麻州長指派Joyce Linehan加入麻州文化協會管理委員會

Joyce Linehan Appointed to Governing Council by Governor Maura Healey

BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council today announces the appointment of Dorchester resident Joyce Linehan to its governing Council. Linehan was appointed by Governor Maura Healey on March 9; her term will run through February 24, 2028. Mass Cultural Council is an independent state agency charged with fostering the Commonwealth’s vibrant cultural sector through a wide portfolio of grants, services, and cross sector partnerships, thereby elevating a rich cultural life for all residents and visitors to Massachusetts. The Agency is governed by a 19-member Board of private citizens, collectively referred to as “the Council.” As directed by state law, Council members are appointed by the Governor and have demonstrated scholarship or creativity in, or distinguished service to, the arts, humanities, interpretative sciences, or local arts. Council members serve staggered, three-year terms and reside in every region of the Commonwealth.  “Joyce has long been a champion for the cultural sector in Massachusetts, with a career that reflects both creative vision and public service. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Council and look forward to her contributions as we continue to expand access to the arts across the Commonwealth,” said Ché Anderson, Chair, Mass Cultural Council. “Joyce understands both the needs of cultural organizations and the broader systems that support them, and personally and on behalf of the Agency’s staff team, I am pleased to welcome her to Mass Cultural Council,” said Acting Executive Director David T. Slatery, Mass Cultural Council. “I’m honored to join Mass Cultural Council at such an important moment for the cultural sector. The arts are essential to the identity, economy, and wellbeing of our communities, and I look forward to supporting the Council’s work to ensure every resident can access and benefit from the power of culture,” said Linehan. About Joyce Linehan: Joyce Linehan is a creative thinker with years of experience in government, non-profits, higher education, community organizing and the private sector. She is currently Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. She formerly served as the Chief of Policy and Planning for the City of Boston, in the office of Mayor Martin J. Walsh, and as a Special Assistant to the President at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Linehan was appointed to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Mass Cultural Council by Governor Healey and currently serves on the boards of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, and Interim House in Dorchester, on the advisory board of the Rappaport Institute at Harvard, and MassArt’s Innovation Advisory Council. She was a member of the Governor’s Cultural Policy Advisory Council, where she chaired the Infrastructure Committee. She also founded the non-profit Culture Saves, which produces arts programming in the Boston area. Before her time at City Hall in Boston, she was the director of Ashmont Media, a marketing and public relations company serving arts organizations, and was previously the Vice President of A & R for Sub Pop Records, where she managed several bands and musicians. Linehan holds a B.A. and an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and she is a native and resident of Dorchester.

上海四重奏慶40週年 4/10為中華表演藝術基金會第37屆音樂季演出

 

上海四重奏。（中華表演藝術基金會提供）

        (Boston Orange)上海四重奏(The Shanghai Quartet) 訂4月10日（週五）晚8點，重返新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹音樂廳 (Jordan Hall)，為中華表演藝術基金會第37屆音樂季第4場音樂會演出，慶祝40週年。

1983年時，上海四重奏樂團就在上海音樂學院成立了。樂團成員其後赴美深造，也從此以美國為基地，在北美、歐洲及亞洲的一系列重要室內樂音樂會中演出，一直十分活躍，無論是西方音樂名作，傳統中國民間音樂，或是最前沿的當代作品，該團都能輕鬆穿梭，以優雅風格，令人讚嘆技巧，表達廣闊的感情。

上海四重奏如今更已是世界最頂尖室內樂團之一。四十多年來也一直是亞洲弦樂四重奏演奏的標竿，被紐約時報盛贊為「極其崇高而卓越」。

這些年來，上海四重奏和無數的頂尖藝術家合作過，包括大提琴家馬友友、林恩．哈瑞爾 (Lynn Harrell)，鋼琴家梅納赫姆．普萊斯勒 (Menahem Pressler)、彼得．塞金 (Peter Serkin)、尚—伊夫．蒂博戴 (Jean-Yves Thibaudet)、王羽佳，以及琵琶演奏家吳蠻。

