波士頓市撥款170萬元資助BCNC等 14 機構辦理就業培訓

(Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和市府人力發展局（OWD）今（30）日宣佈，將從「鄰里就業信託基金（NJT）」撥款170萬元，給14個社區機構，幫助大約600市民進入波士頓市所需人力的職業培訓管道，獲得高薪工作。

這些獲得補助的社區機構，將來還有機會得到大約1000萬元的額外資金。

「鄰里就業信託基金」成立於1987年，經費來自波士頓市內大規模商業項目發展商支付的“連鎖金”。這些年來該基金共收到5500萬元以上的連鎖金，用於支持波士頓居民的人力培訓與教育。這次的資助撥款，重點放在市民最需要的醫療護理，清潔能源及托兒照顧等領域，和「都會波士頓好工作聯盟（Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition）」倡議的目標一致。

            波士頓市長吳弭和人力發展賦權長Trinh Nguyen表示，成立「鄰里就業信託基金」的主要目的是解決弱勢族群所面對的就業障礙問題。

            這些弱勢群體包括還在學英語者、移民、有色人種居民、經歷住房不穩定或無家可歸的人、有司法前科的居民以及殘疾人士等。

「鄰里就業信託基金」在2026會計年度中，還撥款 35,750 美元給波士頓公立學校（BPS），啟動一項收取25名學生的駕駛教育試點計畫，幫這他們克服交通障礙，將來能夠從事建築、醫療保健和汽車等行業的工作。

            獲得資助的組織包括 Mujeres Unidas Avanzando、Friends of the Rafael Hernandez School、African Bridge Network、Per Scholas、St. Stephen's Youth Programs、Operation ABLE、English for New Bostonians (ENB)、Tech Goes Home、YMCA Greater Boston、JRI/Strive、Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)、Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center、Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) 和 Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (Franklin Cummings Tech)。

            其中波士頓華埠社區中心(BCNC)是華埠社區獲得撥款的唯一機構。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES $1.7 MILLION IN NEIGHBORHOOD JOBS TRUST FUNDING AWARDED TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS EXPANDING JOB TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS

Funding will prepare eligible residents to enter new careers in healthcare, clean energy, and childcare

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) today announced the allocation of $1.7 million of Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT) funding to 14 community-based organizations in Boston. NJT funding supports local organizations that provide residents with job training and support services that address the needs of Boston’s workforce, enabling them to enter career pathways and obtain higher-paying jobs. The grants will serve approximately 600 residents while allowing the organizations to leverage approximately $10 million in additional funding. 

“The Neighborhood Jobs Trust is critical in our work to make Boston a home for everyone. This funding will better connect our residents to crucial job training, support services and opportunities” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thrilled to support these 14 excellent community organizations and look forward to their efforts that empower our residents across neighborhoods to enter new career pathways, build wealth and strengthen our economy.”

“The Neighborhood Jobs Trust has been a long-standing source of vital funding for organizations dedicated to equipping Boston residents with the skills they need to access career opportunities and improve their lives,” said Chief of Worker Empowerment Trinh Nguyen. “With this round of NJT funding, the City of Boston is investing in high-quality training for those facing multiple barriers to employment, leading to good jobs in three crucial sectors of our economy. This investment will benefit both residents participating in the programs and employers seeking skilled talent. The City of Boston also benefits when its residents thrive, and we’re thankful for the contributions these organizations will make toward that goal.”

Since its creation in 1987, the Neighborhood Jobs Trust ensures that residents directly benefit from real estate development in Boston through quality jobs, job training, and related services. Funding in the trust is replenished by Jobs Linkage fees paid by developers of large-scale commercial projects in the city. NJT has received over $55 million in Linkage funds to support Boston’s education and workforce development efforts. Led by the Worker Empowerment Cabinet, the Office of Workforce Development manages this funding.

