麻州退伍軍人服務預算創新高 達2.05億美元 州長表揚有功人士

麻州第一夫人Joanna Lydgate (左起）和州長Maura Healey，副州長Kim Driscoll (右二），
麻州退伍軍人服務廳長 Eric Goralnick等人頒發勇氣獎。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）麻州政府11日舉行年度退伍軍人節紀念儀式，州長奚莉（Maura Healey）與副州長Kim Driscoll頒獎表揚對退伍軍人有貢獻的人與機構，向退伍軍人、現役軍人及家屬致敬，並強調州政府將持續加強住房、醫療、福利及就業支持。

Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center 獲頒社區服務獎。（周菊子攝）

    奚莉州長談到麻州在美國軍事史上地位特殊，稱麻州是美國陸軍、海軍及海岸防衛隊的誕生地，也是美國革命的發源地和美國民主的起點。她還開玩笑地把國民兵也列入其中，說這一點或許有人會有不同看法。

Lynn 市英文高中初級預備軍官訓練團表演操練。（周菊子攝）

    她提到，州政府透過《英雄法案》（HERO Act）擴大退伍軍人及軍人家庭的福利與醫療支持，目前已有大約2萬3,000名退伍軍人及家屬獲得相關福利，創下新高。州政府也持續協助無家可歸的退伍軍人取得住所，並關注焦慮、憂鬱、創傷後壓力症候群（PTSD）及藥物使用障礙等問題，透過心理健康服務及退伍軍人治療法庭（Veterans Treatment Courts）提供協助。

Lynn 市英文高中初級預備軍官訓練團表演操練。（周菊子攝）

    在照護方面，奚莉特別提到Holyoke退伍軍人之家重新開放，以及Chelsea退伍軍人之家的改善。州政府正增加床位，提升長期照護能力。她也介紹SHIELD計畫，盼藉由發展國防科技及相關產業，為麻州創造更多企業投資與就業機會。

Lynn 市英文高中初級預備軍官訓練團表演操練。（周菊子攝）

    麻州退伍軍人服務廳長 Eric Goralnick 致詞時，特別提到前一天才正式宣布啟動的Military to Medicine試辦計畫。他表示，約一年前州長團隊邀請他考慮出任現職時，他便提出這構想，希望招募曾在軍中擔任醫護工作的退伍軍人，讓他們把戰場救人的專業帶回家鄉，在醫院及醫療體系繼續服務。他形容這是一項雙贏計畫，因為這些受過專業訓練的人，退伍後仍能繼續救人。

在儀式中，主持人解說「戰俘與失蹤軍人紀念桌」（POW/MIA Recognition Table）
代表的含義。（周菊子攝）

    Eric Goralnick為紀念儀式開場致詞時，還做了總結報告，指出麻州退伍軍人服務預算今年有2億500萬美元，創歷史新高，其中8,600萬美元直接用於退伍軍人福利。Holyoke及Chelsea兩所退伍軍人之家未來將有共約388個床位，較現有容量增加近五成，並將配合招聘及營運進度逐步開放。州府也在春田市（Springfield）設立麻州西部首個退伍軍人服務辦公室。

二、三百人11日在州政府大廳參加退伍軍人紀念儀式。（周菊子攝）

    副州長Kim Driscoll本人是海軍後代，父親曾在海軍服役20多年，兒子也在去年加入麻州陸軍國民兵，最近獲任命為少尉。她指出，軍人具備的領導、團隊合作及解決問題能力，都是民間職場所需技能；州政府透過提高聘用退伍軍人的稅額抵免，成立就業機會委員會，能夠協助退伍軍人與企業接軌。

    在這場有二、三百人參加的紀念儀式中，Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center獲頒Captain Thomas Kelley社區服務獎；Amy Bradford、Gregg Brasso、Doug Linnell及Steve Jones則獲頒Captain Thomas Hudner Jr.英勇服務獎，表揚他們在退伍軍人社區服務、交通協助及藝術活動等方面的付出。州府並宣布，退伍軍人節當天全州州立公園停車免費。

波士頓經文處新處長關友鈞拜會傳統僑社 一天走訪18僑團

關友鈞處長到紐英崙中華公所拜會。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 十月底履新的駐波士頓台北經文處處長關友鈞， 11月8日展開第二波拜會活動，一天之內拜會了紐英崙中華公所等18個僑團，聽到再請廚藝巡迴團到訪，擴辦台灣夜市，把僑教中心遷回波士頓等僑胞聲音。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長關友鈞（中）和紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝（右二），
中文書記張青梅（右一），財政陳余寶愛（左二），核數伍振中（左一）。
（周菊子攝）

