Jared Valanzola, Commissioner, County of Plymouth

In an interview with Invest:, Commissioner Jared Valanzola of Plymouth County highlighted the county’s efforts to address housing affordability and promote economic growth through a new entertainment facility in Plymouth. He also emphasized the importance of agriculture, particularly cranberry farming, and explored opportunities in renewable energy, such as aquaculture, to drive future economic development.

What have been some significant economic developments in Plymouth County during this past year?

One of the biggest factors impacting Plymouth County, and Massachusetts as a whole, is affordability. The county is diverse, with industries spread across its 27 communities. Plymouth’s main industry is tourism, while in the western part, it’s agriculture — especially cranberry farming. In the north, we see a focus on professional services, with many commuting to Boston.

A key issue across the county is housing affordability, which directly impacts the local economy. As a real estate professional, I see firsthand how challenging it is for people to find homes they can afford. This struggle affects the broader economic landscape.

Tourism in Plymouth remains strong, but restaurants face ongoing staffing challenges. While tourism is healthy, staffing shortages impact both the town and the region.

What are the primary economic drivers in Plymouth County, and what initiatives have you championed to support economic growth?

Affordability is a major issue, especially in the northern part of the county, where proximity to Boston makes it desirable for commuters.

At the county level, we’ve partnered with a development group to build an entertainment facility in Plymouth. This project, if successful, will create jobs and boost the local economy. We want to keep tourists in Plymouth longer, not just stopping by for a few hours. We’ve identified county-owned land for this facility, which could be a sports complex or convention center. The goal is to attract people for extended stays, benefiting Plymouth and surrounding towns.

Is the entertainment facility funded purely by government dollars, or is there room for private investment?

It’s primarily an investment-driven project. While we might explore public funding in the future, right now it’s focused on private investment. We went through the required request for proposals (RFP) process and signed a contract with a development group. They’re working on securing tenants, and there’s definitely room for more investors.

The county’s role is supervisory — we provide the land, and they develop it within the proposal’s guidelines. I work closely with the developers, and I’m confident they’re open to new partnerships and investments.

What other key growth industries do you see for Plymouth County?

Professional services are important in the northern part of the county, especially with two hospitals in Brockton. Agriculture, particularly cranberry farming in the western part, is another key industry. Carver is one of the world’s largest cranberry producers, and the county takes pride in that.

We support agriculture through our 4-H program, funded in partnership with the University of Massachusetts. This program engages young people in agriculture, showing them that farming is a vital industry. The 4-H team does an excellent job making farming fun and engaging, especially through events like the Marshfield Fair. Supporting the next generation of farmers is crucial for the county’s agricultural future.

How is the county positioned to take advantage of the growing trends around life sciences and renewable energy?

We’ve started exploring opportunities in renewable energy, particularly aquaculture. With a significant coastline, Plymouth County is well-positioned to leverage its natural resources. We’re partnering with local and global entities to develop aquaculture, which could become a valuable economic driver.

The federal government tends to award grants to counties because we have a broader reach. With over half a million residents, Plymouth County is more attractive for federal funding than individual towns. This puts us in a good position for renewable energy, green technology, and coastal resiliency projects.

For example, we’ve invested in community rating system (CRS) credits to help with flood insurance. These efforts benefit both coastal and inland towns, ensuring the county is prepared for future challenges.

How do you work with other entities to attract investment for the county’s economic development?

The three commissioners bring different perspectives, which is great for generating ideas and looking for opportunities to drive growth. We focus on projects like the entertainment facility in Plymouth and supporting agriculture through programs like 4-H.

We also launched a mobile integrated health program, which creates good-paying jobs while improving public health. This indirectly supports the economy by keeping people healthy and able to work. We’re constantly seeking businesses and investors that can make a positive impact on the county.

How does the county work with educational institutions to prepare the next generation of workers?

Although we don’t have a dedicated agricultural or vocational school, we work with the University of Massachusetts through the 4-H program. I also collaborate with Massasoit Community College, where I studied. Community colleges are sometimes undervalued, but they offer excellent vocational training for professions like nursing, plumbing, and electrical work.

I’ve worked with Massasoit to raise funds for their expansion, particularly in their nursing program. Even if the county doesn’t invest directly, I see it as my role to advocate for these institutions. We’ve also invested in cybersecurity training at Bridgewater State University, which prepares students to handle cyber threats — an increasing concern for businesses.

What are the county’s priorities for infrastructure development, and how can investors get involved?

There are always opportunities for outside investors, especially in infrastructure. We’ve administered a $100 million ARPA grant program over the last few years, pushing communities to invest in critical areas like water and sewer systems. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in these systems, particularly aging pipes and filtration issues, so we’ve allocated over $40 million for improvements.

For example, towns like Rockland and Abington have received significant funding to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure. This is essential for economic development, especially in the northern part of the county, where office parks and professional services are concentrated. Towns like West Bridgewater, with highway access and affordable housing, are well-positioned to attract workforce housing and boost the local economy.

What are your top priorities over the next two to three years to keep Plymouth County attractive for living, visiting, and investing?

Assuming I get reelected, my priority will be keeping Plymouth County open for business by encouraging development and investment. Many of our communities are resistant to change, wanting to preserve their historic character, but sometimes things are just old, not historic. We need to be more open to new opportunities for economic growth.

For example, the entertainment project in Plymouth would likely have stalled at the town level, but the county is more open to such ideas. Over the next few years, I want to ensure the county has the capacity to carry out projects like this and support development.

We’ve already made progress. When I was first elected, I identified the land in Plymouth as a potential driver for the region and the county’s economy. I’ll continue looking for similar opportunities across the county and leverage our relationships with communities to help move projects forward.

Developers often feel frustrated working with towns, but at the county level, we can use our political relationships to ensure projects are executed efficiently. When the entertainment project gets off the ground, it will be a major boost for Plymouth and the region. Instead of tourists stopping for just a few hours, they’ll stay for a weekend, generating tax revenue and supporting local businesses.