NJT proudly funds special projects with long-range impact that ultimately put low-to-moderate income residents on career pathways that lead to economic security. This year, the trust awarded Boston Public Schools (BPS) $35,750 to launch a driver's education program. Through the pilot program, BPS will support twenty-five students or recent graduates, particularly those in vocational programs and alternative education settings, who are job-ready but face transportation barriers due to not having a driver’s license. The funds will help cover RMV fees, driving school costs, permit preparation, and road test support. Students who obtain a driver’s license are positioned to access jobs in construction, healthcare, automotive, and other in-demand sectors that often require travel beyond public transit routes. This initiative is part of a broader workforce readiness strategy by BPS aimed at increasing access, independence, and long-term employment outcomes for young people.

“The Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT) is crucial to ensuring that our students have the tools and resources they need to access high-quality jobs after the completion of their secondary or post-secondary education,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “I am grateful to the BPS Student Support team who is working to design and implement the Driver Education pilot program, which will increase independence and long-term employment outcomes for our students.”

For Fiscal Year 2026, NJT recipients were selected through a public Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) process administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The organizations will provide programming that prepares eligible residents for in-demand careers in three key sectors: Healthcare, Clean Energy, and Childcare. The sectoral focus of this RFGA builds on the work of the Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition, a City initiative that supports the training and placement of over 4,000 Boston-area residents in these target industries. Leveraging NJT funding deepens support for training providers and pathways in these key sectors while meeting the needs of Boston's employers to fill roles in critically important fields. The NJT-funded programs target their services to the needs of underserved populations facing barriers to employment, including English language learners, immigrants, residents of color, individuals experiencing housing instability or homelessness, court-involved residents, and individuals with disabilities. In addition, the programs are designed to incorporate supportive wrap-around services.

The following organizations were awarded grants through this round of funding:

• Mujeres Unidas Avanzando: The Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Training for English Language Learners (ELLs) program will provide low-income non-native English speakers with comprehensive training and holistic wraparound services to prepare them for rewarding healthcare careers.
• Friends of the Rafael Hernandez School: The Primeras Maestras program trains low-income Spanish-speaking adults to become dual-language educators. Relying on the native language and child-rearing skills of participants, the program provides hands-on training in pre-K through 4th-grade classrooms, professional development workshops, and job-seeking support in an industry with high demand and future growth opportunities.
• African Bridge Network: This program will develop career pathways in healthcare for skilled immigrants as laboratory technicians, clinical research coordinators, and research administration coordinators. 
• Per Scholas: Per Scholas Greater Boston will provide lower-income Boston residents looking to launch their IT careers in the Healthcare sector with comprehensive professional development, job search, career development, job attainment services, and healthcare employer connections.
• St. Stephen's Youth Programs: The Ladders of Opportunity program prepares low-income, multilingual Boston Public Schools parents and caregivers for careers as early childhood educators and paraprofessionals. 
• Operation ABLE: The ABLE Medical Office Skills Training program offers 12 weeks of instruction and practice in computers, customer service, communication, and administrative skills with a focus on preparing individuals for administrative positions in medical office settings. The 12 weeks of classroom instruction are followed by a six-week internship with a partner healthcare employer.
• English for New Bostonians (ENB): The Economic Mobility Pathways program creates economic pathways for immigrants across educational/work backgrounds and aspirations. Pathways provides customized ESOL, Career Workshops, and individualized coaching, building confidence and career planning and advancement for limited English speakers.
• Tech Goes Home: Tech Goes Home will enhance workforce development opportunities for prospective healthcare and childcare professionals by integrating digital skills training into existing job training programs. Each participant completes 15 hours of community-based, culturally responsive digital skills training, earning a new computer and, if needed, a year-long internet connection.
• YMCA Greater Boston: The Early Childhood Career Pathways program will prepare Boston residents for impactful careers as early childhood educators. The program integrates classroom instruction, hands-on field experience, career services, and career advising to support participants with their goal of securing employment as an early childhood educator
• JRI/Strive: STRIVE Boston, in partnership with Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), aims to place 20 individuals in various employment roles at BWH, including Central Transport, Materials Management, and Medical Assistants. This program will expand career pathways for participants, providing them with training and coursework opportunities that lead to higher-paying jobs and greater responsibilities within the BWH system.
• Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD): The First Steps into Early Childhood Education Careers (First Steps) program prepares low-income Boston residents for high-demand jobs in early childhood education, with starting salaries averaging at or above $18.20 an hour. 
• Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center: The ESOL for Healthcare Careers job training program equips low-income, immigrant, English language learners (ELL) with the language, workplace, and industry-specific skills needed to secure and succeed in entry-level healthcare roles. The program integrates ESOL instruction with career counseling, case management, and occupational training, ensuring accessibility for beginner-level ELLs who may face barriers to traditional workforce programs. 
• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS): JVS offers three Career Pathway Training programs: Caring for Our Seniors Nurse’s Aide Training, Pharmacy Technician Training, and Central Sterile Processing Technician Training. The training model allows job seekers with multiple complex barriers to employment to train for and secure high-quality healthcare jobs.
• Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (Franklin Cummings Tech): Franklin Cummings Tech will provide trade and technical education in HVAC&R and Practical Electricity to support underserved community members who face barriers to employment. These industries are in high demand, offer realistic timelines for employment, and provide family-sustaining wages in the clean energy sector.