該團也經常受邀參加北美最具聲望的室內樂音樂節，和東京、茱莉亞及瓜奈里 (Guarneri) 等四重奏，上海交響樂團合作過。

他們踏進過卡內基音樂廳、大都會藝術博物館、佛瑞爾(Freer Gallery)藝廊（華盛頓特區），布里瓦德(Brevard) 音樂中心，中國國家大劇院，也在法國巴布羅．卡薩爾斯 (Pablo Casals) 音樂節，波蘭貝多芬音樂節，布達佩斯 (Budapest) 春季藝術節，以及中國各地的《貝多芬全集》系列音樂會中表演。

維格摩爾 (Wigmore) 音樂廳、三得利 (Suntory) 音樂廳，更是他們經常應邀演出的地點。

一直以來，上海四重奏致力於推廣新音樂，特別關注將東西方音樂傳統並置的創作，擁有超過三十張錄音作品，從與魯道夫．布赫賓德 (Rudolf Buchbinder) 合作的舒曼與德弗札克 (Dvorak) 鋼琴五重奏，到 和新加坡交響樂團合作的周龍《唐詩》弦樂四重奏，皆涵蓋其中。

 2002 年起，上海四重奏擔任蒙特克萊 (Montclair) 州立大學音樂學院的駐團四重奏， 2020 年秋季再加入茱莉亞天津學院，擔任駐校教師。該樂團也同時是上海交響樂團的常駐合奏團，為上海音樂學院與北京中央音樂學院擔任客座教授。

上海四重奏由小提琴家李偉綱與中提琴家李宏剛2兄弟創辦，小提琴家于翔於 2020 年加入，大提琴家何思昊於 2024 年加入。

于翔曾就讀於新英格蘭音樂學院，獲有學士、碩士學位，以及享有盛譽的藝術家文憑（Artist Diploma）。他師從 Donald Weilerstein 和 Miriam Fried，並曾擔任 Weilerstein 教授的助教。他在波士頓地區廣為人知，深受學生與樂迷的喜愛。

2026年4月10日（週五） 在 新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹音樂廳舉行的音樂會，將是上海四重奏成立40週年紀念巡演的一部分。

當晚演出曲目，預訂包括：海頓的G小調弦樂四重奏，作品74第3號《騎士》，譚盾的《風雅頌》（第一弦樂四重奏），葛什溫的《搖籃曲》，德弗札克的F大調第12弦樂四重奏，作品96《美國》。

音樂會票價為 $20 (7- 13 歲)、$40、$60。中華表演藝術基金會為14歲以上學生提供，數量有限，需事先索取的免費票，以及非學生贈送卷。6歲以下兒童請勿入場。查詳情可上中華表演藝術基金會官網：https://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/season/20260410/index.html。

麻州辦FIFA世界盃拿到7600萬元聯邦錢 撥1000萬元州錢資助地方市鎮行銷及看球派對

麻州長Maura Healey宣佈，迎接FIFA世界盃，麻州準備好了。（周菊子攝）

            （Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導）FIFA 世界盃足球賽6月13日才正式開打，麻州長奚莉（Maura Healey）25日在州警總部宣佈，已爭取到7,600萬元聯邦資金，為將在麻州福克斯堡 (Foxborough)吉列體育場(Gillette Stadium)舉行的7場比賽做好了交通、衛生等公安應變準備。

            在世界盃比賽舉行期間，吉列體育場 (Gillette Stadium)將改名為「波士頓體育場」，以因應FIFA

奚莉州長強調麻州撥款1000萬元資助地方辦看球派對。（周菊子攝）

為了讓全球觀眾知道球賽在哪裡舉行的規定。

             多個商業團體發起的「邁向2026之路（Road to 26）」國際巡迴賽，第一場巴西對法國友誼賽，將於26日下午4點上場。麻州政府把這場賽事當作迎接FIFA世界盃的公安實戰演習。

