紐英崙中華公所祝馬到成功 政要、僑團共550嘉賓同歡

紐英崙中華公所全體董事為馬年新春向僑胞們敬酒。（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華公所2月18日晚在州市政府及波士頓經文處等共17名政要、代表應邀到會，帝苑大酒樓席開55桌，財神繞場發利市的盛大中，慶祝馬年新春。主席雷國輝代表屬下30多個僑團，祝福華人社區馬年吉祥，歲歲平安。

連任第三屆的紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝（中），都是三朝元老的英文書記阮鴻燦
（右起），財政余寶愛，中文書記張青梅，以及新人核數伍振中。（周菊子攝）

                  中華公所的這場馬年新春慶祝，流程很傳統。先由胡清白鶴派醒獅團3頭瑞獅齊舞，中華公所的中英文書記，張青梅和阮鴻燦這2名司儀再請嘉賓們一一上台致詞。

Peter Munkenbeck(左起）和Rebecca Lee是紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝
繼續發展喜露街50號，整修大同村等房地產項目的最得力顧問。（周菊子攝）

                  中華公所主席雷國輝做為主人家，一句廣東話接一句英文的發言，彰顯中華公所近年標榜雙語，榮和主流社會與傳統僑社的心意。他在祝福出席僑胞及社區大眾身壯力健，家庭幸福，馬年得意，馬到功成，感謝州市議員和波士頓經文處的到賀之餘，特地點名波士頓市警察局、消防局、房屋局、老人局，感謝波士頓市政府這些局處單位對華人社區的照顧。他還強調尤其要感謝波士頓公共工程局，在波士頓日前遭遇大風雪後，迅速鏟除華埠商圈街道旁積雪，照顧了華埠商家經營生意的環境。

中華公所職員和嘉賓們與瑞獅合影。（周菊子攝）

                  波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏這天難得的用廣東話開場，祝座中眾人，馬到成功，一馬當先，立即迎來一片掌聲。他接著以國語感謝各界對經文處的支持，並再次送上祝福。

胡清白鶴派的3頭瑞獅齊舞。（周菊子攝）

                  麻州參議員Nick Collins往年是波士頓春宴中的稀客，今年卻不但有幕僚長Haley Walsh陪同出席，還在會場逗留頗長時間。他也用廣東話說了句恭喜發財，聲稱這天會場人數之多，是他在新冠病毒疫情以來看到最多的一次。他強調中華公所舉辦春宴，慶祝農曆新年，還讓年輕人參與，傳承下去，是很棒的傳統，所以他特地從參議會要來表揚狀，頒給中華公所，祝福華人社區繁榮昌盛，新年快樂。

                  2月10日才向麻州最高司法法院（Supreme Judicial Court）提訟，控告麻州眾議會議長Ron Mariano和麻州參議會議長Karen Spilka，以及2會秘書長，要求法院頒布命令，強制州議會遵守麻州選民在2024年選舉中通過的第一號選票問題，交出2

中華公所主席雷國輝致詞時中英文交叉，彰顯中華公所進入雙語時代。（周菊子攝）

會財務和營運紀錄，接受審查的麻州審計長(Auditor) Diana DiZoglio，這天也應邀出席。

                  中華公所英文書記阮鴻燦在介紹她出場時打趣說，幸好他不會審查中華公所，否則大家都會有麻煩。

麻州參議員Nick Collins（左三）頒發表揚狀給中華公所。（周菊子攝）

Diana DiZoglio則是一開口先說，阮鴻燦送給她一件（中式）外套，所以她特地來頒獎，表揚一下總是當志工，即將退休的阮鴻燦。她接著念了一段表揚狀上寫的文句，稱許就讀波士頓公校，畢業於麻州大學Amherst分校的阮鴻燦，曾任波士頓華埠獅子會會長，邦克丘社區學院校董，2013年當選中華公所主席，在麻州諾福克郡和米斗塞郡治安官辦公室工作過。這張表揚狀是由她個人簽名出具的。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn(右二起），Erin Murphy，Ruthzee Louijeune
等人頒發表揚狀給中華公所。（周菊子攝）