“Neighborhood Jobs Trust has been a steadfast partner in our mission since 2019, enabling Mujeres Unidas Avanzando to deliver Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) classes that build pathways to high-demand careers,” said Johannah Malone, Executive Director of Mujeres Unidas Avanzando. “In Boston and across Massachusetts, healthcare staffing shortfalls, especially in clinical support roles like CMAs, are creating real economic strain. By equipping our students with professional training and industry-ready experience, NJT is not just helping individuals change their lives; it is also strengthening our local healthcare system and supporting sustainable economic growth. We are deeply grateful for their continued investment in our community and our future workforce.”

For more information on the FY26 recipients, please visit this link.

醫療保險和補助法案頒佈60週年 麻州長Healey發聲明籲關注現狀

(Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今天就《醫療保險和醫療補助法案》（Medicare and Medicaid Act）頒佈60週年發表以下聲明。該法案由林登·約翰遜（Lyndon B Johnson）總統於1965年7月30日簽署，旨在創建老年人醫療保險計劃——Medicare，以及低收入人群和殘疾人醫療保險計劃——Medicaid，在馬薩諸塞州被稱為MassHealth。

60年前，兩黨領導人齊心協力創建了醫療補助計劃（Medicaid），因為他們一致認同一個基本原則：在這個世界上最偉大的國家，任何人都不應該因為負擔不起而失去基本醫療服務。但今天，川普總統卻將這一切置於危險之中，因為他的新法案削減了聯邦醫療補助資金，數百萬人即將失去醫療保險。

川普總統正在剝奪家庭、老年人、退伍軍人和殘疾人的醫療保健。他將提高我們所有人的保費，無論你是否享有醫療補助。我們社區所依賴的鄉村醫院、社區健康中心和療養院將面臨裁員或關閉。

但在麻州，我們將堅守我們的本色——醫療保健第一州。我們擁有世界上最好的覆蓋範圍、最優質的醫療服務和最完善的醫院。我們將每天努力保持這種狀態。正因如此，我才採取行動限制自付額的成本，並共同支付，拒絕大幅提高保費，將胰島素和吸入器的價格上限設定為25美元，並改善初級保健、孕產婦保健和生殖保健的可及性。

          我希望MassHealth的成員知道，你們應該像往常一樣繼續就醫。川普總統的改革措施尚未生效，但最終會生效。你們應該知道，你們的州長和州政府將竭盡所能，幫助你們了解這些改革措施，了解它們可能對你們的影響，以及你們需要採取哪些措施來保障自己的醫療保障。我們隨時為你們服務。

 Governor Healey Pledges to Protect Health Care on the 60^th Anniversary of Medicaid 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement today on the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid Act, which was signed by President Lyndon B Johnson on July 30, 1965 and created Medicare, a health insurance program for seniors, and Medicaid, a health insurance program for people with limited income and people with disabilities, known as MassHealth in Massachusetts. 