            奚莉州長在傅萊明罕（Framingham）鎮的麻州警察總局開記者會，和麻州公安廳廳長Gina Kwon，麻州警察總監Geoffrey Noble

麻州公安廳廳長Gina Kwon說明公安相關安排。（周菊子攝）

，麻州公共衛生局局長Robbie Goldstein等人召開記者會，說明麻州不但已爲預定6 月13 日至 7 月 9 日在福斯堡（Foxborough）市吉列體育場（Gillette Stadium）舉辦的7 場世界盃賽。

             麻州政府已爭取到7600萬元的聯邦撥款，其中4600萬元將用於補助世界盃的安全措施，2120萬元用於架構反制無人機設施，860萬元撥給聯邦交通管理局（FTA），用於優化比賽期間的大眾運輸。

            奚莉州長還特地指出，麻州政府還特地撥款1000萬元，資助將在17個地點舉辦的球迷慶祝活動和社區看球派對（watch party）。

            麻州政府特地以「麻州為比賽準備好了（Match-Ready Massachusetts）」為名，推出Mass.gov/WorldCup網站，幫助民眾與企業及時掌握與世界盃有關的交通管制、公共資源、以及賽事相關的最新消息。

           奚莉州長表示，麻州擁有舉辦波士頓馬拉松等大型活動的豐富經驗，還從去年夏天起，已經辦了內容包括通勤鐵路疏散及網路安全的 16 場培訓課程與 5 場大型實地演習。麻州也特別制定了以倖存者為中心的「人口販運防範計畫」，加強第一線人員的辨識販運人口訓練。公共衛生局（DPH）將啟動強化版數據共享與疾病監測系統，並提供高溫預警指南，確保遊客與居民健康。

          3月26日在吉列體育場的「Road to 26巴西和法國對決友誼賽，和一般的比賽時間不同，將在下午4點開始舉行。麻州州警預估道路將十分擁擠，建議人們避開1號公路，預留額外的交通時間，並隨時留意周遭環境，發現可疑狀況請立即撥打 911。體育場周邊嚴格禁止操作無人機。

          奚莉州長特地指出，為了讓所有州民都能享受到世界盃來到麻州比賽的快樂，州政府已撥款1000萬元資助看球派對，粉絲節等相關慶祝活動。

         根據州政府資料，這1000萬元來自2025 財政年度補充預算中的體育與娛樂活動基金（Sports and Entertainment Events Fund），由麻州經濟發展廳麾下的 麻州旅遊局（MOTT） 負責審核與發放，專用於補助和 2026 世界盃相關的社區慶祝活動、觀賽派對、行銷推廣及現場安全規劃。

          麻州政府批准的補助專案有17 個，但因為部分獲得撥款者是區域性組織（如旅遊局或足球協會），實際受益的社區多達 25 個。

         獲得補助的11個市鎮，6個區域性非營利組織。其中已公佈獲得補助金額及活動計劃名稱的有雀喜市（Chelsea）175,000元的Fiesta Fútbol '26，地鐵西區旅遊局（MetroWest）120,000元，要在富蘭克林吉馬柏洛夫開闢粉絲區。

         另外有伍斯特市（Worcester）要辦9場大型看球派對，麻州青少年足球協會要在10個城市舉辦青年足球節，波士頓市要在各鄰里舉辦活動。

         其他獲補助的機構有波士頓足球2026，遇見波士頓（MeetBoston），美國海地商會，羅爾（Lowell）拉丁中心，劍橋市，布洛克頓（Brockton），埃佛瑞市（Everett），格林菲爾德市(Greenfield)，伯靈頓鎮（Burlington），勒星頓鎮(Lexington)，衛茅斯鎮（Weymouth）等。

 

Governor Healey Details Public Safety and Public Health Preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup in Massachusetts 

 
Preparations include emergency planning, training and exercises with local, state, and federal partners 

State launches Match-Ready Massachusetts online hub for World Cup information and resources at Mass.gov/WorldCup 

FRAMINGHAM – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today detailed Massachusetts’ extensive public safety and public health preparations underway ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including coordination across more than 70 agencies and the securing of nearly $76 million in federal funding to support safety, security, emergency and transportation planning efforts.  