麻州眾議會財政委員會主席，極有可能是下一任麻州眾議會議長的麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz）和波士頓華埠已有20多年交情。他說中華公所為華人社區所做的事，永遠讓人感激，他也要謝謝所有這天出席的州、市政府同仁對中華公所的支持。他為自己能在州政府為社區服務，感到很榮幸。麥家威還透露，他本人就是馬年出生，對這新的一年也充滿期待。

麻州審計長Diana DiZoglio(右起）頒發獎狀給阮鴻燦。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市議員愛德華費連（Ed Flynn）和他的同僚，2名不分區市議員Erin Murphy和Ruthzee Louijeune聯袂上台致詞。愛德華費連稱許中華公所不僅只為華埠，更爲整個大波士頓的華人及移民社區提供了讓人難以置信的領導力，真正的努力工作，解決人們的生活品質問題。

麻州參議會財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz)和洪門致公堂元老余麗媖
已是多年老友。（周菊子攝）

這晚也上台致詞的還有薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden。其他應邀出席，但未致詞的有波士頓警察局長Michael Cox，警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩，消防局局長Paul F. Burke，副局長黃瑞瑜，房屋長Sheila Dillon，老人局局長Emily Shea，以及波士頓經文處組長黃耀良和僑教中心主任高家富。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏夫婦（左）和波士頓僑務委員陳仕維夫婦，
歡迎另外一名僑務委員郭競儒（中）回到波士頓。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝關係極佳，原本預定出席這場慶祝會，連貼身警衛都已到了現場，但臨時通知中華公所，因故無法到場，改由波士頓鄰里服務局代表她頒發了一份表揚狀給中華公所。

在致詞，用餐之外，餘興節目有譚達兒和麥澤衡對唱，有紐英崙養生舞協會，元極舞聯誼會，健康舞，鄉土舞蹈團，昆士小學舞蹈班表演。

波士頓鄰里服務局副局長之一代表波士頓市長吳弭送上表揚狀。（周菊子攝）

中華公所英文書記阮鴻燦再次粉墨登場扮財神，中華公所中文書記張青梅，財政余寶愛，核數伍振中緊跟其後，遞上紅包、糖果，讓財神繞場送糖發利是，把財氣送到每一桌。

中華公所中文書記張青梅（前左起）、財政余寶愛和波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，
經文處組長黃耀良，以及波士頓市消防局副局長黃瑞瑜（後右起），房屋長
Sheila Dillon，老人局局長Emily Shea同桌。（周菊子攝）

張青梅（左起）、黃瑞瑜、Sheila Dillon，中華耆英會創辦人梅伍銀寬，
以及Emily Shea，中華耆英會白禮頓樓主任梅麗梨，中華公所主席雷國輝
等人不但相識多年，還分別在工作上各有關聯。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙中華公所這場馬年春宴席開55桌，不但有中華公所麾下30多個僑團各自認桌，還有中華頤養院、華人醫務中心、中華耆英會，華人浸信會，僑立中文學校，中華象棋會，中華公所麾下的華埠治安巡邏隊，波士頓警察局亞裔警察等圍桌同歡，還連昆士小學校長司徒玉英，前校長黃伯勳，昆士中學校長張可仁，中華公所的房地產開發顧問Peter Munkenbeck，房地產律師Rebecca Lee，以及百歲人瑞阮陳金鳳都出席了，賓客之間寒暄交流之熱絡，甚至在李源沛、阮鴻燦，黃兆祥，阮愛玲，謝如鍵，余寶愛，譚達兒夫婦等人攜手高歌「朋友」，為宴席劃下句點後，仍依依不捨。

右起，波士頓消防局局長Paul F. Burke，麻州審計長Diana DiZoglio，波士頓警察局
局長Michael Cox，薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden都是中華公所馬年新春貴客。
（周菊子攝）

