Healey-Driscoll Administration, MBTA Announce Free South Coast Rail Service Through the End of March

Healey-Driscoll Administration, MBTA Announce Free South Coast Rail Service Through the End of March 

Tickets now available for the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MBTA today announced that South Coast Rail service will be free through the end of March. This is in addition to the previously announced fare-free service on weekends through April. Beginning today, fares may also be purchased for the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line on the mTicket app.  

"We are so excited to be on the South Coast on Monday to celebrate the launch of rail service for these communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re proud to now be offering free service all day, every day on the Fall River/New Bedford Line through the end of March to express our gratitude to the community and encourage residents to take the train.”  

“South Coast Rail is going to bring easier commutes, less congestion and economic and housing development all across the region,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We hope that community members will join us by taking the train and seeing all of the benefits that this service will bring – for free!”  

“The Healey-Driscoll administration is dedicated to expanding public transportation to every corner of the state, and it’s incredibly exciting to see passenger train service launching between Fall River, New Bedford, and Boston,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “To encourage as many people as possible to experience the convenience and comfort of South Coast Rail, we’re making rides free for the first several weeks. Whether traveling for work, school, business, or leisure, riders will see firsthand how accessible and enjoyable public transit can be.”  

“The MBTA is proud to launch South Coast Rail service; a truly monumental moment for these communities that we will now serve directly and for so many that have long advocated for this service. To celebrate this accomplishment, we’re pleased to offer free weekday fares through March 31 in addition to free weekends through April,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Whether you’re traveling from Fall River or New Bedford to downtown Boston or heading toward southeastern Mass. to enjoy their many community offerings, we welcome new and even more passengers to experience the benefits of this new transit expansion. Leave the driving to us, Take the T!”   

The MBTA continues to be on schedule to begin South Coast Rail passenger service the morning of March 24, 2025, with schedules available now on mbta.com. This will be the first time the region has had passenger rail service in 65 years.  

Free Weekday Service March 24 – March 31   

Fare-free weekday service will be available on the Fall River and New Bedford lines each weekday, March 24 – March 31. Passengers can ride for free if they are boarding or ending their ride at one of the six South Coast Rail stations. Riders should share their origin and destination stations with conductors in order to receive free travel. This offer is only valid on the Fall River and New Bedford lines and does not apply to trains on other Commuter Rail lines.     

mTicket Sales Now Open  

Beginning today, passengers can now purchase fares on the Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line on the mTicket app. mTickets are a convenient option for one-way Commuter Rail rides or pass holders who don't often take subway or bus, offering a $10 discount on monthly passes and a 10 percent discount for 5-day Flex Passes. mTickets are valid for 90 days after purchase. More information is available at mbta.com/mTicket.  

On weekdays beyond March 31 and weekends after April, regular Commuter Rail fares are in effect for South Coast Rail. All South Coast Rail stations will be priced in Zone 8. This means that passengers will pay a full fare of $12.25 and a reduced fare of $6 for a one-way ride between Zone 1A to 8.   

Other fare options:    

• Weekend/Holiday Pass: Flat $10 weekend and holiday pass fares apply across Commuter Rail stations and zones including South Coast Rail  

• Monthly Pass (Zone 8): Monthly Zone 8 passes cost $388 full fare / $190 reduced fare. A discount of $10 full fare / $5 reduced fare is available for monthly passes on mTicket.    

Free Weekend Service Through April 

As previously announced, fare-free service will be available on the Fall River and New Bedford lines for all weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) between March 29 and April 27, and on April 21 (Patriots’ Day). Passengers can ride for free if they are boarding or ending their ride at one of the six South Coast Rail stations.   

Riders should share their origin and destination stations with conductors in order to receive free travel. This offer is only valid on the Fall River and New Bedford lines and does not apply to trains on other Commuter Rail lines.     

Free Parking 

As previously announced, Commuter Rail parking at the six South Coast rail station lots – Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Church Street, Fall River Depot, and New Bedford – will be free March 24 through the end of day April 30, 2025.   

This free parking promotion may end early if South Coast Rail parking lots fill up and spaces become unavailable. Standard parking rates for South Coast Rail stations are $4 per day on weekdays and $2 per day on weekends/holidays.  

