Boston Public Library Fund Welcomes New Chair of the Board of Directors

Boston Public Library Fund Welcomes New Chair of the Board of Directors

Hannah Grove brings decades of leadership to the nonprofit’s work  supporting the Boston Public Library

BOSTON, November 10, 2026 — The Boston Public Library Fund (BPLF), the philanthropic partner of the Boston Public Library (BPL), is pleased to announce Hannah Grove as its new Chair of the Board of Directors. Grove begins her three-year term this fall, following six years serving as a Board member and three years as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Grove succeeds Jeff Hawkins, Deputy Managing Partner of Bain Capital, whose leadership helped establish the BPLF and strengthen its philanthropic reach and support for the Library. Hawkins has been named Founding Director Emeritus and remains on the BPL’s Board of Trustees. 

A corporate leader with more than two decades of experience in brand, marketing, client experience and corporate governance, Grove spent 22 years at global financial services firm State Street, including 12 years as Chief Marketing Officer and a member of its Management Committee. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Aberdeen PLC, a UK-based wealth and investment company, and on the Advisory Board of US-based Irrational Capital.

“Hannah is an exceptional and collaborative leader,” said Paula Sakey, Executive Director of the Boston Public Library Fund. “Her ability to identify opportunities and bring people together around a shared vision will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Fund and expand its impact.” 

In addition to her corporate and executive leadership career, Grove has devoted significant time to organizations addressing critical needs in the Boston community. She has previously served as President of the Board of Directors for Women's Lunch Place, which provides essential services and a welcoming community for women experiencing poverty and homelessness.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Hannah, now as Chair of the BPLF Board,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. “Our organizational missions and personal visions for our shared work in service of the totality of Library patrons couldn’t be more closely aligned, and this transition speaks to the sustainability and long-term viability of our partnership with the Fund.”

Grove assumes the Chair at a pivotal time for the Boston Public Library and the BPLF.  As the Library advances its long-term strategic vision and plans for the future of its historic McKim Building, the Fund will play a critical role in mobilizing private support, expanding access to vital programs and services, and ensuring that the BPL continues to meet the needs of Boston's communities.

“Public libraries open doors to knowledge, opportunity and connection, regardless of background or circumstance. At a time when access to trusted information and lifelong learning has never been more important, their role is especially vital.” said Grove. “Having served on the Fund's Board for the past six years, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact of the Boston Public Library.  I am honored to take on this role and, along with my board colleagues, help ensure that this remarkable institution continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Kraft集團計畫投資160億美元在 Sutton 建10座資料中心

         （Ｂoston Orange編譯）美國愛國者隊（Patriots）母公司Kraft集團計畫在麻州中部薩頓鎮（Sutton）投資逾160億美元，興建10棟資料中心，預定2029年至2033年間分階段啟用。若計畫實現，將成為麻州迄今規模最大的資料中心開發案。

        薩頓鎮經理奧斯汀・賽加涅維奇（Austin Cyganiewicz）向鎮議會提交的備忘錄指出，計畫仍處於初步階段，尚未提出正式申請。開發基地約390英畝，由Kraft集團旗下Unified Global Packaging Group持有，位於146號公路附近，距麻州收費公路約5英里。

        大型資料中心近年在全美引發反對聲浪，民眾關注其電力、水資源消耗及環境影響。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今年6月也宣布，暫停提供州議會2024年核准、用於吸引資料中心投資的財務優惠。上週期中選舉中，多地選民否決相關公投案，支持限制資料中心開發的候選人也獲勝。

        目前麻州另一項較大型的資料中心計畫位於Westfield，投資額約40億美元，遠低於薩頓案。

        賽加涅維奇表示，160億美元的潛在投資額，遠高於薩頓全鎮約28億美元的應稅不動產總值，未來可能帶來可觀稅收。鎮政府下一步將制定相關分區規範，並與開發商協商社區回饋協議。鎮議會目前尚未安排表決。

Governor Healey Recommends Two Pardons, Nominates Housing Court Judge and Renominates Parole Board Member

Governor Healey Recommends Two Pardons, Nominates Housing Court Judge and Renominates Parole Board Member 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey recommended Jayaar Gonzalez and Brittany Reichmann for pardons, nominated Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross to serve as an Associate Justice of the Housing Court, and renominated Jim Kelcourse to serve on the Massachusetts Parole Board. The Governor's Council will now consider the pardon recommendations and nominations for confirmation.

“Our justice system should recognize when people have taken responsibility and made meaningful changes in their lives. These pardons are about fairness and removing barriers to jobs, housing and other opportunities,” said Governor Healey. “I'm also proud to nominate Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross and Jim Kelcourse for these important roles. Each brings a valuable perspective and a strong commitment to serving the people of Massachusetts. I appreciate the Governor’s Council’s consideration of these recommendations and nominations.”

“A fair and effective justice system is essential to building stronger, safer communities across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council as it considers these recommendations and nominations.”

Pardon Recommendations

Jayaar Gonzalez was convicted of distribution of a Class B controlled substance in 1997 at the age of 17. Though he was only 17 and this was a first offense for selling a small amount of cocaine, he was sentenced to one to two years in state prison. He was released after 11 months, after which he earned his GED and his HVAC license. He works as an HVAC technician and hopes to start his own HVAC business with his son. He is seeking a pardon so that his conviction no longer limits where they can work, including certain state and federal buildings.   