關友鈞處長在10月底抵達波士頓後，11月1日就在位於牛頓市的僑教中心，先和80多名郊區僑胞見了面。

        8日這天，她在波士頓經文處組長黃耀良，波士頓僑教中心康雅雄，波士頓僑務委員陳仕維夫婦陪同下，先到紐英崙中華公所會議廳和中華公所、婦女新運會，至德三德公所，梅氏公所，昭倫公所，僑聲音樂社，藝聯慈善社，以及波士頓華埠退伍軍人會，甄氏宗親會，大同村居民聯誼會等共10個僑團組織的首長或代表們晤談。

關友鈞處長（左四）和紐英崙婦女新運會成員合影。（周菊子攝）

        紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，中文書記張青梅，英文書記阮鴻燦，財政余寶愛，核數伍振中等人在會場準備了鄧肯甜甜圈的點心及咖啡，招待所有出席嘉賓。

僑團在中華公所會議室晤見關友鈞處長。（周菊子攝）

        由於紐英崙中華公所 10月才組團訪問台灣，當天座中有不少人已見過關友鈞處長，台灣有哪些地方好玩，好看，日月潭風景絕佳，圓山大飯店有蔣介石逃生密道，夜市美食令人垂延等頓時都成了話題。

關友鈞處長送見面禮給僑生音樂社社長李伍碧香，黃國威。（周菊子攝）

        應僑胞要求，關友鈞處長也做了一番自我介紹，坦言進外交部服務已22年，曾經3度派駐紐約，包括前往「海倫凱勒國際基金會」（Helen Keller International）這關注視障問題的機構實習等。在派駐紐約經文處期間，她負責聯合國事務，和紐約、紐澤西、康乃狄克和賓州等地方政府，以及智庫接洽，和媒體維持聯繫等，業務面向十分多元。在返台述職期間，她曾經在外交部國際組織司服務，處理亞太經濟合作會議，聯合國事務等。來波士頓之前，她負責立法院的國會聯絡事務。

大同村居民聯誼會會長黃國威（左），阮謝少珍（右）。（周菊子攝）

        從中華公所出來之後，關友鈞處長一行人，接著上門拜訪溯源公所，伍胥山公所，安良工商會，余風采堂，黃氏宗親會，洪門致公堂，至孝篤親公所等僑團，一一送上香油，聊表心意。

昭倫公所主席譚達兒（右二）和曾任主席的譚柏林（左一）。（周菊子攝）

關友鈞在拜會僑團的行程中，稱波士頓的一大特色是每年都有雙十國慶遊行，升旗典禮，規模之大，在全美各地中數一數二。波士頓僑胞們的每年堅持在華埠牌樓，以及華埠主要街道上掛滿青天白日滿地紅國旗的努力，讓人們看見台灣，最是讓人感動。洪門致公堂元老余麗媖提及的國父孫中山曾在洪門會址三樓留宿一宵，讓關友鈞感嘆波士頓歷史悠久，和中華民國淵源深厚，期許波士頓僑社繼續支持經文處。

    關友鈞處長預訂1月22日繼續拜會其他僑團。（更新版，補上伍胥山公所照片）

梅氏公所元老梅伍銀寬（左）。（周菊子攝）

至德三德公所由翁宇才（中）代表。（周菊子攝）

波士頓安良工商會。（周菊子攝）

波士頓黃氏宗親會有麻州眾議員黃子安（左二），主席黃應立（右三）等人出席。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓洪門致公堂元老伍伯和（前左三），元老余麗媖（前右一），
主席朱耀鍾（前右二）。（周菊子攝）

余風采堂主席余雅倫（前右一）。（周菊子攝）

溯源公所主席雷昌凡（前右二），顧問鄺元傑（前左一），元老雷國輝（前左二）。
（周菊子攝）

甄氏公所主席甄若素。（周菊子攝）

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會，會長Genie Boland（中），以及
伍振中（右起），李錦棠，司徒焯榮。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙至孝篤親公所。（周菊子攝）

波士頓經文處處長關友鈞拜會僑團時送上香油。（周菊子攝）

伍胥山公所。（周菊子攝）

伍胥山公所印製的特刊，有如波士頓僑界歷史年間，這天送了2本給關友鈞處長。
（周菊子攝）

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.