For more information, visit mbta.com/SouthCoastRail. 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCED BCYF CREATES, AN EXPANSION OF FREE ART CLASSES IN COMMUNITY CENTERS FOR BOSTON YOUTH AT STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCED BCYF CREATES, AN EXPANSION OF FREE ART CLASSES IN COMMUNITY CENTERS FOR BOSTON YOUTH AT STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

BCYF Creates offers free classes for kids in 14 different arts disciplines

BOSTON - Thursday, March 20, 2025 - Last night at her State of the City Address, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the launch of BCYF Creates, an investment in free, high-quality arts programming offered at Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers for youth ages 8-14. Mayor Wu made this announcement as part of her 2025 State of the City annual address, more than doubling the amount of free arts instruction available at BCYF, with classes offered in 14 different community centers. BCYF Creates is part of Mayor Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore: Commitment to Youth, a commitment to giving Boston youth an opportunity to explore and discover their passions.

 

“In Boston, we believe that an excellent education must include academics, sports, arts, and enrichment across every sector,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The City of Boston is working to ensure that our young people have access to life-changing arts education through the talented, creative arts instructors right here in the City. I encourage all of our young people to get involved in BCYF Creates to hone in on their passions and discover new ones.”

BCYF Creates is a two-year commitment to increasing the availability of high quality arts in BCYF centers during the school-year, made possible through a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, and the Human Services Cabinet. The program began in January 2025 with the recruitment of teaching artists who are experienced in 14 different art disciplines. The teaching artists are paired with BCYF community centers in 10 Boston neighborhoods and will teach between one to three classes per quarter. Classes take place during after-school hours on weekdays or on Saturdays. 

"We are so grateful to have the support of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture to offer enhanced arts programming through BCYF," said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. "Arts programming has the potential to expand kids’ horizons, give them an outlet for their emotions and provide an avenue for self-exploration."

To participate in BCYF Creates, families must sign up directly with Boston Centers for Youth & Families through their program registration site. The enrollment platform will be updated with new classes as they come online. Classes will run through mid-June, when BCYF transitions to full-time summer programming and then will return in September 2025. Anyone needing assistance registering is welcome to call the BCYF center directly.

“With BCYF Creates, we are not just offering art classes; we are opening doors and expanding pathways for young people in Boston,” said Kenny Mascary, Interim Chief of the Mayor’s Arts & Culture. “This commitment ensures that every young person in our City has access to high-quality arts education in their own community. We’re excited to work with our City’s amazing network of community centers to nurture the next generation of creatives, thinkers, and leaders.”

Classes include an array of visual arts, from arts and crafts to printmaking and sewing, as well as performance-based arts such as spoken word, dance, and music arts including music production, modern band, and vocal performance. The goal of the program is to increase the availability of high quality youth arts programming in Boston’s neighborhoods and to bring youth into the community centers who are not currently connected to BCYF. 

“It is so important for children to learn, create and experience the Arts. Beyond self expression, it builds their confidence to imagine and explore new skills,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “And, BCYF Creates is an exciting initiative that has the potential to engage youth who are not typically involved with our community centers.”

The program is administered by Elizabeth Santiago, PhD, the Founder of The Untold Narratives, a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to surfacing the voices of underrepresented communities through storytelling. Dr. Santiago brings decades of experience as a teaching artist herself, who leads workshops in creative writing. In addition to pairing the artists to community centers, Dr. Santiago and her team are also supporting the teaching artists as they develop their skills. The program also has an evaluation component that will track the impact of the arts investment. 

“This is a dream project in every way. I get to coordinate arts programming for youth who live in communities like Dorchester, the one I grew up in and now live,” said Dr. Elizabeth Santiago, Founder of The Untold Narratives and BCYF Creates Program Facilitator. “I also get to meet other artists in the city and collaborate with them and BCYF Centers throughout Boston. As a parent of a student in the Boston Public Schools who has participated in BCYF programming, I am thrilled to help in building a vibrant offering of quality arts classes that so many young people can enjoy!”

“As a Boston resident and parent of two Boston Public School students, I understand firsthand the critical role that before- and after-school enrichment programs play in the lives of families,” said Chris Shroeder, Executive Director of the Boston Music Project which provides classes in band, music production, and vocal performance. “Boston Music Project’s new after-school music programs at Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) provide not only engaging learning and community-building opportunities for Boston’s youth but also essential, reliable, and free care for working families. Music has the power to inspire, connect, and uplift, and we're thrilled to partner with the City of Boston to expand access to high-quality music education across the city.”