Brittany Reichmann was convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance in 2014. Ms. Reichmann was a straight A student in high school until her senior year when she was prescribed opiates for pain management after dental surgery. She developed a dependency that set her life on a downward spiral. She struggled with substance use disorder for several years and was 23 when she was convicted on two counts of possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance. She was sentenced to six months in the house of correction, suspended for four years, and four years of probation.  Ms. Riechmann completed her sentence in 2018. She has been sober since 2017 and has worked extensively in the recovery field, most recently as the Director of Recovery Friendly Workplace Maine, which partners with businesses to support employees in recovery. She speaks regularly at schools and recovery events about her experience and owns and manages a small business she founded. Ms. Reichmann lives in Maine with her husband and their two young children. She is seeking a pardon to ensure her record does not limit her future employment or her ability to participate in her children’s school and sports activities.

The Governor of Massachusetts has the power to grant executive clemency for offenses violating state law, including both pardons and commutations, with the advice and consent of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council. A pardon in Massachusetts is an act of clemency that results in the forgiveness of a crime. 

Governor Healey made history as the first Massachusetts Governor in more than 30 years to recommend pardons in her first elected year. She has now recommended a total of 29 pardons. She also issued clemency guidelines that align with her administration’s commitment to centering fairness and equity in the criminal justice system.

Housing Court

Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross is a Staff Attorney at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) in Boston, where she works on litigation, amicus briefs, and legal policy across New England. Over the course of her career, she has litigated both criminal and civil matters in the District, Superior, and Housing Courts of Western Massachusetts. Her experience in the Housing Court spans three decades and includes representing a housing management company in hundreds of legal matters, representing property owners and landlords, assisting with code enforcement and creating a commission to manage and rehabilitate blighted properties for the City of Holyoke, and providing pro bono representation to families and individuals facing foreclosures and unjustified eviction orders. She also helped create the Volunteers for Justice program (now called the Lawyer for a Day program) in the Western Massachusetts Housing Court, a program designed to secure legal representation for low-income litigants in the Housing Court. Prior to joining GLAD Law, Attorney Rodriguez-Ross served as the Assistant Vice President of Compliance Housing Management Resources, Inc. from 2022-2023, and as a Staff Attorney at the Committee for Public Counsel Services, from 2006-2010, and again from 2021-2022. She operated a solo law practice 2010-2021, where her practice focused on criminal defense and housing law. From 2012-2013, she served as the City Solicitor for the City of Holyoke. She also served as an Adjunct Professor at Western New England School of Law from 2015-2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College and a Juris Doctor from Western New England College School of Law. A Springfield native and the granddaughter of a Puerto Rican migrant farmworker, she currently resides with her husband in South Hadley.   

The Housing Court Department handles all matters involving residential housing such as eviction cases, small claims cases, and civil actions involving personal injury, property damage, breach of contract, discrimination, as well as code enforcement actions and appeals of local zoning board decisions that affect residential housing. Led by Chief Justice Diana H. Horan, the Housing Court has 15 justices sitting, in six divisions across the state.

For more information about the Housing Court, visit its homepage. Governor Healey previously nominated Benjamin Adeyinka as an Associate Justice to the Housing Court. 

Parole Board

James Kelcourse has served as a member of the Massachusetts Parole Board since June 2022. He is an attorney with extensive experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. Before joining the Parole Board, he ran a solo practice in Newburyport. He previously served four terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the First Essex District, which includes the cities of Newburyport and Amesbury and the town of Salisbury. Attorney Kelcourse holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University, and a Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law.

The Massachusetts Parole Board promotes public safety through the supervised, conditional release of incarcerated individuals and supports successful reentry into the community. Board members conduct parole release hearings, notify and assist victims, supervise individuals on parole, and coordinate reentry services to those leaving custody without post-release supervision. Governor Healey previously nominated Kaitlyn O’Leary, Angelo Gomez Jr, Edith J Alexander, Sarah B. Coughlin and Rafael Ortiz.

麻州氣候長換人 Aladdine Joroff 11/10 接棒

Governor Healey Appoints Aladdine Joroff as Massachusetts Climate Chief

Current Deputy Climate Chief brings extensive experience in climate policy, environmental law and community resilience

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced the appointment of Aladdine Joroff as Massachusetts Climate Chief, effective Tuesday, November 10. Joroff currently serves as Deputy Climate Chief and Director of Mitigation and Community Resilience in the Governor's Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience. She will succeed Melissa Hoffer, who is departing the administration to serve as President of Vermont Law and Graduate School.

Joroff brings extensive experience in climate policy, environmental law and working with communities to advance climate solutions. As Climate Chief, she will continue to lead the administration's efforts to coordinate climate policy across state government, strengthen the resilience of Massachusetts communities, advance clean energy solutions and support the state's climate goals.

“Aladdine Joroff has been a key member of our climate team, and she knows what it takes to make real progress for Massachusetts residents and businesses,” said Governor Maura Healey. “From helping communities prepare for severe weather to advancing clean energy solutions that lower costs and create jobs, Aladdine brings the experience, expertise and leadership we need to keep moving Massachusetts forward. I'm excited to have her take on this new role, and I'm deeply grateful to Melissa Hoffer for her incredible leadership in establishing this office and helping make Massachusetts a national leader on climate.”

“Cities and towns are on the front lines of climate change, and Aladdine understands how important it is that they have the resources and support they need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “She has spent her career working with local leaders to develop practical solutions, and she knows that strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities. We look forward to continuing this important work with her as Climate Chief.”