With seven matches set to take place in Massachusetts between June 13 and July 9, 2026, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is leading a whole-of-government effort to ensure the tournament is safe, secure and well-coordinated for residents and participating teams. State officials are working in close partnership with federal, local, regional and private sector partners to plan for all aspects of the event, from transportation and crowd management to cybersecurity, public health, and emergency response.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also launching the Match-Ready Massachusetts online hub where residents and businesses can access information and resources related to the FIFA World Cup in Massachusetts. The hub is available at Mass.gov/WorldCup. 

“The scale of this event requires preparation at every level, and Massachusetts is putting in the work to make sure we are ready,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are no strangers to hosting major events like the Boston Marathon and the Army Navy game, and we’re building on that experience by bringing together more than 70 agencies, securing $76 million in federal funding, and coordinating closely with partners across government to plan for every scenario. Residents and visitors alike can be confident that we are prepared to host a safe, secure and successful World Cup.”  

“This is a true whole-of-government effort, built on strong coordination and collaboration,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Public safety professionals, local leaders and partners across the region are working every day to make sure Massachusetts is ready to host this global event safely.” 

The preparations, by the numbers: 

• 70+ agencies participating in statewide public safety planning and coordination efforts 
• 14 specialized planning groups developing operational annexes and mission-specific plans for the World Cup Emergency Operations Plan 
• 2 Executive Steering Groups providing senior-level coordination on public safety and public health/ medical services across federal, state, local and private partners 
• 351 Massachusetts local emergency management directors have received briefings on anticipated statewide impacts, with additional briefings planned as tournament time approaches 
• 16+ training classes and seminars conducted since last summer for first responders, emergency managers, local officials and federal partners 
• 5 major exercises conducted or supported to rehearse emergency scenarios and operational coordination 
• Nearly $76 million in federal funding secured, including more than $46 million awarded through the FIFA World Cup Security Grant Program, $21.2 million through the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program, and $8.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration 
• $10 million in state supplemental funding appropriated for costs related to the World Cup matches 
• 7 matches scheduled in Foxborough at Gillette Stadium (designated “Boston Stadium” during the tournament) between June 13 and July 9 

The planning effort is being coordinated through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts State Police, and the FIFA World Cup Boston26 Host Committee. 

To support this unprecedented planning effort, Massachusetts has secured nearly $76 million in federal funding for World Cup security and preparedness, including more than $46 million through FEMA’s FIFA World Cup Security Grant Program and an additional $21.2 million through the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program. The funding is helping state and local partners strengthen staffing, training, equipment, planning and operational coordination for matches and related events across Massachusetts. Massachusetts has also been awarded $8.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration for public transportation. 

The state has also committed $10 million in supplemental funding to support costs associated with hosting World Cup matches in Massachusetts. Earlier this week, Governor Healey awarded $10 million in grants to 17 recipients through the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program to support fan celebrations and community watch party events across Massachusetts celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Public Safety Preparations 

MEMA has worked with Boston26 to establish a Public Safety and Security Planning Governance Framework, which defines roles, responsibilities and coordination structures across the many public and private organizations involved in tournament operations. 

At the center of this framework is an Executive Steering Group composed of senior leaders from federal, state, local and private sector partners who have decision-making authority for planning and operations. Supporting this effort is a multi-agency Joint Planning Team, which is developing the FIFA World Cup Boston26 Emergency Operations Plan. Fourteen mission-specific planning groups provide subject-matter expertise and are responsible for developing detailed operational plans covering areas such as transportation, public health, cybersecurity, crowd management and emergency response. 

Massachusetts and its partners are also advancing a coordinated Human Trafficking Preparedness Plan to address the unique risks of sex and labor trafficking associated with the tournament. This trauma-informed, survivor-centered effort strengthens prevention, frontline training, coordinated response, public awareness, and access to victim services through collaboration among state and local agencies, law enforcement, public health partners and community organizations. 

Since summer 2025, MEMA has conducted more than 15 training sessions to strengthen readiness for a large-scale, multi-week international event. Training topics have included crowd management, venue evacuation, and large-event security planning. 

The state has also completed five major preparedness exercises, including an MBTA Commuter Rail evacuation drill, a host-cities cybersecurity tabletop exercise with the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and an Executive Decision Group tabletop exercise designed to test senior-level coordination during complex scenarios. Additional training and exercises are scheduled for this spring. 