More information about BCYF Creates can be found here.

Legislature Extends Hybrid Public Meeting Law to 2027, Expanding Access to Local Government

Legislature Extends Hybrid Public Meeting Law to 2027, Expanding Access to Local Government 

Remote civic engagement option available to cities and towns through June 2027 

(BOSTON—3/20/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to extend the hybrid public meeting option, allowing cities and towns to offer remote participation through June 2027. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings.   

Hybrid meetings enable more civic participation by residents who otherwise might have limited access to public meetings.   

“I have heard loud and clear from my colleagues, and the communities we represent, that hybrid meetings have increased access, engagement, and transparency in local government,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “There is no reason that a family obligation, a car breakdown, a disability, or any other life circumstance should get in the way of making your voice heard on an issue you care about in your community. I’m glad that we took action today to keep this tool in our civic engagement toolkit, and thankful to our partners in the House for their collaboration.”  

“One of the lessons we learned from the pandemic was that using technology for public meetings expands access and civic participation across government,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “With this extension, we are removing barriers to participation and residents will continue to be able to be active participants in governmental decisions remotely. I thank my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for their collaboration.”  

The Massachusetts Municipal Association estimates that there are over 10,000 boards, committees, and commissions across Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. Most officials serving on the panels do so on a volunteer basis.   

Having passed both branches of the Legislature, the bill will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Sounds Alarm Over Donald Trump’s Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Sounds Alarm Over Donald Trump’s Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education 

Massachusetts receives over $2 billion in federal education funding a year and cannot fully replace these funds if cut by Trump Administration 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is sounding the alarm about Donald Trump's executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. 

“We’re proud that Massachusetts has the best schools in the nation – and it’s why we know that shutting down the U.S. Department of Education is bad for students, teachers and schools,” said Governor Maura Healey. “President Trump claims he wants to give power back to the states, but as a Governor, I know that the way to do that is not gutting the programs and funding that our students rely on. It makes no sense. This will mean bigger class sizes, cancelled after school programs and less support for our students, especially those who live in rural communities or have special needs. That’s on top of the cuts the President has already made to professional development, research and programs that feed students lunch and keep them healthy. Attorney General Campbell and her colleagues are already in the fight against this. We need Congress to step up and oppose it too.” 

“I chaired a School Committee, and I know what these federal dollars mean for our kids locally – supporting students with special needs, feeding students, keeping reading specialists in the classroom," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “President Trump is putting all that and more at risk, and it’s our students who are going to be hurt by this.” 

“Before Linda McMahon was sworn in, Donald Trump and Elon Musk were already working to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Today’s executive order does nothing to improve opportunities and outcomes for students but instead will negatively impact our most vulnerable student populations and exacerbate longstanding challenges around wealth inequality. As a former history teacher, I know how important public education is to a functioning democracy. The fight to protect students’ civil rights is urgent and here. We will continue to work with Attorney General Campbell and her office on paths forward through the courts.” 

“President Trump’s order to dismantle the US Department of Education guts a system intended to prepare students for our future workforce,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “Massachusetts stands with our students, educators, school administrators and impacted federal workers. We value equal opportunity and access for all students, a freedom and essential right that should be protected nationally.” 

“Eliminating the U.S. Department of Education would be a direct hit to Massachusetts’ economic future. Our state’s innovation economy—driven by world-class universities, a highly skilled workforce and cutting-edge industries—depends on strong federal investment in education,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “Gutting that support threatens the pipeline of talent that fuels our businesses, weakens workforce development programs that help residents build careers, and creates uncertainty for employers looking to grow here. Massachusetts succeeds when education and economic opportunity go hand in hand, and this move puts both at risk.”  

Massachusetts receives over $2 billion in federal education funding a year. The state is not able to fully replace these funds. The funding helps Massachusetts’ students, educators, schools, campuses and communities. It helps low- and middle-income students afford to go to college. It provides funding to districts in low-income areas to help pay for teacher salaries and benefits, school counselors and homeless liaisons. It also supports special education, including paying for assistive technology for students with disabilities, professional development and salaries for special education teachers, paraprofessionals and reading specialists, as well as transportation to help students get the services and programming they need and supports those services, like physical therapy, speech therapy and social workers.  