“I'm excited to continue the transformative work Chief Hoffer has led to implement the Healey-Driscoll administration's vision of a government wide approach to climate change,” said Aladdine Joroff. “I look forward to continued collaboration with our partners across the Commonwealth.”

On her first full day in office in January 2023, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order establishing the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience and creating the nation's first cabinet-level Climate Chief position. The office works across state agencies to advance climate innovation, emissions reduction, adaptation and resilience, ensuring that climate considerations are incorporated into policy and decision-making throughout state government.

Joroff joined the Healey-Driscoll Administration in August 2024 after serving as Director of Climate Policy for the City of Boston. Previously, she spent a decade teaching and practicing at Harvard Law School's Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, where she worked with Massachusetts municipalities, nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups on environmental and climate issues. She also taught the multidisciplinary Climate Solutions Living Lab, which brought students together to develop innovative approaches to addressing climate change.

Joroff also serves as a Visiting Lecturer on Environmental Science and Public Policy at Harvard University. Earlier in her career, she practiced environmental, energy and land use law at Goodwin and Beveridge & Diamond. She holds a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and bachelor's and master's degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Hoffer has served as Massachusetts' inaugural Climate Chief since January 2023 until Monday, November 9, helping establish the office and advance the administration's whole-of-government approach to addressing climate change. She will become President of Vermont Law and Graduate School on December 1, 2026.

波士頓市首次開放歷史標誌提名 鼓勵市民推薦社區故事

        （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市府11月10日宣布，首次開放民眾提名歷史標誌，邀請居民推薦值得記錄的人物、地點及歷史事件，特別鼓勵發掘過去較少受到關注的族群與社區故事。提名截止日期為2027年1月29日。

        波士頓市府今年3月配合美國革命250周年紀念活動，啟動「波士頓歷史標誌計畫」（Boston Historic Markers Program），透過Edward Ingersoll Browne基金資助21個地方非營利組織研究社區歷史，設置了首批25個實體歷史標誌，納入Tour 250社區歷史導覽。

        波士頓市府也和「擁抱波士頓（Embrace Boston）」合作，透過「每個人的ㄉ250 (Everyone250)」計畫，記錄不同族群與民權及社會正義相關的歷史。

        配合2030年波士頓建城400週年，市府希望透過「波士頓歷史標誌計畫」，在全市展示多達400個反映不同社區歷史的故事。這次新一輪提名將由歷史學者、古蹟管理人員及社區領袖組成的評審團，從民眾推薦的故事中選出25個，設置新的實體標誌。未獲選的提名將留存供未來遴選參考，部分故事也可能收錄於Bloomberg Connects平台未來的波士頓故事專區。

        波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）表示，波士頓的歷史由不同世代及族群共同塑造，希望透過居民參與，呈現更完整、多元的城市歷史。

        華埠土地信託會（Chinatown Land Trust）執行主任駱理德（Lydia Lowe）指出，記錄過去未受重視、卻對城市及社區有所貢獻的人物十分重要；了解過去的抗爭，也有助於努力打造讓社區持續扎根、繁榮發展的未來。

        波士頓市府提供六種語言版本的提名申請表，包括英文、西班牙文、維德角克里奧爾文、海地克里奧爾文、簡體中文及越南文。另將於11月17日下午5時、18日中午12時、12月7日中午12時及9日下午5時舉辦四場公開說明會，介紹計畫及申請、遴選程序。

        查詢提名及說明會報名資訊，可瀏覽 boston.gov/historic-markers；首批歷史標誌及Tour 250導覽資訊見 boston.gov/tour250。

CITY OF BOSTON OPENS PUBLIC NOMINATIONS PERIOD FOR NEW ROUND OF HISTORIC MARKERS

Public invited to nominate people, places and events, with an emphasis on underrepresented stories

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - The City of Boston today announced the opening of the first public nomination period for the Boston Historic Markers Program, inviting residents, community groups, and others to help tell Boston’s full story. The program recognizes people, places and events across Boston’s neighborhoods, including histories that have been underrepresented or rarely commemorated.  

Nominations are open through January 29, 2027 at boston.gov/historic-markers. Applications are available in English, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese.

“Boston’s history lives in every neighborhood, shaped by generations of residents and communities whose stories deserve to be told,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we look toward Boston’s 400th anniversary, I encourage residents to nominate the people, places, and events that have shaped our City and help us tell a more complete, inclusive story of Boston’s history.”

Through the Boston Historic Markers Program, the City seeks to celebrate the diverse histories that have shaped our communities. This round will bring 25 new markers that will be installed across the City, with the end goal of commemorating up to 400 stories in advance of Boston’s 400th anniversary in 2030. 

A distinguished group of historians, historic site managers, and civic leaders will review nominations and recommend 25 stories for the historic markers. Nominations not selected will be documented for consideration in future rounds and may be also featured in the program’s future collection of Boston’s stories on the Bloomberg Connects platform.

Program Background

In March, the City launched the Boston Historic Markers Program as part of Boston’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. With funding from the Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund, 21 local non profit organizations received community research grants. An initial group of 25 physical markers formed the core of Tour 250, an effort to encourage residents and visitors to explore the histories of Boston’s neighborhoods.  

The City is also partnering with Embrace Boston and its Everyone250 (E250) initiative to recognize places important to Boston’s diverse communities and their histories of civil rights and social justice. The Everyone250 markers can also be explored through Tour 250 on Bloomberg Connects.