“Preparing for an event like the World Cup takes a tremendous amount of coordination, and I’m grateful to the public safety professionals, emergency managers, local leaders and partner agencies who have been at the table doing this work together,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “Their collaboration and commitment have been critical from the start, and that work will help ensure Massachusetts is ready to host a safe and successful tournament.” 

“As the Commonwealth’s designated emergency coordination agency, MEMA plays a central role in comprehensive large-event planning and complex multi-agency coordination,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “This work involves detailed preparedness efforts across all phases of an event, including planning, resource coordination, operational readiness, and real-time response. By bringing together state, local, federal, and private-sector partners, Massachusetts is well positioned to anticipate, manage, and respond to challenges that may arise with an event of the scale and complexity of the World Cup.”  

“Every member of the Massachusetts State Police embraces the enormous responsibility of this moment to ensure the safety of the Word Cup and all of the Commonwealth’s large events this year,” said State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “We do so guided by the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration who understands the complexity of this work and has delivered critical resources to state and local officials preparing for this moment. With confidence in our partnerships and the public’s cooperation, we stand ready to welcome the world to Massachusetts.” 

Public Health Preparations 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has been engaged in extensive planning and coordination to protect public health during the World Cup. With both prevention and readiness in mind, DPH is prepared to handle a wide range of potential health and safety challenges, such as illnesses, unexpected events or emergencies, and weather-related hazards. 

“Our goal is to promote and maintain a healthy environment so that everyone who comes here for the World Cup or who lives in the Commonwealth can enjoy the festivities comfortably and safely,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Our close collaboration with a variety of partners — from Boston 26 to health care providers and emergency services to local health departments — positions us to do just that.” 

With both prevention and readiness in mind, DPH is prepared to handle a wide range of potential health and safety challenges. 

DPH is leveraging its robust incident command capabilities, enhanced data-sharing and disease surveillance systems, and refined public health protocols, environmental health strategies, and medical surge planning. DPH will also provide resources — including the Unhealthy Heat Forecast and related guidance — that will help everyone attending and participating in the World Cup celebrations understand how to stay healthy and how to access medical care while in Massachusetts. 

Interstate and International Collaboration 

In addition to matches in Foxborough, the World Cup will include an official Fan Festival at Boston City Hall Plaza and team base camps in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, requiring coordinated planning across the broader region. Rhode Island public safety and emergency management leaders are among the local, state and federal partners who come together for monthly Public Safety Task Force meetings in Massachusetts, while representatives from MEMA and B26 have participated in and provided briefings for safety and security meetings coordinated by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. 

Massachusetts officials are also coordinating nationally with other host states and cities. Earlier this year, public safety leaders attended a World Cup security summit at U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs alongside representatives from the other U.S. host cities. MEMA leadership is also leading a World Cup 2026 Task Force within the National Emergency Management Association focused on complex emergency management issues associated with the tournament. 

The World Cup is among several global events, including Sail Boston and the 250th anniversary of the United States, that will take place in Massachusetts this summer. As such, foreign consulates and stakeholders have also been engaged in this planning process. 

Thursday’s Friendly Match 

Officials are also encouraging fans attending Thursday’s match to plan ahead and take simple steps to support a safe and enjoyable event. Drones are strictly prohibited in and around Gillette Stadium, and attendees should review the Stadium’s entry policies before arriving, allow extra time for travel, follow directions from stadium staff and public safety personnel, and stay aware of their surroundings. Anyone who sees suspicious activity should report it immediately to 9-1-1 or onsite authorities. 

To ensure a safe and smooth event experience, access to the stadium on match day is limited to individuals with a valid ticket. It is strongly encouraged that only ticket holders make their way to the stadium on Thursday. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF FIFTH POWERCORPS BOSTON COHORT

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today celebrated the graduation of PowerCorps Boston's fifth cohort, the largest in the program’s history. PowerCorps Boston is the City’s green industry workforce development program that prepares young adults for high-quality careers that address Boston’s most pressing environmental challenges. The 38 graduates spent the past 10 months learning about various green industries and acquiring skills in urban forestry, urban greening, and energy-efficient building operations and maintenance. This graduation builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone. 