政府調查稱會展業對麻州經濟發展貢獻大

               (Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州政府3月20日公佈效益分析調查結果，稱會議展覽中心等場所，對麻州經濟影響重大。

               麻州行政及財務辦公室表示，2024年6月，麻州府聘請頂峰諮詢 (Pinnacle Advisory)調查麻州會議展覽行業狀況，查察影響麻州會議中心管理局 (MCCA)等相關行業營運的因素，以及未來發展機會。

               該調查結果稱，MCCA在美國會展行業享有盛譽，極具競爭力。包括波士頓會議展覽中心 (BCEC)，海恩斯會議展覽中心 (HCC)，以及麻州互惠中心 (MassMutual Center)等，對麻州經濟有重大貢獻，在2024會計年度中的直接、間接，以及誘導性支出，達到11.5億美元，支持了近 11,500 個全職工作崗位，並創造了 6,110 萬美元的稅收收入。

               MCCA收購了BCEC旁的C、D 和 E 地段，將可支持BCEC的未來發展，至於未來是否擴大合作，以及合作方式值得探討。

               頂峰諮詢建議，MCCA應和麻州經濟發展廳，春田市及波士頓市等外在機構，以及麻州居民合作，以協調經濟發展的優先順序，培養人才，發揮更大效益。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Makes Public the Results of a Comprehensive Market Analysis of Convention Industry 

Independent Study Examined Economic Needs and Opportunities at Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Facilities Across the State 

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the findings of an independent analysis of the current and projected convention center industry conditions in Massachusetts. The analysis, conducted by Pinnacle Advisory, provides insights into factors impacting the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), including financial performance, competitiveness, capital planning, sustainability and decarbonization, climate resilience, community engagement, emergency response, and transportation.  

The administration commissioned this analysis in June 2024 to help inform the administration, as well as MCCA leadership and its board, on future strategic planning for vital assets, including the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), the Hynes Convention Center (HCC), the MassMutual Center, and the Boston Common Garage. Pinnacle Advisory is a Massachusetts-based firm specializing in hospitality consulting and asset management.  

“The MCCA is a powerful economic driver, bringing business, jobs, tourism and cultural assets to Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This independent analysis will be invaluable to the MCCA leadership team and our administration as we collaborate with the community to create an updated vision for our convention spaces, maximizing these facilities’ potential to boost Massachusetts’s competitiveness, advance equity, and meet our climate goals.”   

“Our administration is grateful to have this timely and comprehensive assessment of the conditions that enable the success of Massachusetts’s convention center facilities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re excited to have this thorough, independent review in hand as we continue partnering with Executive Director Marcel Vernon and the MCCA Board to chart a sustainable and strategic course forward for the MCCA.”   

“From creating jobs to purchasing goods and services from local businesses, convention centers strengthen the Massachusetts economy and contribute to the fiscal health of the communities where they’re located,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, a member of the MCCA Board. “With Pinnacle's analysis, we’re well-positioned to find the best path forward to enhance the positive benefits of these facilities in Massachusetts now and into the future.”   

“The analysis contained in the Pinnacle Report provides valuable insight to ensure that the convention centers we oversee serve as a vibrant hub for events, tourism, and continued economic impact. We thank both Governor Healey and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance for their vision in commissioning this valuable study, and look forward to working with the MCCA Board of Directors and our stakeholders to review and assess the thorough analysis provided in the report," said MCCA Executive Director Marcel Vernon.  

In addition to analyzing the industry conditions that currently affect MCCA facilities, this study examines the merits of future opportunities, including full expansion of the BCEC Exhibition Hall and Meeting Space. The study concludes that expansion would be beneficial only if paired with increased local hotel capacity.  

Among the study’s findings and recommendations:  

• The MCCA has developed a strong reputation and competitive standing in the national market.   

• The BCEC, HCC, and MassMutual Center have significantly impacted Massachusetts' economy, with Fiscal Year 2024 seeing $1.15 billion in direct, indirect, and induced spending, supporting nearly 11,500 full-time equivalent jobs, and generating $61.1 million in tax revenue.  

• MCCA-owned properties ("Lots C, D, and E") adjacent to BCEC were acquired with the intention of supporting the future strategic vision for BCEC. Pinnacle's analysis determined that these parcels offer development opportunities, but decisions about their future should be made consistent with a long-term strategy for BCEC, including whether and how it expands. 