“We want Bostonians to tell us what stories they believe people should encounter as they walk through their neighborhoods,” said Kathy Kottaridis, Director of the City of Boston’s Office of Historic Preservation. “A nomination doesn’t require someone to be a professional historian. Tell us the story, tell us why it matters, and help us understand what it reveals about Boston. We want this program to make the history visible around us richer, more inclusive and more representative of the city we all share.”

"Marking historic sites is an important way to tell stories about the unrecognized people who have built our city and our neighborhoods,” said Lydia Lowe, Executive Director of the Chinatown Land Trust. “Learning about and understanding past struggles helps us to envision and work for a future in which our communities remain, thrive, and grow."

Information sessions

The Office of Historic Preservation will host four public information sessions to provide an overview of the program, explain the application and selection process, and answer questions.

• Tuesday, November 17 at 5 PM
• Wednesday, November 18 at 12 Noon
• Monday, December 7 at 12 Noon
• Wednesday, December 9 at 5 PM



To register for an information session, nominate a marker, and learn more about the Boston Historic Markers Program, visit boston.gov/historic-markers.

To explore Tour 250 and the existing historic markers on Bloomberg Connects, visit boston.gov/tour250.

Governor Healey Announces New Program for Military Medics to Transition to Civilian Health Care Careers

Governor Healey Announces New Program for Military Medics to Transition to Civilian Health Care Careers

Pilot program would help veterans put their military medical training to work while supporting Massachusetts' health care workforce

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced plans to advance new regulations that would create a pathway for military medics to use their training and experience in civilian health care settings in Massachusetts. The Military to Medicine pilot would help veterans transition into health care careers while supporting hospitals facing workforce shortages.

At the November 10 Public Health Council meeting, the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) announced the new initiative, which would allow a limited number of eligible veterans who previously served as military medics to perform certain medication administration activities at approved Massachusetts hospitals. The regulations will be put forward for public comment as part of the state's review process.

“Military medics have some of the most extensive training and experience in health care, often serving under incredibly challenging circumstances. But when they return home, too many face barriers to putting those skills to work,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We need to change that. This program will create new career opportunities for veterans while supporting the hospitals and patients who can benefit from their skills and expertise. Our veterans have so much to offer, and Massachusetts should be a place where they can continue to serve and succeed.” 

“Our veterans bring valuable skills, leadership and experience to the workforce, and we want to make sure those skills are recognized when they return to civilian life,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This proposal is an important step toward helping military medics build careers in health care while addressing workforce needs across Massachusetts. It's a great example of how we can better connect veterans with employers and create more opportunities for those who have served.”

"Military medics have proven they can deliver high-quality care under pressure," said Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick. "Military to Medicine is a novel program that builds on a proven Veterans Health Administration model to turn that experience into civilian health care careers. Our veterans' clinical training, teamwork, and commitment to service can help address our health care workforce shortage and keep Massachusetts hospitals leading on the global stage."

“Those who have served in the military have incredible skill and experience that would benefit healthcare and public health. This initiative recognizes the valuable training and experience military medics bring while creating meaningful opportunities for veterans to continue serving their communities,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “By establishing a pathway for veterans to apply their skills in civilian healthcare settings, this program has the potential to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce and support continued access to safe, high-quality patient care.”

“Military medics bring tremendous expertise with specialized training and critical skills needed in our health care industry,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Yet, far too often, untapped veterans are unable to put these skills to work for roles we need filled in Massachusetts. Through the Military to Medicine pilot, the Healey-Driscoll Administration takes a skills-first approach to bridge this gap by creating a new pathway that will help translate valuable military skills, knowledge, and experience for in-demand, civilian careers with Massachusetts health care employers.”

Each year, thousands of military service members transition to civilian life, including medics and hospital corpsmen with extensive training and hands-on medical experience. However, that experience does not automatically qualify them for comparable civilian health care roles, often requiring veterans to pursue additional credentials or seek work outside the medical field.

The proposed regulations would create a pilot program for 10 eligible veterans at participating DPH-licensed hospitals, subject to DPH approval. The pilot would explore opportunities for these veterans to apply their training to certain medication administration activities without making broader changes to professional licensing or scope-of-practice requirements. 

If approved and implemented, the program would be evaluated by EOVS to assess how military medical experience can translate into civilian health care opportunities and help hospitals recruit and retain skilled workers.

The proposal builds on Governor Healey’s ongoing work to support veterans as they transition into civilian careers. In October, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll swore in new members of the Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission, which is working to identify barriers to employment and strengthen career opportunities for veterans. The administration has also supported 32 businesses that have become certified or pledged to become certified as Veteran Ready Businesses, helping employers better recognize and recruit veteran talent.

The administration has taken additional steps to expand employment opportunities for veterans, including provisions in the historic HERO Act to strengthen the Vet-Hire Tax Credit, eliminating apprenticeship registration renewal fees for veterans, and expanding access to career counseling, job training and employment resources through MassHire.

In 2024, Governor Healey signed the historic HERO Act, the most comprehensive expansion of veterans benefits in Massachusetts history, with more than 30 provisions to modernize services and improve support for veterans and families. The law expanded the Vet-Hire Tax Credit for small businesses that hire veterans. The administration also established a tax credit for Massachusetts businesses that hire active members of the National Guard.

To expand other workforce opportunities for veterans and military families, the administration has awarded more than $15 million to expand registered apprenticeships across Massachusetts and secured an additional $1.5 million in federal funding to support training in emerging industries. In July, the administration made apprenticeship more affordable for veterans by eliminating all renewal registration fees. 

