Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1547125
16 Worcester Business Journal | October 19, 2026 | wbjournal.com INSIGHTS: Real Estate 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2001 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2011 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Quarterly office vacancy rate by year '26 Office vacancy rate in Greater Worcester and MetroWest, since 2001 Source: Colliers BY ERIC CASEY WBJ Managing Editor A streamlined permitting process and a single governing commission without layers of munic- ipal review have expedit- ed economic activity at Devens. e former Army base supports thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic development, with major employers such as Com- monwealth Fusion and Bristol Myers Squibb. However, Devens is at a crossroads. Stakeholders are now trying to balance economic growth while the commu- nity expands housing options and considers the area's future governance structure. As a regional enterprise zone, De- vens' local regulatory and permitting authority is the Devens Enterprise Commission, consolidating reviews under one body. Meanwhile, cities and towns oen require appearances before several municipal boards. In 2025, it ruled on permit appli- cations in an average of 51.5 days, below its 75-day statutory limit, while permitting or approving more than 780,000 square feet of development. For MassDevelopment Executive Vice Presi- dent Michael Sweeney, the broader formula is more compli- cated, combin- ing economic development, housing, munic- ipal services and relationships with the communities surrounding the 4,400-acre former Army base. A former executive at Worces- ter-based law firm Fletcher Tilton, Sweeney was brought in by MassDe- velopment in March to lead its efforts in Devens. "ere are a lot of complexities to Devens, but it works," Sweeney said. Devens', now at over 1,700 residents and growing, faces a new phase. e area is adding housing aer the state eliminated its longstanding cap on the allowable number of residences; offi- cials are preparing a zoning proposal that could open another district to housing, and stakeholders are begin- ning to confront a 2033 deadline for recommending a permanent govern- ment. As the future government issue emerges, questions remain about Business-friendly model at Devens faces a defining test Will housing and government jeopardize future economic growth at former Army base? caption PHOTO | EDD COTE Michael Sweeney, MassDevelopment