• To align economic development priorities, the MCCA should engage and collaborate with external stakeholders including the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, the cities of Springfield and Boston, and residents of the state.  

麻州11所高中將為先修班學生試辦網路安全課

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Cybersecurity Education Pilots at 11 Massachusetts High Schools for AP Students 

College Board’s AP Career Kickstart Cybersecurity Pilot expands access to high-demand STEM careers, strengthens workforce development in cybersecurity 

BURLINGTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that 11 high schools across Massachusetts will participate in the College Board’s AP Career Kickstart Cybersecurity Pilot, a national initiative aimed at expanding access to cybersecurity education and preparing students for careers in one of the fastest-growing fields in the nation. Most colleges will award students credit for AP scores of 3 or higher. This pilot, designed to introduce cybersecurity concepts into Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, will provide students with foundational knowledge in cybersecurity and exposure to industry pathways, along with the opportunity to gain college credit. 

“In Massachusetts, we want to open doors for our young people, especially to STEM pathways. This pilot is a great opportunity for our students to learn about cybersecurity and have an opportunity to gain college credit for it,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By empowering them to see STEM as a viable, exciting pathway to their future, we will inspire the next generation of innovators.” 

“We’ve heard from employers across the state that the reason they choose to be in Massachusetts is because of our incredible talent pipeline. Initiatives like this AP Cybersecurity Pilot provide more pathways for students, strengthening our tech workforce pipeline and economy, driving our competitiveness and building a brighter future for all,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 

This announcement was made during a STEM Advisory Council meeting at the Northeastern University Biopharma Analysis Training Laboratory (BATL) in Burlington, an organization used by one of the Pilot recipients, Burlington High School, in their Innovation Career Pathways Information Systems program. Schools participating in the pilot program, like Burlington High School, will receive access to College Board resources to support implementation, including curriculum materials and guidance on integrating cybersecurity concepts into AP coursework, as well as training and professional development for educators. Participating schools will pilot the program in the 2025-2026 academic year, with the goal of scaling successful models. 

“Whether it’s an AP course, an Early College Program or another pathway offering, we want to provide students with the opportunities that will help them realize their dreams in fields like cybersecurity and beyond,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I am looking forward to seeing this pilot in some of our schools this coming school year.” 

Massachusetts is home to a thriving cybersecurity sector, employing over 30,000 cybersecurity workers according to Cyberseek data. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlights the growing demand for cyber fields nationally as Information Security Analysts employment is expected to grow by over 30 percent over the next 10 years. The AP Career Kickstart Cybersecurity Pilot aligns with the administration’s broader workforce development and STEM education priorities, ensuring that students are prepared for the future economy. This initiative also aligns with the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council’s mission to promote STEM education and workforce readiness, furthering the administration’s commitment to fostering high-demand STEM fields through targeted investments and educational programs. 

The program will be implemented with support from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and aims to engage industry and higher education partners to enhance learning opportunities. Schools participating in the pilot will have access to College Board resources to support implementation, including curriculum materials and guidance on integrating cybersecurity concepts into AP coursework. 

This pilot follows Massachusetts’ student success with AP courses. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced last month that a third of students who graduated from Massachusetts public high schools in 2024 scored a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam, the state’s highest percentage ever and the highest in the nation for the second year in a row, according to results released by the College Board. A score of 3 out of 5 on an AP exam shows a student’s ability to complete work for an introductory college-level course in that subject area. Additionally, Massachusetts continues to see gains in the percentage of Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino students who take an AP exam while in high school. 

“We want all students to have access to challenging coursework that is relevant to the real world, and the AP cybersecurity pilot is a great opportunity,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell Johnston. “I’m glad to see 11 high schools make this available to their students.” 

"We applaud Massachusetts for their leadership in providing students access to this course that will immerse them in this critical discipline and open pathways to good careers,” said College Board CEO David Coleman.  

"Burlington is committed to preparing students for college and careers and we are offering AP Cybersecurity as part of our Innovation Career Pathways. Our district and industry partners see tremendous value to students when we offer career-focused academic courses that lead to credentials and college credit," said Burlington Public Schools Superintendent Eric Conti.  
 

Schools with Cybersecurity Pilots: 

1. Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational-Technical High School  

2. Clinton High School  

3. Joseph Case High School  

4. New Bedford High School 

5. VHS Learning 

6. Winchester High School 
    

Schools with Cyber Networking Pilots: 

1. Burlington High School 

2. Lynnfield High School 

3. Melrose High School 

4. Pembroke High School 

5. Westfield Technical Academy 

 

For more information on the AP Career Kickstart Cybersecurity Pilot, visit College Board’s website. 

