.

Next steps and logistics: The council agreed to circulate a doodle poll to identify times for listening sessions and to distribute a draft list of focused questions for members’ feedback. The group suggested using multiple formats — virtual sessions for accessibility, followed by targeted in‑person visits where needed — and suggested slicing outreach by business district or sector (for example, restaurateurs or a single square) to identify repeatable problems.

Membership and outreach additions: Adam reported he had contacted potential new members, including retail broker Dave Downing, and the council said it has reached out to Beth Israel Needham for possible representation.

Ending note: Members said the outreach should be focused, clearly publicized and designed to surface specific operational issues that the town or the council can help address. The council’s staff will circulate scheduling and a draft question set and begin coordinating promotion with business groups.