 

“Congratulations to this record-breaking cohort of PowerCorps Boston graduates, who have dedicated the past ten months to building skills, strengthening our neighborhoods, and advancing Boston’s climate future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Programs like PowerCorps are critical in expanding opportunity, developing a skilled green workforce, and ensuring Boston remains a city for everyone.”

 

A joint program of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet and the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet, PowerCorps Boston is a “learn and earn” program that pays Boston’s young adults aged 18-30 to participate in hands-on training while providing career readiness support and connections to employers in the green industry. According to the Climate Ready Workforce Action Plan, Boston will need approximately 67,000 workers across 45 occupations each year over the next 25 years to design, build, and operate a thriving green economy. Workforce development programs like PowerCorps Boston are a critical part of Boston’s 2030 Climate Action Plan, an implementation roadmap to achieve the City’s climate mitigation and resilience goals, as well as achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The final draft of the plan will be released later this spring. 

 

“The Wu Administration prioritizes career pathway jobs in all growth industries in Boston,” said Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment. “PowerCorps graduates receive industry-recognized credentials and experience that positions them for a wide range of options post graduation including obtaining good paying jobs, pursuing advanced training, and/or enrolling in post-secondary education through our partnerships.” 

 

“PowerCorps demonstrates how climate action and economic development go hand in hand,” said Oliver Sellers-Garcia, Environment Commissioner and Green New Deal Director. “Achieving our 2030 and 2050 emissions goals will benefit every neighborhood in Boston through good paying jobs, less pollution, and improved public health. We are so proud of this year's graduates for reaching this impressive milestone and giving back to their communities.”

 

PowerCorps Boston collaborates with over 60 Boston-based non-profits, higher education institutions, and private sector organizations to offer participants job training, classroom learning, and wrap-around services. Over the past 10 months, the 38 graduates committed to an immersive experience that included two phases. The first phase, Foundations, included four-months of training where they focused on workforce-readiness skills, an introduction to green industry careers, and received necessary support services to complete the program. The second phase, Industry Academy, was a six-month training where participants chose to specialize in one of the three tracks: Urban Forestry, Urban Greening, or Building Operations. 

 

“As we celebrate the graduation of our fifth and largest Power Corps Boston cohort to date, I’m inspired by the determination, growth, and leadership of our members,” said Davo Jefferson, Executive Director of PowerCorps Boston. “Their self-determination and commitment to their communities has undoubtedly strengthened the fabric of Boston, making it a more sustainable and equitable city”.

 

The participants in Urban Greening and Urban Forestry have made a significant impact across the environment. In Cohort 5, they planted 110 trees to increase urban greening and improve air quality, assisted the urban farming efforts in growing 25,000 lbs of produce to support local food security, removed two tons of invasive materials to improve the health of local ecosystems, conducted 2,000 feet of trail maintenance, and planted 28,000 square feet of grass seed and 94,000 tulip bulbs all contributing to a greener, healthier Boston for the communities that need it most.

 

The Building Operations participants have interned at seven large building sites over six months, working on energy-efficient general maintenance and operations, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work. This work, and these jobs, are critical to facilitating compliance with the City’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which aims to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from Boston’s largest buildings, accounting for 40 percent of the city’s carbon emissions. BERDO requires these buildings to report their annual energy and water use to the City and reduce their emissions over time, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

 

Urban Greening and Urban Forestry participants have earned three college credits in Arboriculture from UMass Amherst’s Mount Ida campus and the Building Operations participants have earned multiple industry-recognized credentials including OSHA 10 Construction Safety & Health Certification, Building Science Principles (BPI) Certification, Green Professional Training (GPRO) Certification, EPA Section 608 Certification, ‘Hot Works’ Certification for MA, and Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Building Operations (FEEBO) Certification.