Through MassHire, veterans receive priority access to employment and training services, including career counseling, job placement assistance and connections with employers, as well as support accessing GI Bill benefits for qualifying apprenticeships. The administration has also launched the Veterans Equity Dashboard to identify barriers to employment and implemented skills-based hiring practices across state government to better recognize military experience and qualifications. 

Statements of Support

State Senator John Velis, Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:

"Military medics and medical service veterans have already demonstrated their skill, professionalism, and ability to deliver care in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Their training and real-world experience make them exceptionally well qualified to take on responsibilities like those envisioned in this pilot program. This initiative recognizes the value of their service, creates meaningful pathways to continue serving their communities, and helps strengthen our health care workforce while maintaining appropriate safeguards for patient safety. I support this effort and look forward to seeing the impact it can have for both veterans and patients across Massachusetts."

State Representative Joseph McGonagle, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:

“This pilot program will be an important step toward recognizing the valuable skills and experience our veterans bring to the civilian workforce. By creating new opportunities for military-trained medics to apply their expertise in health care settings, we can expand employment opportunities for veterans while helping address workforce needs across the Commonwealth. I commend EOVS and DPH for advancing this initiative and their continued commitment to supporting Massachusetts veterans.”

Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Executive Director, Home Base:

“Combat medics and Corpsman bring skill, judgment and leadership honed in the most demanding environments imaginable and Massachusetts needs more skilled health care providers in every setting. By creating a clear pathway from military to civilian medicine, this pilot addresses one of the biggest barriers Veterans face when coming home: finding meaningful work that honors their experience. Home Base is proud to support initiatives like this one, led by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services and the Department of Public Health, that help ensure Veterans have access to employment opportunities that leverage the skills developed through military service and a successful transition to civilian life after their service.”

Lisa A. McPhee, Department Adjutant, American Legion Department of Massachusetts:

“Veteran medics cared for their fellow service members and responded to emergencies on the ground, so they shouldn't have to restart their medical careers when they get home. The American Legion Department of Massachusetts supports this program because it turns military training into civilian careers, and it honors that service in a meaningful way."

Bruce Buckley, Chief Executive Officer and President, Soldier On:

“Soldier On has been working to end veteran homelessness in Massachusetts and beyond for over 30 years. The transition from military service to civilian life is often difficult in many respects, employment, and self esteem being two of the more prevalent struggles in this transition. EOVS Secretary Goralnick’s limited pilot program to allow the practical and highly skilled practices of medics in the military to be credited to the private medical practices in our healthcare systems is a much-needed program that addresses these struggles head on. Recognizing the talents and education learned in the military setting is critical as a practical solution to the complex issues challenging both our military and veteran community as well as the shortages that exist in our health care delivery system. Soldier On strongly endorses this program as innovative and much overdue.”

Maximus De Medici, a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman (FMF) and Iraq War veteran:

"As a Navy corpsman, I deployed to Iraq with the Marines and later provided humanitarian care in Haiti, treating patients in harsh conditions where there was often no one else to turn to. Yet when corpsmen and medics come home, much of that hands-on experience doesn't translate into a recognized civilian credential, and too many of us end up starting over or leaving medicine altogether. The Military to Medicine pilot recognizes what we already know how to do and gives Massachusetts a way to keep that talent caring for patients here at home."

Heather Meehan, a former U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman:

“As a veteran, I have experienced firsthand the barriers military-trained medical professionals face when transitioning to civilian healthcare, having provided care in cardiac intensive care, intensive care, and medical-surgical settings only to be told I qualified solely as a Certified Nursing Assistant—and then that I was overqualified for that role. At a time when Massachusetts faces significant healthcare workforce shortages, we cannot afford to overlook veterans with extensive medical training, clinical experience, and proven patient care skills. Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead by establishing a fair, standardized pathway that recognizes military medical training, addresses any gaps in civilian credentialing requirements, and allows veterans to continue serving their communities without having to start their careers over.”

Pete Smith, Sergeant Major (Ret.), U.S. Army:

“After serving more than 26 years in the Army including as a medic in Special Operations, I received some of the most demanding medical training and real-world experience available and wanted to stay in medicine after I retired, but had no connections or roadmap. Too many veteran medics face that same wall, and their skills go unused. Military to Medicine will help bridge that gap by connecting veterans with medical professionals and allowing them to apply their military experience to civilian careers. I’m proud to support it.”