“60 years ago, leaders from both sides of the aisle came together to create Medicaid because they agreed on the fundamental principle that no one should go without basic health care in the greatest country in the world because they can’t afford it. But today, President Trump has put that all in jeopardy, as millions of people are about to lose health care coverage because his new law cuts federal Medicaid funding. 

President Trump is taking away health care from families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. He’s going to make premiums go up for all of us, whether you’re on Medicaid or not. Rural hospitals, community health centers and nursing homes that our communities rely on will face layoffs or closures. 

But here in Massachusetts, we’re going to stay true to who we are – the number one state for health care. We’re home to the best coverage, quality and hospitals in the world. We’re going to work every day to stay that way. It’s why I’ve taken action to limit the cost of deductibles and co-pays, rejected large increases in premiums, capped insulin and inhalers at $25, and improve access to primary care, maternal health care and reproductive health care. 

I want MassHealth members to know that you should continue to seek care as you usually would. President Trump’s changes have not yet gone into effect, but they will. You should know that you have a Governor and a state government that’s going to do everything we can to help you understand the changes, how they might impact you and what you need to do to protect your coverage. We are here for you.” 

THE CITY OF BOSTON AND BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION EVENT HELPS TEENS EXPLORE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND COPING SKILLS

 THE CITY OF BOSTON AND BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION EVENT HELPS TEENS EXPLORE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND COPING SKILLS

This year’s ‘Break-up Summit’ is on July 31 and brings together 200 teens and 50 providers from across the city

BOSTON — July 30, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston, and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) are hosting a summit for teens to explore healthy relationship dynamics and coping skills. This year’s annual Break-Up Summit, run by BPHC’s Start Strong program, is on July 31, 2025, at Simmons University. This year’s theme, “Unscripted Love,” invites teenagers to have honest conversations about relationships in the age of social media and AI.

“As digital interactions and social pressures complicate how teens navigate relationships, it’s important to increase our youth-led violence prevention and community building efforts,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Thank you to Start Strong for organizing this summit and giving our young people the tools, knowledge and support they need to build safe, respectful and affirming relationships.”    

The annual summits are aimed at preventing dating violence amongst teenagers in Boston and increasing their understanding of what constitutes a healthy break up by creating a safe space to unpack the realities of modern relationships. This year’s theme, “Unscripted Love,” gives teens a space to laugh, vent, share stories and ultimately uplift each other while discussing the impact social media has on relationships, setting digital boundaries, and self care strategies.  

“This year’s summit centers on social media, recognizing its role as a ‘super peer’—shaping how young people understand love, conflict, and identity,” said Jess Alder, Program Director for Start Strong Initiative. “While media can be a source of healing and connection, it can also reinforce harmful myths about control, jealousy, and violence. By helping young people critically engage with the messages they consume and share, we’re empowering them to communicate with empathy, navigate conflict, and build healthier relationships.”  

Co-designed by teen peer leaders and Start Strong staff, this year's summit will feature live skits and performances, interactive breakout sessions, a youth-led panel discussion, a live recording of the “Real Love Real Talk” podcast, an intergenerational dialogue between teenagers and adults and free lunch for all attendees. The summit is free and open to Boston-area teenagers. Registration is now closed, but 200 teens from across the city have signed up through their youth programs for this year’s Summit.

Housed within the Child Adolescent Family Health Bureau, Start Strong is an internationally recognized youth-led violence prevention program that aims to prevent teen dating violence and promote healthy relationships. Start Strong uses a trauma-informed, positive youth development framework to start conversations on systems of oppression, intersectionality, and prevention/promotion work while incorporating a media literacy lens. All of Start Strong’s work is youth-created, driven, or inspired, which means that youth are the heart of the program.