 

As employers actively recruit from PowerCorps Boston's skilled, diverse talent pool, they fill vacant jobs in emerging industries and create new opportunities for the participants. Most graduates secured green industry job placements with employers like the City of Boston Parks and Recreation, Transportation Department, Potted Up, Parterre Gardens, Peabody Properties, Run Wise, C& W Service, Burgess Pest Control, and Related Beal. They will be undertaking various roles as Tree Equipment Operators, Gardner, HVAC Apprentices, Facilities Technicians, and more with competitive wages that reflect the value they bring to their respective organizations. Participants of the Urban Forestry and Urban Greening track have secured job placements with an average salary of $21.85/hr. Participants of the Building Operations track have an average salary of $27.20/hr. 

 

“To be very honest, my PowerCorps experience was something that will have an impact on me until my times up,” said Ian L. Barnes-Classen, PowerCorps 2026 graduate. “The members in this cohort, the staff, and all the partners we encountered, I’ll be cherishing the knowledge, experience and companionship that I gained. I will be forever grateful and look forward to what’s next!”

 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF FIFTH POWERCORPS BOSTON COHORT

 

Record-breaking cohort of 38 graduates as City continues to invest in strengthening Boston neighborhoods, developing skilled, green workforce, and connecting young people to opportunity

"Starting with PowerCorps on public city projects gave me a great foundation in green building and conservation,” said Monica Chiu, PowerCorps 2026 graduate. “That led right into the next phase where they covered my Building Operations certifications and helped me build the networking and internship experience I needed to move into facilities."

 

“Working with the PowerCorps team was an absolute joy. They came prepared, motivated, and full of thoughtful questions,” said Ryan Corrigan, Director of Ecological Services-Boston Parterre Gardens. “While it was rewarding to watch the team build their horticultural and restoration skills, it was even more inspiring to see everyone unite around a shared commitment to restoring green spaces in their community. Mattahunt Urban Wild is an incredible place because of this team.”

 

PowerCorps Boston is now accepting applications for the May 2026 cohort. Referrals can also be submitted. To be eligible, applicants must be 18-30 years old; be a Boston resident; have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED/HiSET); be unemployed or underemployed and not in college or on a career track; and have an interest in outdoor, hands-on training. Priority populations include residents from environmental justice communities, returning citizens, court-involved residents, youth who have experienced homelessness or housing instability, youth who have been in foster care, and other marginalized communities. For questions about the program, contact PowerCorpsBOS@boston.gov.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Literacy Launch Grant for Instructional Materials

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Literacy Launch Grant for Instructional Materials

Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) II funding will help school districts implement high-quality early literacy instruction 

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is accepting applications from school districts, collaboratives, and partner community-based preschools for the second cohort of the Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) II grant program.

Part of Governor Maura Healey’s Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative, PRISM II helps schools evaluate, select, purchase, launch, and implement high-quality instructional materials in pre-K through third grade in order to strengthen early literacy instruction.

"Reading is the foundation for every child’s success in school and in life,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through Literacy Launch and programs like PRISM, we are helping school districts bring strong reading instruction into classrooms and giving more students the tools they need to thrive.”

“Supporting strong reading instruction early in a child’s education makes a lasting difference,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “PRISM II gives districts the resources and support they need to implement high-quality literacy instruction and help more students succeed.”

PRISM II is designed to empower educators with hands-on support, evidence-based instructional materials, and expert guidance to help schools implement inclusive and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy learning experiences for every student.

Grants to the first cohort of PRISM II recipients have already supported 31 districts representing 98 schools statewide, including 65 schools that are implementing high-quality instructional materials and 33 other schools that are preparing to implement new materials during the next school year.

“PRISM II supports districts not only in adopting high-quality materials, but also in building the routines, structures, and collaborative leadership needed for successful implementation,” said Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw. “This work strengthens coherence across classrooms and ensures early literacy instruction is inclusive, rigorous, and aligned with evidence-based practices.”

“High-quality instructional materials are a key part of improving early literacy outcomes,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “The funding for the second cohort of PRISM II will help additional districts implement strong, standards-aligned literacy curricula and help address disparities in access and achievement.”