阮鴻燦（左起）粉墨登場扮財神，Haley Walsh和波士頓經文處廖朝宏處長夫婦，
中華公所主席雷國輝都來沾沾財氣。（周菊子攝）

百歲人瑞阮陳金鳳（左）在女兒Terry陪同下出席中華公所的馬年春宴。（周菊子攝）

波士頓洪門致公堂。（周菊子攝）

波士頓安良工商會。（周菊子攝）

余風采堂。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會。（周菊子攝）

波士頓國民黨。（周菊子攝）

伍胥山公所。（周菊子攝）

中華頤養院陳秀英（中）等人。（周菊子攝）

中華公所主席雷國輝（後左二）歡迎華浸信會牧師李䕃棠（左一）
回到波士頓華埠服務。（周菊子攝）

華人經濟發展協會。（周菊子攝）

僑立學校和廣州同鄉聯誼會。（周菊子攝）

藝聯慈善社。（周菊子攝）

王氏青年會。（周菊子攝）

華人醫務中心。（周菊子攝）

養生舞協會。（周菊子攝）

黃納斯（後左）和鄉土舞蹈團。（周菊子攝）

至德三德公所元老黃周麗桃（右）介紹該公所周氏新主席中醫師周柏堅（右二）。
（周菊子攝）

中華公所馬年春宴由麥澤衡（左起）和譚達兒挑起唱歌環節大局。（周菊子攝）

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF FARE-FREE TRANSIT PROGRAM

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF FARE-FREE TRANSIT PROGRAM

New agreement with MBTA will keep Routes 23, 28, 29 free for all riders through June

BOSTON – Friday, February 20, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston has extended its successful fare-free transit program through the end of June. During the pilot, ridership has grown faster on Routes 23, 28, and 29 than anywhere else in the MBTA system, while saving families money and improving bus speed and reliability. The program had previously been set to expire at the end of the month. The City is discussing the long-term future of the program with the MBTA.

“Fare-free bus service helps families, workers, and businesses, and also makes bus service faster and more reliable. Carrying 16% more riders than before the pandemic and cutting dwell times by about 20% through all-door boarding, the buses have stayed on schedule even while carrying more passengers. We are extending this program through June, as we look to work with the MBTA to keep this going,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

Since the beginning of the fare free pilot, nearly 24,000 trips are taken fare-free every weekday on Routes 23, 28, and 29. Ridership grew by 35% in the first year—more than double the MBTA system average—and these routes are now carrying 16% more riders than before the pandemic. All-door boarding has cut dwell times by about 20%. 

"Fare-free transit ensures more reliable, efficient transit for everyone,” said Nick Gove, Interim Chief of Streets. “It returns valuable time to our residents and provides more affordable options when choosing how to get around Boston. We thank the MBTA for their continued collaboration."

According to surveys, more than a quarter of riders save at least $20 a month, money that families now put toward groceries, medicine, rent, or school supplies. Some riders say the program has helped them build emergency funds, cover school expenses, or simply stay in their homes.

“Over the past few years, we've been pleased to be able to support the City of Boston’s program offering free bus service on Routes 23, 28 and 29," said Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. "Since Day One of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, not only have we been focused on ensuring safe, reliable and improved transit service but making it more accessible and affordable with our successful Income-Eligible Reduced Fare program. Under the Income-Eligible program, nearly 36,000 people are paying significantly reduced fares across every mode of transit, including bus. Working with the City of Boston and all of our municipal partners, we are improving people’s quality of life and making a real difference, building a more equitable and affordable transportation system network for all who depend on it."

The City has allocated about $340,000 per month to reimburse the MBTA for the pilot, which is funded through ARPA dollars. As the City uses its remaining ARPA dollars, the City has projected costs relative to budget availability, and is able to extend the program through June. 

Governor Healey Issues Statement Regarding White House Governors Meeting

 Governor Healey Issues Statement Regarding White House Governors Meeting 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement about her decision not to attend the White House meeting with Governors on Friday or White House Dinner on Saturday. These events have historically been hosted by the National Governors Association during their annual conference, until this year.  
 