波士頓市長吳弭提案放寬區域規劃限定 促成開發案動工

        （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）11月9日提出調整可負擔住宅分攤政策，放寬開發商付款期限及部分建案適用門檻，希望在建築成本高漲、融資困難之際，促使更多住宅及商業開發案動工，同時維持可負擔住宅供應。
        波士頓市府提出四項調整：可負擔住宅分攤金的付款方式，由兩期延長為七期；公寓建案以繳款代替興建可負擔住宅的費用，由市場價與收入限制住宅價差的75%降至50%；未來兩年，適用分攤政策的住宅建案門檻，由七戶提高至十戶；另將異地興建可負擔住宅的半英里限制，改由市住房辦公室制定政策，以增加選址彈性。
        市府表示，高利率、建築成本上漲及商業空間需求變化，使開發商更難取得融資。延長付款期限可降低初期資金壓力，調整小型建案門檻則有助於提高開發可行性。
商業開發的分攤政策也將調整。市府提議將商業開發分攤費凍結在現行水準至2027年底，並將用於可負擔住宅的付款期限由兩期延長為七期；用於就業培訓的鄰里就業信託基金（Neighborhood Jobs Trust）仍維持兩期付款。市府強調，商業開發商仍須履行原有的住宅及就業培訓分攤義務。
        吳弭市長表示，過去五年，市府透過住宅分攤及開發政策，促成超過2,900戶可負擔住宅。根據市府截至2026年6月的統計，透過包容性住宅開發政策（Inclusionary Development Policy, IDP），已有超過5,000戶收入限制住宅完工或施工中，開發商另繳交逾2億美元分攤金，協助波士頓再完成3,700多戶收入限制住宅。
        這項修正案預定11月12日送交波士頓規劃與發展局（BPDA）董事會審議，之後交由波士頓分區委員會（Zoning Commission）審查；住宅分攤政策修正案還須送市議會審議。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU PROPOSES TARGETED ZONING CHANGES TO SUPPORT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WHILE PROTECTING AFFORDABILITY

Targeted changes to Inclusionary Zoning and Linkage policies are part of a broader strategy to increase housing production, remove barriers to development, and address the housing crisis

BOSTON - Monday, November 9, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced proposed changes to Boston's Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) and Linkage policies aimed at helping new housing and commercial development move forward amid challenging economic conditions affecting cities nationwide, while preserving the City’s core affordable housing commitments. These targeted adjustments are part of the Wu administration’s broader strategy to increase housing production, remove barriers to development, address the housing crisis, and make Boston more affordable for residents. 

Across the country, high interest rates, rising construction costs and shifting demand for commercial space have made it increasingly difficult for development projects to secure financing and begin construction. Boston is facing many of these same pressures, slowing the production of new housing and commercial space at a time when more homes are urgently needed. The latest proposals would provide greater financial flexibility for developers while protecting the City's commitment to affordable housing.

The proposed amendments build on the City's ongoing efforts to accelerate housing productions, including the Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, Housing Accelerator Fund and targeted, time-limited tax abatements. Together, these initiatives are expected to support the creation of thousands of new homes by 2030. 

“Over the last five years, Boston’s Inclusionary Development and Linkage policies have delivered over 2,900 new affordable homes and immeasurable community benefit by ensuring that families of every background can put down roots and contribute to our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “In the face of continued economic headwinds exacerbated by federal actions, we are making targeted adjustments to help more projects move forward and create more affordability. This balanced approach is part of our administration’s broader strategy to build more homes, remove barriers to development, and ensure Boston remains a city where residents can afford to stay and thrive.” 

The City is proposing three key changes to Inclusionary Zoning:

• Extending the payment schedule for affordable housing payments from two installments to seven installments, reducing upfront financing pressures. 
• Reducing the condominium payment-in-lieu fee from 75 percent to 50 percent of the difference between market-rate and income-restricted unit values, making this option more financially feasible. 
• Temporarily raising the threshold for projects subject to Inclusionary Zoning from seven to ten units for two years, easing requirements for smaller housing developments.  
• Off-site radius: Change from 0.5 miles in the zoning to MOH policy, providing flexibility to create IZ units in impactful projects in a wider geographic area.

Together, these adjustments would help some residential developments move forward while continuing to raise revenue for City-supported affordable housing developments.

Extending payment schedules allows developers more time to spread out the cost of meeting the inclusionary obligation and therefore improves project feasibility.  This is just one tool in addressing the high cost of housing construction in Boston and when combined with others will aid the City’s efforts in getting important housing projects into construction. 

“We recognize that the cost of building housing has increased, and we want to be responsive to these realities,” said Sheila A. Dillon, Chief of Housing. “These program changes are designed to encourage the development of new housing while maintaining our commitment to affordability. By providing developers with greater financial flexibility, we can also support income-restricted developments that serve the needs of our lower-income residents.”

“We support the Mayor in her commitment to defending Inclusionary Zoning, particularly the set aside of 17% plus 3% voucher units, and the deeper level of affordability which creates more opportunity for Boston residents.,” said Kathy Brown, Executive Director of Boston Tenant Coalition and Co-Coordinator for Coalition for a Truly Affordable Boston. “The changes being made are preferred over rolling back IZ from 20% to 13% of units built.” 

"We support the proposed changes to IDP policy as a creative approach to encouraging more housing production in Boston while preserving the policy"s commitment to affordable housing," said Abe Menzin, Executive Vice President of Development and Principal at Samuels & Associates. "Creating a more sustainable framework for developers to meet their affordable housing obligations, while also supporting development of market-rate housing in challenging conditions, is critical to addressing the City's housing needs." 

Boston's inclusionary housing policies have been a critical tool for creating affordable homes. As of June 2026, more than 5,000 income-restricted homes had been completed or were under construction through the City's Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP). Developers have also contributed more than $200 million to the IDP Fund, helping support the completion of more than 3,700 additional income-restricted homes across Boston. For every dollar spent from the fund, an additional $6 in City, state and federal resources has been leveraged to create or preserve affordable housing.

The administration is also proposing targeted changes to commercial Linkage requirements to support new commercial development. The changes would freeze commercial Linkage fees at their current levels through 2027 and extend the payment schedule from two to seven installments for affordable housing. The payment schedule for the Neighborhood Jobs Trust in support of jobs training will remain at two installments. Commercial developments would continue to contribute funding for affordable housing and job training, while gaining additional time to make those payments, easing upfront financing pressures. The changes are intended to support future commercial development without reducing existing Linkage obligations.