PRISM II is intended for districts that are ready to purchase high-quality instructional materials or to engage in a comprehensive process to evaluate and select materials aligned to DESE’s IMplement MA guidance. Applicants can apply to one of two tracks:

• Track 1 recipients will receive one year of funding to support the purchase of selected curricular materials and optional publisher-provided professional development.
• Track 2 recipients may receive up to two years of funding and hands-on technical assistance, including participation in DESE’s IMplement MA: Evaluate and Select High-Quality Instructional Materials Network to evaluate and select materials.

DESE will prioritize applicants that demonstrate a commitment to addressing early literacy achievement disparities and strengthening systems that support multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income communities.

The request for proposals (RFP) for PRISM II Cohort 2 is available through DESE’s Literacy Launch website. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11.

CITY OF BOSTON, UNION LEADERSHIP REACH AGREEMENT TO MANAGE GROWING HEALTH CARE COSTS, GENERATING AN ESTIMATED $10.6M IN SAVINGS

CITY OF BOSTON, UNION LEADERSHIP REACH AGREEMENT TO MANAGE GROWING HEALTH CARE COSTS, GENERATING AN ESTIMATED $10.6M IN SAVINGS

BOSTON - March 25, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Public Employee Committee (PEC) today announced an agreement to curb growing health care costs, generating an estimated $10.6 million in savings for the City and its employees through the implementation of utilization management. 

“Amid one of the most challenging budget environments in recent years, this agreement reflects the strength of our labor-management partnership and what’s possible when the City and our unions work side by side,” said Mayor Michelle Wu and PEC Chair Elissa Cadillic in a joint statement. “Together, we are taking steps to responsibly manage rising costs while protecting the health care coverage that our workforce depends on, and the high-quality core City services that our residents deserve.” 

 

Like municipalities across the Commonwealth, Boston is facing mounting inflationary pressures and significant cost increases heading into FY27. While revenues are projected to grow by only 1.5%-2.5% over FY26, costs—especially health care expenses—are rising significantly, driven in part by increased use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. This imbalance presents a major budgetary challenge for the City.  

 

Under the agreement, which the PEC voted to pass with unanimous consent, the City’s Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan will implement utilization management, an industry-standard cost containment tool that ensures prescription drugs are only prescribed when clinically appropriate. 

 

This reform is expected to save approximately $10.6 million for the City budget and employee premiums. The City committed to reinvesting the resulting employer savings to minimize the impacts of any targeted reductions driven by the overall budget challenges facing the City in the upcoming fiscal year.

麻州長提名Robert E. Manning, Jr.出任法院書記長

 Governor Healey Nominates Robert E. Manning, Jr. as Clerk Magistrate 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced her nomination of Robert E. Manning, Jr. to serve as Clerk Magistrate of the Edgartown District Court. The nomination will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“Robert Manning is an accomplished attorney and dedicated public servant who I am proud to nominate as the next Clerk Magistrate of the Edgartown District Court,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He has dedicated his career to public service, and I am confident he will bring sound judgment, strong leadership, integrity, and a steady commitment to serving the Court.” 

“I look forward to working with the Governor’s Council to confirm Attorney Manning so he can serve the Court with distinction,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll 

Governor Healey has previously nominated Ann Dawley, Bill Larkin, Lori Leavitt Wheeler, Robert Palumbo, John P. Riordan, Dana Rutherford, Padraic Rafferty, Scott Rathbun and John Stocks to serve as Clerk Magistrates. 

About the Nominee: 

Robert E. Manning, Jr. currently serves as the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Barnstable Superior Court, a role he has held since 2019. In this position, Attorney Manning is responsible for managing the daily operations of the office, overseeing criminal and civil sessions, and helping ensure the efficient administration of court proceedings. He works closely with judges, attorneys, and court personnel to support the fair and timely resolution of cases. 

From 2013 to 2019, Attorney Manning served as a public defender through the Committee for Public Counsel Services, representing clients in a broad range of criminal matters in the District and Superior Courts.  Prior to joining CPCS, Attorney Manning maintained a private legal practice, where gained significant trial experience litigating both civil and criminal matters. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis & Clark College and a Juris Doctor from Southern New England School of Law.