“For years, Governors of both parties met with Presidents of both parties annually. This has always been an important opportunity for us to discuss the most pressing issues facing our country and how we can work together on solutions. But it should come as no surprise to anyone that President Trump has completely politicized this. He continues to act in a manner that’s beneath the dignity of the Office of the President of the United States. 
 
President Trump has made this whole thing a farce. He doesn’t want to work together. He's afraid to hear the truth about the damage he’s doing to our economy, how he’s making life harder and more expensive, the dangerous and unlawful tactics of ICE, his tariffs that are driving up costs for everyone, and his cuts to health care. He doesn’t want to hear about how he’s hurting American competitiveness by defunding science and research, or how he’s driving away foreign partners and investment while countries like China look to lap us in technology, AI and energy production. 
 
As Governor, I work with people of all parties to get things done. We’ve passed tax cuts, a major housing bill, a jobs bill – all with bipartisan support. But if the President doesn’t want a serious discussion about how we can deliver for the American people, then we aren’t going to waste our time.” 

Massachusetts Senate to Take Up BRIGHT Act, Equipping Campuses and Students with Facilities Designed to Lead

Massachusetts Senate to Take Up BRIGHT Act, Equipping Campuses and Students with Facilities Designed to Lead 

Ways and Means Committee Advances Legislation, Full Senate to Take Action Next Week 

 

(BOSTON—2/19/2026) The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today voted to advance the BRIGHT Act, a $3.28 billion bond bill that supports public higher education students’ access to modernized infrastructure and facilities at Massachusetts’ community colleges, state universities, and UMass campuses. 

 

S.2962, An Act to build resilient infrastructure to generate higher-ed transformation, will be taken up by the full Senate on Thursday, February 26. 

 

The legislation will help deliver updated facilities and ensure the sustainability of Massachusetts’ public higher education institutions by addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance projects, including an estimated $2.5 billion in special obligation bonding to help cover deferred maintenance costs, repairs, and major capital projects. To finance the projects, the legislation dedicates $125 million in annual ‘Fair Share’ revenue for public higher education capital projects.  

 

The bonding would also support laboratory modernization projects along with facilities that bolster workforce development and vocational technical training. The bill incentivizes housing production by helping to open up underutilized spaces by financing the transition of campus property into housing and mixed-use development, while also streamlining the process for public colleges and universities to sell off or lease surplus land. And ensuring that public higher education land is used responsibly, the legislation authorizes investment in climate resilience, decarbonization, and energy efficiency priorities. 

 

The Senate has led in recent years on policies to make public higher education more accessible to residents than ever before, including tuition-free community college and historic increases to financial aid. 

 

The bill was originally filed by Governor Maura Healey and was opened up to public testimony at a hearing of the Joint Committee on Higher Education on June 3, 2025. The House of Representatives passed a redrafted version on November 18, 2025, which was then reviewed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. 

 

Senators are able to file amendments until 2:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23. 

 

All committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website. Full details of the legislation are included in a fact sheet available in the Senate Press Room. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU LAUNCHES APPLICATION FOR NEXT COHORT OF POWERCORPS BOSTON

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU LAUNCHES APPLICATION FOR NEXT COHORT OF POWERCORPS BOSTON

BOSTON – Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that applications are now open for the next cohort of PowerCorps Boston, the City’s green industry workforce development program for young people. Following a “learn and earn” model, the program pays Boston’s young adults to participate in hands-on training while providing career readiness support and connections to employers in the green industry. Residents ages 18-30 can apply at boston.gov/powercorps. 

“PowerCorps Boston is a direct investment in the future of our young leaders while helping build Boston into a more vibrant, greener and resilient city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This critical program connects residents with hands-on jobs training and expands career pathways across sectors, strengthening our neighborhoods and building a more climate-ready workforce. As applications open for our next cohort, I encourage anyone interested to apply, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the program’s next generation of leaders this summer.”

