Worcester State of the Market

Tue Jun 09, 2026

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Worcester State of the Market

Growth Drivers, Downtown Investment, and the Next Wave of Development

Tuesday June 9 2026 @ 8:30 AM EDT

$125.00

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Speakers and Panels

Alex Corrales

CEO, Worcester Housing Authority

Roberta Brien

As the Executive Vice President of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC), Roberta Brien brings a wealth of experience in real estate, project management, and strategic planning. A key leader within the organization, she collaborates closely with the President and CFO on high-level decision-making, fi nancial oversight, and staff assignments. She also manages all WBDC projects and directs fee-for-service activities. With expertise in real estate, community development, and urban planning, Roberta takes a holistic approach to project management. She oversees the development of WBDC-owned properties, facilitates mixed-use projects, industrial parks, and infrastructure expansions, and leads the acquisition, relocation, and asset management of various properties. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in securing project fi nancing through new market tax credits, historic tax credits, conventional loans, and state and federal grants. One of Roberta’s most transformative projects was the redevelopment of 20 Franklin Street in downtown Worcester. This ambitious three-year initiative resulted in a vibrant, multi-use hub featuring an entrepreneurial co-working space, a downtown campus for Quinsigamond Community College, modern offi ce spaces, a restaurant, and a black box theater. The project signifi cantly contributed to the revitalization of downtown Worcester, attracting new businesses and organizations to the area. PRIOR EXPERIENCE Before joining WBDC in 2004, Roberta served as a Project Manager in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Offi ce of Real Estate under the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. Managing a portfolio with an annual revenue of $1 million, she spearheaded the planning, redevelopment, and strategic reuse of state-owned properties. Her career also includes experience as a licensed commercial real estate agent and site selector for national retail chains, where she identifi ed and negotiated prime development opportunities. Additionally, as a transportation planner for a regional planning agency, she gained deep expertise in accessing state and federal grants, community planning, and development strategies. EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS Roberta holds a Bachelor of Science in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning from Westfi eld State University

Worcester Business Development Corporation

EVP

Roberta Brien

EVP, Worcester Business Development Corporation

Andrew Colbert

SVP, WinnDevelopment

Ryan Chamberlain

VP, Synergy

Brian Poitras

Director Capital Markets, GFI Partners

Dave Fontaine Jr

CEO, Fontaine

Brittany Gesner

Principal, VHB

Moderator

Mark Borenstein

Partner, Prince Lobel

Moderator

Samantha McDonald

Partner, Bowditch

Why You Should Attend This 2026 Worcester State of the Market

What You'll Learn:

What macro trends are shaping Worcester’s economic trajectory heading into 2026?
How migration patterns and demographic shifts are influencing long term housing demand?
Which infrastructure and transportation investments are accelerating commercial and residential growth?
What public private partnerships are attracting employers, startups, and institutional capital?
How life sciences, healthcare, and innovation clusters are impacting site selection and land use?
Where multifamily supply is being absorbed, and where caution is emerging?
How developers are balancing market rate and affordable housing needs amid cost pressure?
What zoning reforms and local policies are unlocking higher density mixed use projects?
Which investment metrics lenders and equity partners are prioritizing in Worcester?
What projects are advancing from planning to groundbreaking in 2026 and beyond?

How you'll do more business:

Enhance your business by gaining a stronger understanding of Worcester and Central Massachusetts. commercial real estate market. Understand the strong fundamentals pushing demand from owners and tenants. Hear from city officials and developers on the future of Worcester CRE, its life sciences market and the current opportunities present for investors.

Who You'll Meet: Network with a diverse group of industry leaders, including developers, financiers, urban planners, policymakers, and real estate experts. This event is a melting pot of ideas and strategies, fostering connections and collaborations in the Central Massachusetts real estate market.

Why should you attend:

Bisnow events bring together the biggest power players in the industry to identify opportunities, build your network and expand your business. With the largest audience of commercial real estate professionals in the world, no one knows how to help your business more than us.

For questions, recommendations, comments, or press inquiries please email our Northeast Event Producer, Joshua Piquion at joshua.piquion@bisnow.com. To request disability-related accommodations, please contact audrey.sullivan@bisnow.com no later than seven business days prior to the event.

Venue

AC Hotel Worcester
125 Front Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Ballroom: Wachusett Ballroom
Floor: Ground

Parking Information:

Parking is available under the hotel in the Worcester Common Garage. All-day parking is $10 and can be paid at the front desk (cash or card accepted)

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Agenda

Time	Activity
8:30 AM 9:30 AM	Coffee, Breakfast & Networking
9:30 AM 10:15 AM	Building & Design Trends For Worcester’s Assets 1.) Discuss how developers are balancing project feasibility and elevated costs in this environment. 2.) Examine design trends that are influenced by the local market.
10:15 AM 10:30 AM	Networking Break
10:30 AM 11:15 AM	Worcester’s Path For Growth & Investment 1.) Discuss how the city is prioritizing new development and business for growth. 2.) Explore opportunities that are available to investors looking to enter the market.
11:15 AM 11:30 AM	Post Event Networking