The proposed amendments are expected to be considered by the BPDA Board on November 12, followed by consideration by the Boston Zoning Commission. The Inclusionary Zoning amendments would also go before the Boston City Council for consideration.

“We know that the economic conditions facing development today are very different from just a few years ago, and we need to be thoughtful about how our policies respond,” said Kairos Shen, Chief of Planning for the City of Boston. “By providing greater flexibility and reducing upfront costs, we can help make more housing and commercial development financially feasible while preserving the affordability requirements that are so important to Boston’s future.”

“We are very appreciative of the City’s focus on finding creative ways to improve the very challenging economics of building housing in Boston,” said Brian Kavoogian, CEO of National Development. 

"Mayor Wu’s proposal addresses the economic reality of the cost of building housing and will be a valuable tool for developers in partnership with the city in unlocking new housing starts," said Jessica Hughes, Managing Director at Tishman Speyer. 

"Projects between seven and nine units have not been financially viable in this economic climate," said Principal of Juice Capital Evan Lank. "Increasing the Inclusionary Zoning threshold would serve as a meaningful pro-housing policy adjustment, helping to address affordability concerns in the City of Boston over the long-term."

“We support this change because it does two things Boston needs at once: it helps get residential projects moving again, and it generates real funding for deeply affordable homes," said Tanya Hanell, Co-executive Director of the East Boston CDC. "At the East Boston CDC we've seen firsthand what IDP funding can do. It helped us acquire 114 homes in the Blue Line portfolio and keep families in East Boston. This is a practical step that will help us do more of that work in East Boston and across the city." 

“These are common-sense changes that recognize the economic realities facing housing development today,” said Dara Kovel, CEO of Beacon Communities. “Rising costs and financing challenges have made it increasingly difficult to get new projects off the ground. By providing greater flexibility while maintaining its commitment to affordable housing, the city is taking a practical approach that will help more developments move forward, create much-needed homes, and strengthen Boston's housing future.” 

The proposed changes are one part of the Wu administration’s comprehensive approach to addressing the housing crisis by increasing housing supply, expanding affordability, and helping residents remain in their communities.  Since Mayor Wu took office, nearly 40,000 homes have been completed, entered construction, or advanced into the development pipeline, including nearly 12,000 income-restricted homes. More than 16,700 homes are complete, and another 6,000 are under construction.

To create more housing, the City is investing in new developments, making publicly-owned land available for housing, converting underused buildings into homes, and deploying new financing and tax tools to help projects move forward. At the same time, programs like Welcome Home Boston are creating new opportunities for residents to become homeowners, build wealth, and put down roots in their neighborhoods, while strengthened protections for renters and housing stability resources are helping to prevent displacement and keep residents in their communities. 

Together, these efforts reflect the Wu administration’s commitment to using every available tool to build more housing, preserve and expand affordability, and ensure that residents of all incomes can find a stable home and build a future in Boston.

幫助居民減輕能源負擔 麻州府撥款250萬元支持7項住宅節能計劃

        （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）11月9日宣布撥款250萬美元，支持7項住宅節能計畫，盼透過新技術及創新施工方式，降低至少15% 熱泵、冷暖空調及房屋改善工程的前期費用，，讓更多居民負擔得起節能設備。

        麻州潔淨能源中心（MassCEC）將藉由「成本降低實驗室」（Cost Reduction Lab）提供經費，協助獲選計畫實地測試不同技術與商業模式，評估如何降低安裝成本，並將有效做法推廣至全州。

        奚莉州長表示，麻州家庭政面對能源費用高昂問題，住宅節能雖能降低長期帳單，但初期投資常令人卻步。這些計畫希望找到更便宜、可行的改善方式，協助居民節省開支，並維持全年居家舒適。

        副州長Kim Driscoll指出，無論是屋主或租戶，都應有機會使用負擔得起的節能暖氣與冷氣設備。環境事務廳長Rebecca Tepper則表示，插電式太陽能、簡化安裝流程及智慧恆溫器等技術，有助降低設備初期成本，讓低收入家庭及租戶也能受惠。

        麻州住宅建築排放的碳污染，占全州建築物碳排放量逾六成。州府認為，降低既有住宅節能與電氣化改造成本，是推動減碳的重要一環，但設備及施工的前期支出，仍是許多家庭採用新技術的障礙。

        獲得補助的7項計畫各有不同方向：

• All In Energy（47.5萬美元）：在劍橋住宅測試插電式太陽能板搭配窗型熱泵，減少大型電力設備升級及複雜施工需求，尤其希望讓租戶更容易使用節能設備。

• Aris Hydronics（35萬美元）：整合整棟建築的暖氣、冷氣、熱水及通風系統，減少逐戶安裝設備的成本。

• 電力研究院（EPRI，31萬美元）：測試模組化能源管理系統，智慧調節住宅用電，避免因增加電器設備而必須升級供電設施，預估可降低電氣化成本30%至50%。

• Emergent Urban Concepts（49.5萬美元）：在Belmont及Marblehead推動社區型熱能網絡，結合創新融資及地方公用事業合作，降低整個社區住宅減碳成本。