新英格蘭、波克萊兩商會和中華專協首度攜手交流 聚餐、打匹克球好開心

新英格蘭大波士頓商會（TCCNE）和波克萊台灣商會(BTCC)，以及紐英崙
中華專業人員協會(NEACP)和辦活動。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 新英格蘭大波士頓商會（TCCNE）和波克萊台灣商會(BTCC)，以及紐英崙中華專業人員協會(NEACP)合作，7月27日在華森市（Waltham）的Lowell 遊樂場打匹克球，野餐聚會，一度跳起排舞，六、七十老中青歡聚一堂。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富應邀出席，稱許TCCNE會長王志維辦事認真，和BTCC會長陳奕如， NEACP

BTCC會長陳奕如（左起），NEACP會長盧彥君夫婦，TCCNE的會長王志維，
副會長歐怡君，副會長彭聲翔是這次匹克球加野餐活動的籌備主力。(周菊子攝)

會長盧彥君，幾名年輕人合作無間，為社區服務。他代表僑委會和波士頓經文處祝活動順利。

匹克球（Piceleball）源起於1965年一名西雅圖國會議員在家庭聚會中為安撫孩子，隨手拿起家中剩餘的桌球拍和塑膠威浮球（wiffle）開始的活動，到2023年流行到美國有1360萬名玩家，2024年還被列入巴黎奧運示範項目。

27日這天，ＴCCNE副會長歐怡君訂了會場，BTCC

蘇鴻昌（右）講解匹克球打法。(周菊子攝

前會長蘇鴻昌以教練身份，講解打匹克球的規則。退休後喜歡上打匹克球的胡文冀，還特地帶了碳纖維球拍到場，要大展身手。只是沒想到這天人們集合後，竟下起雨來，只好提前跨進野餐環節，躲在涼亭下互相揪團敘舊。

BTCC前會長陳玉瑛，楊羅東為熱絡現場氣氛，催請韓咪咪帶跳排舞，還邀王豫靈，潘樹仁，NEACP董事長游子揚的嬌妻等人一起跳，一時間的確熱鬧無比。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（右）稱許TCCNE會長王志維（左）做事認真。(周菊子攝)

波士頓台灣影展協會（TFFB）共會長林致中利用機會宣傳今年影展將從9月19日至25日，為期一星期，在波士頓美術博物館（(MFA)，AMC，布瑞托（Brattle）等電影院放映，而且在影展結束後，將轉到網路上繼續放映，以其有更多人可以欣賞到台灣電影。

林致中和TCCNE副會長彭聲翔還宣佈，8月16日影協和波士頓台灣同鄉會將攜手舉辦「戶外星空電影院」，在牛頓市海德公園廣場放映阿里山「神木之森」紀錄片。

TCCNE、BTCC、NEACP

NEACP小聚會，董事長游子揚（右四），前董事長蔡明機（左二），前會長
彭淑敏（右四），理事蔡高進（右二）等4對夫婦難得共聚。(周菊子攝)

這首次攜手辦活動，不但有蔣宗壬，譚嘉陵，蔡明機等前輩出席，也有中生代的蔡高進，黃怡菁，張涵捷，彭淑敏，年輕一輩的林思妤，夏承賢，陳立洋等人參加。陳奕如會後總結好熱鬧。

波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中（左二）介紹今年影展概況。(周菊子攝)

蘇鴻昌示範教打丕克球。（陳奕如提供）

不少年輕人還是第一次打匹克球。（陳奕如提供）

蘇鴻昌講解打匹克球相關規則。（周菊子攝）

TCCNE副會長歐怡君等人搬運食物到現場。（周菊子攝）

BTCC前會長蘇鴻昌這天出任打匹克球教練。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭 7/29宣佈 宗教界領袖支持她連任

 

Mayor Wu is endorsed by Boston faith leaders at Gourdin Memorial Park. Members of Boston’s faith communityl discussed Mayor Wu’s commitment to make Boston a home for everyone and the progress the city has made on affordable housing, high-quality pre-K seats, and making Boston the safest and most family-friendly city in the country. 