Led by the Worker Empowerment Cabinet, in partnership with the Environment Department, PowerCorps Boston prepares young adults for living-wage careers that address Boston’s most pressing environmental challenges. The program collaborates with over 60 non-profits, higher education institutions, and private sector organizations in Boston’s green industry to offer participants high-quality training opportunities and classroom instruction that lead to industry-recognized credentials. 

Over the course of 10 months, members receive a comprehensive and immersive experience that includes two phases: 

• The first phase, Foundations, is a four-month training program where participants focus on workforce-readiness skills, are introduced to green industry careers, and receive necessary support services to complete the program. This phase combines training in soft skills and environmental hard skills, applicable for employment in the green industry and beyond. 
• The second phase, Industry Academy, is a six-month training where participants choose to specialize in one of the three tracks:
• Urban Forestry: The study of arboriculture, including topics like soils, urban tree stressors, and pruning techniques. 
• Building Operations: A hybrid training model combining college-level courses and on-the-job training to operate and maintain buildings at peak efficiency.
• Urban Greening: A training in green infrastructure, urban agriculture, and natural resource management.

“PowerCorps Boston offers young adults, especially those from environmental justice populations, a great opportunity to earn money to get hands-on experience, skills training, and several industry-recognized certifications, all while improving their communities,” said Davo Jefferson, Executive Director of PowerCorps Boston. “The program prepares participants for pathways to living wage, high-demand jobs, and positions them to have a positive impact on both the city and the environment.”

“PowerCorps is an important part of our city’s green jobs future. It’s about training our workforce for the jobs we’ll need in the next quarter of the 21st century, while also protecting our environment for generations to come,” said City Councilor Brian Worrell. “I’ve seen that impact firsthand working with PowerCorps and our Parks Department to improve playgrounds, revitalize vacant lots, and enhance spaces around MBTA stations in District 4. I’m excited to see what this next cohort will accomplish. Programs like this create real career pathways for young people to build skills, earn a living wage, and stay rooted in their communities. As Chair of Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, as well as Labor and Economic Development, I’m proud to support PowerCorps because it brings together economic opportunity and environmental justice in a way that improves quality of life for our residents.” 

To create a climate-ready city, Boston must cultivate a climate-ready workforce. According to the City's Climate Ready Workforce Action Plan, Boston is expected to see increased demand for workers across all green-related positions in the coming decades. Between now and 2050, efforts to design, build, and operate a clean energy economy and to ensure Boston’s climate resiliency will keep about 67,000 people employed each year, including 6,700 new jobs that would not exist without Boston’s climate policies and strategies. As the report suggests, expanding training opportunities, especially for the 45.5% of Bostonians without a Bachelor’s Degree, will be critical to ensuring Boston can meet the demands of a growing, evolving green economy. Programs like PowerCorps Boston are critical to strengthening Boston’s green workforce ecosystem and preparing residents for high-quality, skilled employment in green jobs. 

"Boston is leading the charge in developing a climate-ready workforce," said Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment. "PowerCorps is a proven career pipeline that will lead workers to good jobs, address the effects of climate change, and meet employer and industry demands. I encourage eligible young adults to apply and take the first step to a fulfilling, impactful career."

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政府第8名首長離任 Juana Matias將接替Augustus Jr.任麻州住房長

(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長辦公室今（19）日又宣佈一名內閣首長卸任的消息。住房及宜居社區廳（Housing and Livable Communities）廳長Edward M. Augustus Jr.將於2月27日離任。奚莉（Maura Healey）州長已指派曾任麻州議員的Juana Matias於4月1日接掌此職。