• Manatee Energy（25萬美元）：將熱泵銷售及設計流程數位化、標準化，減少人工處理時間與成本。

• New Ecology（30萬美元）：測試翻修舊窗並加裝真空隔熱玻璃，取代整扇窗戶更換，目標是在維持或提升隔熱效果下，每扇窗節省約三成費用。

• Stepwise Electrics（32萬美元）：建立標準化評估流程，搭配用電負載管理設備，確認住宅是否能在不更換電力配電盤的情況下安裝熱泵。

        麻州潔淨能源中心執行長Ben Downing表示，這項計畫不只是測試新技術，也要驗證不同商業模式的實際效果，讓成功方案能進一步推廣，協助更多屋主及施工業者降低成本。

        相關計畫資訊及未來補助機會，可查詢 masscec.com/program/cost-reduction-lab。

Governor Healey Announces $2.5 Million to Make Home Energy Upgrades More Affordable

 Seven projects will test innovative solutions to lower upfront costs for energy-efficient heating, cooling, and home improvements

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $2.5 million in grants to seven projects developing innovative ways to make home energy upgrades more affordable for Massachusetts residents. Through the Mass Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Cost Reduction Lab, the projects will test new technologies and approaches designed to reduce upfront costs by at least 15 percent, helping more households access energy-efficient heating, cooling, and other improvements that can lower their energy bills.

“Massachusetts families are dealing with high energy costs, and we need to do everything we can to bring those costs down,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Making your home more energy efficient can help lower your bills, but the upfront costs are often too high. These investments will help develop new, affordable ways for residents to upgrade their homes, save money, and stay comfortable year-round. We want to find solutions that work and make them available to more families across Massachusetts.”

“Whether you own your home or rent, everyone deserves access to affordable, energy-efficient heating and cooling,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help test innovative approaches that make home improvements simpler and less expensive, from installing heat pumps to upgrading windows. By bringing together local partners, businesses, and clean energy innovators, we can find practical solutions that help residents save money and work for communities across Massachusetts.”

“Energy-efficient, solar-powered, and electric technologies are lowering people’s energy bills. These innovative new projects will help more renters and low-income households afford these upgrades,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Plug-in solar, streamlined installation, smart thermostats, and other technologies will help lower upfront costs and unlock lower bills and maintenance costs for more people.”

Small residential buildings account for more than 60 percent of carbon pollution from Massachusetts buildings, making cost-effective approaches for improving existing homes an important part of the state’s broader clean energy efforts. Energy efficiency and electrification projects are more affordable to maintain and lower energy bills; however, upfront costs can be a barrier for some households.

The Cost Reduction Lab is designed to identify approaches that can address these challenges at the project and market level. Awardees will demonstrate, document, and evaluate their solutions, with findings intended to help successful approaches reach a broader market beyond the individual projects receiving funding.

“The Cost Reduction Lab is about testing new business models and approaches to technologies that can lower costs,” said Mass Clean Energy Center CEO Ben Downing. “We want to find what works, prove it in the field, and get those solutions into the hands of more homeowners and service providers.”

“Residential clean energy technologies and energy efficiency improvements are critical to easing costs and achieving Massachusetts' climate goals. The Cost Reduction Lab's investment in innovative solutions supports homeowners by creating new approaches to support sustainable choices,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “I am very pleased to see the MassCEC's continued commitment to decarbonizing our communities and reducing energy prices for residents across the Commonwealth. These cutting-edge projects advance Massachusetts toward an affordable and green energy transition for all.”

The Cost Reduction Lab awardees are:

• All In Energy: $475,000
• All In Energy will pair plug-in solar with window heat pumps in homes across Cambridge, as a potential low-cost way to make clean heating and cooling more accessible to renters. This eliminates the need for major electrical upgrades, complex installations, and shared-building coordination, and pairs electrification with on-site generation to offset bill impacts.

• Aris Hydronics: $350,000
• Aris Hydronics will consolidate equipment, electrical infrastructure, and delivery under a single system and contractor to provide a centralized, whole-building air-to-water heat pump system. This strategy replaces fragmented, per-apartment electrification approaches with an integrated thermal platform delivering heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and ventilation.
• Electric Power Research Institute: $310,000
• The Electric Power Research Institute will implement a modular energy management system that allows homes across Massachusetts to add new electric loads without upgrading their electrical service. The system will intelligently manage and balance electrical demand, aiming to reduce electrification costs by 30–50% and accelerate installation timelines.
• Emergent Urban Concepts: $495,000
• Emergent Urban Concepts will establish a community-driven development model, innovative financing, and close coordination with municipal utilities for Thermal Energy Networks in Belmont and Marblehead. By demonstrating these strategies through a real project brought to construction readiness, the initiative seeks to lower customer costs, reduce peak electricity demand, and create a scalable, replicable model for affordable neighborhood-scale building decarbonization
• Manatee Energy: $250,000
• Manatee Energy will replace custom, labor-intensive sales and design processes for heat pump installations with a standardized, digital-first delivery model tailored to common Massachusetts housing types.
• New Ecology, Inc.: $300,000
• New Ecology will demonstrate a lower-cost alternative to window replacement using window refurbishment combined with vacuum insulated glass (VIG), which improves thermal performance without requiring full replacement. This project aims to achieve roughly 30% cost savings per window while delivering equal or better performance, generating real-world data to support adoption of window refurbishment.
• Stepwise Electrics: $320,000
• Stepwise Electrics will demonstrate a standardized decision workflow for heat pump installers paired with installation of load management devices that assess the home’s existing electrical capacity to determine when electric panel upgrades can be avoided.

For more information on the Cost Reduction Lab and future funding opportunities, visit masscec.com/program/cost-reduction-lab.