（Boston orange) 波士頓市長吳弭今（29)日早上，冒著華氏91度的氣溫，在古爾丁紀念公園接受波士頓宗教領袖的支持。波士頓宗教界人士在媒體面前討論吳市長致力於將波士頓打造為人人共享的家園的承諾，以及波士頓市在經濟適用房、優質學前教育名額以及將波士頓打造為全美最安全、最適合家庭居住的城市方面取得的進展。

吳弭市長在發言時強調，波士頓市是每一個人的城市，絕對不會向任合是利低頭。

波士頓獲正式邀請。明年10月將參加世界城市文化峰會

            （Boston Orange編譯）包括6個國家45個城市的「世界文化論壇（World Culture Cities Forum）」，正式邀請波士頓市明年10月到荷蘭阿姆斯特丹開會。波士頓將繼紐約，洛杉磯，舊金山，芝加哥和奧斯汀(Austin)之後，成為全美第6個獲邀參加這峰會的城市。

            「世界文化論壇」是一個利用文化來形塑包容，創意，及韌性城市的網路，致力於把文化作為推動經濟成長，促進和平，更新創意的催化劑。波士頓將和美國其他城市，以及巴黎，倫敦，東京等國際城市一起談論文化。

            波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今日宣佈，這是波士頓市豎立了一重要的里程碑。

            波士頓市長辦公室指出，波士頓市在吳弭市長的領導下，支持與創造藝術和文化的方式已經轉變。波士頓市獲邀參加論壇，是波士頓市的文化豐富多樣化獲得肯定。波士頓市推出已惠及6萬多名青少年及其家庭，擴大文化創新管道的「波士頓家庭日」，以及取得North Beacon街290號，闢出4萬平方英尺的可負擔音樂綵排/錄音工作室空間，發展可負擔文化空間，以及推動開創性公共藝術的「非紀念碑」等活動，也得到表彰。

            波士頓市今年10月派員參加在阿姆斯特丹舉行的2025年世界城市文化峰會時，將參與全球政策交流，為國際研究做貢獻，和其他城市合作制定文化政策，改善城市生活，因應全球挑戰。

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON INVITED TO JOIN THE WORLD CITIES CULTURE FORUM

In recognition of the City’s cultural diversity and strength, Boston becomes the next U.S. city to join a global network using culture to power economic growth, equity, and innovation.

BOSTON - Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced that Boston has been officially invited to join the World Culture Cities Forum, a global network of more than 45 cities across six continents united in using culture to shape more inclusive, creative, and resilient cities. Boston becomes the sixth U.S. city—alongside New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Austin—to join the Forum with international cities including Paris, London, and Tokyo. This milestone underscores Boston’s leadership in cultural equity, leadership in expanding access to creative innovation, and its historic role as a hub of education and civic engagement. 

“It is an honor to receive an invitation to join this unique partnership, alongside 45 peer cities in the World Culture Cities Forum,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We look forward to sharing Boston’s rich history, diverse communities, and creative energy and learn how we can strengthen our city’s role as a global cultural leader. We are excited to share Boston’s successes and learn from partner cities around the world.”

Under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu, the City has transformed the way arts and culture is supported and created in Boston—creating access for a new generation, preserving and expanding cultural space, and reinventing the public art landscape of a city known more for its revolutionary era monuments.

With initiatives like Boston Family Days, Mayor Wu and the City have opened the doors to Boston's world-class cultural institutions to more than 60,000 Boston youth and their families. In Brighton, the City secured 290 North Beacon Street to create 40,000 sq ft of affordable music rehearsal/recording studio alongside deeply affordable public housing. And with the launch of Un-monument—the largest-ever investment in public arts programming in our city’s history—and the first Boston Public Art Triennial, Boston is making its mark as a global leader in public art. 

“I’m delighted Boston is joining this network of global cities committed to embedding cultural infrastructure into the fabric of their cities,” said Joseph Henry, Director of Cultural Planning, Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC). “Our vision is for Boston to be a space of cultural production, education and civic innovation, and access to the Forum will strengthen our ability to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from our peers from around the world. Boston is home to world-class talent, and we are excited to elevate them on the global stage.”