這是奚莉州長從2023年就任迄今的3年多來，第8位內閣首長離職，之前的教育廳廳長Patrick Tutwiler離職，也不過是大約兩星期前的事。

這8名內閣首長的離任各有不同背景，但外界解讀其中因素包括政治壓力，政策分歧，個人生涯規劃，以及州政府面對的財政與民生挑戰等。

最早是2023年9月時，交通廳廳長Gina fiandaca離任，據說那是因為當時麻州地鐵系統（MBTA）故障頻傳，民怨極深。

接著的2025年，陸續有4月的經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平（Yvonne Hao），7月的麻州衛生和人民服務廳（Health and Human Services）廳長Kate Walsh，8月宣佈的退伍軍人服務廳廳長Jon Santiago，10月的公安廳廳長Terrence Reidy，交通廳廳長Monica Tibbits-Nutt。2026年2月，陸續有教育廳廳長Patrick Tutwiler，以及今日公佈的的住房及宜居社區廳廳長Edward M. Augustus Jr.。

經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平（Yvonne Hao）去年是以需照顧遠在加州的母親為由，辭職卸任。但坊間認為，麻州政府在2024年底到2025年初的稅收表現不佳，奚莉州長要求各部門縮減開支，並宣佈凍結人事，這使得郝伊平難以推動大型經濟發展計劃。尤其是同年9月，她接受了麻州頻頻創造“獨角獸”新創公司的旗艦創投（Flagship）邀約，出任營運長兼有權分享20%基金總利潤的普通合夥人（GP），意味著郝伊平不僅薪資從政府公職的每年約20萬元，狂升至每年可達數百萬元，而且還還可放眼全球的扶持有潛力改變世界的新創公司。

麻州衛生和人民服務廳（Health and Human Services）廳長Kate Walsh則是接任前原本要退休的，接任後在2025年處理了全美最大的私營醫療系統破產案，Steward醫療系統旗下幾家醫院倒閉，數十萬人的醫療受影響，7 月完成這些醫院的收購，過渡安排後，曾任波士頓醫療中心執行長的她決定退休，但仍留任為州長高級顧問。

從查理貝克（Charlie Baker）州長時期留任下來的公安廳廳長Terrence Reidy 則是退休。奚莉州長指派了韓裔的Gina Kwon接任此職。

原本是麻州眾議員，參選波士頓市長失利，旋即被麻州州長奚莉指派為首任麻州退伍軍人服務廳廳長的Jon Santiago，成功推動「英雄法案（Hero Act）」，把傷殘退伍軍人年金提高了25%，爭取到2.6億元聯邦資金補助，改善Chelsea 和Holyoke的退伍軍人之家，成功協助約500名退伍軍人搬進永久性住房的完成多項歷史性任務後，決定回歸醫師生涯。

Monica Tibbits-Nutt則是唯一的因為公開提議在麻州邊境設收費站，以及處理高速公路休息站合約糾紛（Applegreen）引發爭議而辭職的內閣首長。

今年2月離任的2名內閣首長，都是另有高就。教育廳廳長Patrick Tutwiler離任後，當Needham鎮非營利組織Walker 療法及教育項目的董事長兼執行長，曾任Worcester市經理的住房及宜居社區廳廳長Edward M. Augustus Jr.則是出任UniBank 執行長。

Juana Matias在多明尼加（Dominican）出生，獲有薩福克大學法學院法律學位，預定4月1日上任。

Governor Healey Appoints Juana Matias as Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities 

After three years of historic leadership, Ed Augustus steps down on February 27  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced that she is appointing Juana Matias as Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC). Matias previously served as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is a former Massachusetts State Representative for the 16th Essex District. Current Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus will step down from his position on Friday, February 27, and Deputy Secretary Jennifer Maddox will serve as Interim Secretary until Matias assumes her position on April 1. 

“Since taking office, we've made significant progress on building more housing to lower costs for people and businesses. We’ve leaned on the partnership of leaders in this field – leaders like Juana Matias, who we’re thrilled to welcome to the team as Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. Juana brings with her a deep understanding of housing policy from her time as HUD Regional Administrator and a longtime commitment to Massachusetts. We’re excited to further our housing agenda and look forward to working with Juana to meet this moment,” said Governor Healey. “I’m incredibly grateful for Secretary Augustus’ leadership as Secretary of Housing over the last three years. Together, we’ve passed the state’s most comprehensive housing legislation ever and ushered in the development of 100,000 new housing units. His dedication to Massachusetts has always been clear, and we’re thankful for all that he's accomplished as Secretary. We wish him all the best in his next steps.” 