麻州港務局一點頭 網約車進出羅根機場費7月起將增至5.5元

                (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州港務局 (Massport)的董事會一旦在3月20日投票通過加價案，從7月1日開始，搭乘優步 (Uber)、來福 (Lyft)等網約車到羅根機場的乘客，就得多付2.25元了。

               目前麻州港務局向優步、來福等網約車收取的進出機場費是單程3.25元，一旦加價案通過後，就要收5.5元了。

               麻州港務局執行長Rich Davey表示，麻州港務局和優步及來福等網約車的新協定，將改善乘客經驗，形成到波士頓羅根機場的新的，更廉價方式，也有助於紓緩機場附近鄰里交通擠塞情況。

加價收來的錢，將用於資助改善機場的基礎設施。

與此同時，優步、來福打算在羅根機場推出共乘車輛，以及市區接駁車服務，麻州港務局也打算為共乘車輛的乘客們擴大路邊通道，以及鼓勵乘客搭乘羅根快車的”最後一哩”計畫，引進減少網約車駕駛空車離開機場辦法。

在2024會計年度中，網約車位麻州港務局創造了1560萬元的收入，比之前一年的1370萬元相比，增加了14%。

麻州長訂3/19為麻州眾議員Edith Nourse Rogers日

 Governor Healey Declares March 19 as Edith Nourse Rogers Day 

Proclamation Signed at Special Exhibition Honoring Rogers’ Legacy 

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey declared March 19 as Edith Nourse Rogers Day, honoring the life and legacy of the former Massachusetts Congresswoman who transformed opportunities for women in the military. Governor Healey signed the proclamation at a special event celebrating Women’s History Month, where she also unveiled an exhibition at the State House showcasing the history and contributions of women veterans. 

The Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) and 3-5-0 Girls, a local veteran-led organization, collaborated to bring history to life with a display of Women’s Army Corps (WAC) uniforms spanning World War II through 1978, when the WAC fully integrated into the U.S. Army. The exhibition highlights the contributions of women stationed at Fort Devens, Bedford Army Air Field (now Hanscom Air Force Base), and Westover Field, and honors Congresswoman Rogers’ leadership in establishing the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), which later became the WAC. 

“Edith Nourse Rogers was ahead of her time. She saw a future where women could serve their country and receive the benefits they earned—and she made it happen,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Her legacy is all around us, in the women who wear the uniform today and in the veterans who continue to serve their communities. Massachusetts is proud to recognize her contributions and to honor the women who followed in her footsteps.”  

Governor Healey signed the Edith Nourse Rogers Day proclamation after delivering remarks about Rogers' legacy and the state’s ongoing commitment to veterans. The event brought together state leaders, veterans, and advocates, who reflected on the impact of women’s military service and the continued need for recognition and resources. 

"Women have stepped up to serve their country for generations, even when the military wasn’t ready for them," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Today, we’re making sure their stories are told, their contributions are valued, and their service is never forgotten." 

"Edith Nourse Rogers fought to ensure women in uniform received the benefits and recognition they earned," said Veteran Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett. "Today, we continue her legacy by strengthening support for women veterans across Massachusetts and ensuring they have the resources they deserve." 

The event also spotlighted 3-5-0 Girls, a MetroWest-based nonprofit committed to preserving and sharing women’s military history. Founded by veterans and military historians, the organization brings the stories of women warriors to life through living history presentations, traveling exhibits, and community outreach. 

The women who served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps built the foundation for today’s military women, yet their contributions remain largely unknown,” said Mel Bloom, Executive Director of 3-5-0 Girls. “Our mission is to change that. Through this exhibition and our work across Massachusetts, we are ensuring these women’s service is seen, honored, and never forgotten.” 