The World Cities Culture Forum connects civic leaders around the globe to exchange ideas, share knowledge and data, and develop collaborative responses to global challenges such as climate change, rapid technological shifts, cultural displacement, and equitable economic growth. The Forum champions the belief that culture is the golden thread of urban policy—creating jobs, attracting tourism, strengthening communities, and improving health and well-being.

As a member of the World Cities Culture Forum, Boston will participate in global policy exchanges, contribute to international research initiatives, and collaborate with other cities to develop cultural policies that improve life for all residents. The City is eager to use the Forum as an opportunity to work on new emerging policy and research topics.  

In October 2025, representatives from Boston will join mayors, culture commissioners, and city policymakers from around the world in Amsterdam at the 2025 World Cities Culture Summit. Boston will also be included in the World Cities Culture Trends Report, a widely used publication for policymakers, researchers, and media that provides a global snapshot of culture’s role in cities.

World Cities Culture Forum was founded in 2012 around the belief that global cities can achieve more by working together and being generous with ideas.

“I’m delighted to welcome Boston to our global network of creative cities and civic leaders,” said Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and the Creative Industries & Chair of World Cities Culture Forum. “Culture is an essential ingredient in the success of cities, bringing together communities and supporting fairness, inclusion and prosperity. Through the World Cities Culture Forum, we are using the power of culture to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Boston is a globally influential cultural city where arts, technology, and education drive innovation—home to world-class universities, vibrant public art and architecture, and pioneering civic institutions. We look forward to working closely with Boston to support its growth as a global capital for culture.” 

World Cities Culture Forum is a leading global network of over 45 creative cities across six continents, collectively representing a population of over 280 million. They champion the role of culture as a driver of equitable, sustainable, and prosperous cities. Their network of civic leaders shares ideas and solutions to tackle 21st-century challenges - including climate change, cultural tourism, affordable workspace, and diversity in public spaces - placing culture at the heart of city planning and investment. Through their global Summit, leadership programs, and research, they empower civic leaders to build communities and economies where culture thrives. For more information visit worldcitiescultureforum.com

麻州眾議員麥家威7/30辦年度夏日招待會

 

波士頓市長候選人論壇- 文化藝術篇 7/30

 

麻州府批准熱泵暖氣新費率 3家電力公司客戶今冬約可節省540元

(Boston Orange編譯) 麻州公用事業部 (DPU) 最近批准新的熱泵費率，符合條件的 Eversource 客戶可從今年冬天開始受惠。所有三家使用熱泵電力公司的客戶都將能夠註冊季節性電價，今年冬天平均可節省$540。

去年夏天，DPU 批准了 Unitil 電力客戶的季節性熱泵費率，並於 2024 年 9 月批准了 National Grid 客戶的類似費率。DPU 迅速批准了 Eversource 的費率，僅用了四個月的時間就完成了審理並發布了命令。現在，所有三家電力公司的客戶都可以享受熱泵費率。新的費率將在每個冬天向符合條件的客戶提供。

「隨著全州熱泵普及率的提高，這些折扣費率將進一步幫助減少冬季暖氣費用。」主席 James Van Nostrand 說。「我們為熱泵家庭批准的季節性費率將錢放回客戶的口袋。」

「這項新命令使使用熱泵的電力客戶能夠在冬天降低他們的電費，同時加強我們的電網並減少有害排放。」專員 Cecile Fraser 說。

「通過批准這些冬季的彈性費率，我們使熱泵更具成本效益，並改善空氣質量和公共健康。」專員Staci Rubin 說。「今年冬天生效的新費率使我們的清潔能源轉型更實惠、更容易實現。」

熱泵使家庭能夠快速有效地脫碳，對房屋的影響最小。熱泵使用電力為房屋供暖和製冷，使其成為減輕冬季公用事業費用波動的經濟解決方案。

這些季節性費率比電力公司平均基本配電費率低。熱泵家庭的新費率對其他電力客戶沒有財務影響：非熱泵家庭今年冬天不會因為新費率而支付更多電費。

要符合新費率的資格，家庭必須是三家電力公司（Eversource、National Grid 和 Unitil）之一的客戶，家中安裝了熱泵，並在冬季供暖季節於 2025 年 11 月 1 日開始之前告知其電力供應商希望註冊季節性費率。參加電力公司低收入折扣計畫並使用熱泵的住宅客戶也可以註冊新的季節性費率。