“We’re excited to welcome Juana as our next Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. Her experience leading transformative housing policies across New England makes her an incredible choice to lead the future of housing for Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re so grateful for Secretary Augustus’ partnership and collaboration over the last three years and look forward to seeing him thrive in his next venture.” 

“I’m honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll placed their faith in me to help lead this new secretariat,” said Secretary Augustus. “Massachusetts’ housing crisis impacts every community, but we know what the solution is — build more housing and strengthen the systems that help people find stability at every stage. I’m deeply grateful to the talented, mission-driven public servants across HLC. This team delivered with creativity, rigor and heart, and I leave confident that HLC under Secretary Matias’ leadership will keep pushing forward to make housing more affordable and more available across Massachusetts.” 

“I’m honored to join the Healey-Driscoll team as Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, and I’m grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for their trust. I want to thank Secretary Augustus for his leadership and for the strong foundation he has built to expand housing opportunities across the Commonwealth,” said Juana Matias. “Under Governor Healey’s leadership, Massachusetts is already seeing more housing development across the state. We must continue increasing production while preserving affordability, working in partnership with local leaders, developers, advocates, and residents across the Commonwealth. I have dedicated my career to serving the people of this state and I’ve seen the transformative impact that pro-growth housing policy can have on communities and economies. Ensuring families have the foundation they need to build their lives in Massachusetts is essential, and I’m ready to get to work.” 

Matias was appointed HUD Regional Administrator by President Joe Biden, where she advanced federal housing policy across New England and oversaw offices in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. In this role, she managed an annual budget of $8.47 billion in federal appropriations and oversaw competitive and formula-based grants, affordable housing subsidies for 183,370 Housing Choice Voucher households, 59,004 public housing units, and 8,000 project-based rental properties. She oversaw the administration and performance of HUD programs across the region, including rental assistance, homelessness initiatives, and the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. She also facilitated access to housing development and homeownership resources, including FHA-insured mortgages, housing counseling, and grants for lead hazard control, community development, and affordable housing.  

Prior to joining HUD, Matias served as Chief Operating Officer of MassINC and Commonwealth Magazine and was previously a Massachusetts State Representative for the 16th Essex District in Lawrence and Methuen.  

Matias holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and criminal justice from University of Massachusetts Boston and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. She was born in the Dominican Republic and now lives in Boxford. She speaks Spanish and has served on several boards including the University of Massachusetts, Lawrence Alliance for Education, Beth Israel Lahey Hospital, and Amplify Latinx (now WeAreALX). 

Governor Healey created the state’s first housing secretariat in 30 years and appointed Secretary Augustus to lead the office in 2023. Over the last three years, Secretary Augustus stood up the new cabinet-level secretariat of approximately 600 employees and assembled a team to craft, execute and engage with external stakeholders on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s housing goals. He spearheaded the administration’s efforts to address the state's housing shortage with the focus and urgency it demands. Together, Governor Healey and Secretary Augustus passed the Affordable Homes Act, a historic $5.2 billion investment in housing production that included 50 policy initiatives to expand housing tools statewide. Under Secretary Augustus’ leadership, the administration filed the state’s first-ever five-year housing plan, “A Home for Everyone”, and took action to speed up the permitting process for new homes, turn state land into thousands of new homes, convert downtown commercial space into apartments, create a first-in-the-nation fund to finance mixed-income development in a time of high interest rates, and legalize Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).  

The administration also expanded key housing production tools by implementing increases to tax credits like LITC and HDIP, created the new Seasonal Communities designation to deliver customized tools that support year-round housing in communities with substantial seasonal swings in employment and housing and transformed and strengthened homelessness prevention programs.  

Secretary Augustus will be leaving the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to become CEO of UniBank. Headquartered in the Blackstone Valley, UniBank is the largest bank based in Central Massachusetts.