The exhibition is open to the public and will remain on display in Governor’s Office Reception on the third floor of the State House until Thursday, March 27. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CO-PURCHASING HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM AT STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CO-PURCHASING HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM AT STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS  

City program makes homeownership more accessible by supporting co-buying of multifamily properties, announced alongside other priorities to make Boston a home for everyone

 

BOSTON -  Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - During her 2025 State of the City Address, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the launch of the Co-Purchasing Housing Pilot Program, a new initiative aimed at increasing access to affordable homeownership opportunities in Boston. The program allows multiple households to combine their collective purchasing power to buy multifamily homes, providing a pathway to homeownership for more Boston residents, fostering community, affordability, and stability. Using innovative solutions to lower barriers for homeownership is an essential part of Mayor Wu’s strategy to make Boston a home for everyone. 

"Boston's housing market has created significant barriers for middle-income families, particularly those from historically marginalized communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through the Co-Purchasing Pilot Program, we are creating opportunities for residents to pool their resources and build generational wealth together. This program represents one of many steps toward ensuring Boston remains a city where everyone can thrive."

The Co-Purchasing Housing Pilot Program is part of Boston’s broader housing strategy, with this program aimed at supporting middle-income residents who are often priced out of the city’s housing market. The pilot program will assess applicants individually for program eligibility, but allow households to leverage their combined purchasing power to buy multifamily properties, expanding homeownership opportunities to more residents and families. This innovative program will not only make homeownership more accessible but it will also strengthen communities by allowing homeowners to compete with the increasingly large number of investors that are buying Boston’s multifamily housing. 

"Homeownership is one of the most effective ways to build wealth and secure long-term stability, yet for many Boston residents, it feels out of reach,” said Sheila A. Dillon, Chief of Housing. “This program opens up new possibilities by helping families work together to achieve what may have seemed impossible on their own.” 

Those participating in the program can receive up to 5% of their share of the purchase price as a forgivable loan, issued by the Boston Home Center, to cover the costs of down payment and closing costs. To qualify, participants must be first-time homebuyers and agree to live in the property as their primary residence. A co-ownership agreement signed by all parties must also be included in the application. The City’s new Guide to Co-Purchasing describes what the co-ownership agreement needs to include. 

Additionally, the City has secured partnerships to support participants with financing. Co-purchasers are welcome to work with the lender of their choosing, though Citizens Bank, NewFed Mortgage, MEP Loans, Prime Lending, and Salem Five have agreed to participate in the program.

“The current housing supply in Massachusetts continues to be a challenge, even more so for middle-income families looking to buy in Boston,” said Vincent Gregory, Senior Vice President of Salem Five Mortgage Company. “The creation of programs, such as this will help those families obtain their dream of homeownership.  Growing up in East Boston, it was common for multi-generational families to live under one roof and split expenses.  As time moved on, the younger households were able to save enough money, start new families and purchase their new multi family home within the city. This new program will help bring those core values back to the city and promote more owner-occupied homes to families who might not have been able to afford them.”

“This pilot co-purchasing program is a concrete step towards making Boston more affordable to families,” said Bart Reddington, Sr. Mortgage Planner, NewFed Mortgage Group. “The Boston Home Center and the Mayor’s Office of Housing have come up with a creative way to generate more equity in the Boston Real Estate Market.”

"Many first-time buyers in Boston are financially ready to own but face steep prices. This initiative offers a way to pool resources and increase buying power, making homeownership accessible to those who might otherwise be priced out,” said Jessica Ingram-Bee, a Boston-based real estate agent specializing in co-housing. “Beyond the financial benefits, it can also foster a sense of community—allowing friends, couples, and families to share responsibilities and create an affordable living arrangement.  I’ve heard successful co-buyers talk about babysitting for each other, sharing childcare, and even coming together for weekly dinners. This model not only helps people afford a home but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support. That is so needed in today's world."

This program builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to tackling disparities in homeownership rates, particularly among residents of color. By supporting more residents to own homes, the Co-Purchasing Pilot is a step toward closing the racial wealth gap, helping residents build wealth, and ensuring housing stability for generations to come.

Between 2022 and 2024, the Wu administration has helped 804 Boston residents become homeowners through expanded homeownership programs. The residents who have become homeowners bought income-restricted homes, market-rate homes, and/or received financial assistance, including downpayment assistance and participation in the One+ Boston mortgage program. The City has also increased its affordable homeownership pipeline, with more than 1,800 new homes completed, in construction, or in the pipeline between 2022 and 2024. The Co-Purchasing Pilot Program is administered by the Boston Home Center in collaboration with the Housing Innovation Lab.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and application details, residents can visit boston.gov/co-purchasing or contact the Boston Home Center at 617-635-3880.