通過 Mass Save 安裝熱泵的客戶可能會自動註冊新費率，但應致電其電力公司確認註冊。

重點：

資格擴大： 麻州所有三家電力公司（Eversource、National Grid 和 Unitil）使用熱泵的客戶現在都有資格享受折扣費率。

顯著節省： 合格客戶今年冬天在暖氣費用上平均可節省 $540。

DPU 批准： 麻州公用事業部 (DPU) 批准了 Eversource 的新季節性熱泵費率，完成了所有三家主要公用事業的批准。

季節性供應： 新費率將在每個冬天向符合條件的客戶提供。

好處： 折扣費率旨在：

為使用熱泵的家庭減少冬季暖氣費用。

推廣熱泵的採用以實現脫碳。

加強電網並減少排放。

改善空氣質量和公共健康。

對其他客戶無影響： 新費率不會對非熱泵家庭產生財務影響，這意味著他們不會支付更多的電費。

資格要求： 要符合資格，家庭必須：是 Eversource、National Grid 或 Unitil 的客戶。

已安裝熱泵。

在 2025 年 11 月 1 日冬季供暖季節開始之前告知其電力供應商希望註冊。

參加低收入折扣計畫並使用熱泵的住宅客戶也符合資格。

自動註冊（可能）： 通過 Mass Save 安裝熱泵的客戶可能會自動註冊，但應與其公用事業供應商確認。 

All Electric Utility Customers Will Soon Be Eligible for Heat Pump Discount Rate

With the DPU’s order on Eversource’s heat pump rate today, eligible customers of all three electric utilities could save around $540 off their heating bills this winter

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) recently issued an order approving a new heat pump rate that eligible Eversource customers can start taking advantage of this winter. Customers of all three electric utilities that use heat pumps will be able to enroll in the seasonal electric rates which could save them an average of $540 this winter.  

Last summer, the DPU approved a seasonal heat pump rate for Unitil electric customers, and it approved a similar rate in September of 2024 for National Grid customers. The DPU worked quickly to approve Eversource’s rate, taking only four months to conduct the proceeding before issuing its order. Now, customers of all three electric utilities can access heat pump rates. The new rates will be available every winter for qualifying customers.  

“With heat pump adoption picking up statewide, these discount rates will further help make a dent in winter heating bills,” said Chair James Van Nostrand. “The seasonal rates we approved for heat pump households puts money back into customers’ pockets.”  

“This new order makes it possible for electric customers with heat pumps to lower their utility bills in the winter while strengthening our grid and reducing harmful emissions,” said Commissioner Cecile Fraser. 

“By approving these flexible rates for the winter, we make heat pumps more cost-effective, and improve air quality and public health,” said Commissioner Staci Rubin. “The new rates effective this winter make our clean energy transition more affordable and accessible.”   

Heat pumps make it possible for households to decarbonize quickly and efficiently, with minimal impacts to their homes. Heat pumps use electricity to both cool and heat homes, making them an economical solution to mitigate volatile winter utility bills. 

These seasonal rates are at a lower cost than the average base distribution rates from the electric utilities. The new rates for heat pump households will have no financial impact on other electric customers: non-heat pump households will not pay more for electricity this winter because of the new rate.  

To be eligible for the new rates, households must be customers of one of the three electric utilities (Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil), have a heat pump installed in their homes, and communicate to their electric provider that they wish to enroll in the seasonal rate before the winter heating season starts on November 1, 2025. Residential customers in the electric utilities’ low-income discount program that use a heat pump are able to also enroll in the new seasonal rate.  

Customers who installed their heat pumps through Mass Save may be automatically enrolled in the new rates but should call their electric utility provider to confirm their enrollment.