Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Starter Home Zoning Districts to Spur Homeownership Opportunities

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Starter Home Zoning Districts to Spur Homeownership Opportunities 

Municipalities now have a clear, voluntary option to adopt local “starter home” zoning and qualify for state incentive payments 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today published final regulations implementing the state’s Starter Home Zoning District program under Chapter 40Y, giving cities and towns a new voluntary tool to encourage the development of modest-sized homes designed for first time homebuyers and expand homeownership opportunities. The regulation was published today in the Massachusetts Register and is now in effect. 

Issued by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC), the regulation lays out the standards and steps for municipalities that choose to adopt Starter Home Zoning Districts to qualify for state incentive payments. Starter Home Zoning Districts are a voluntary zoning tool designed to support the development of modest-sized homes suitable for first-time homebuyers and moderate-income households. 

"Massachusetts needs more homes that people can afford and more pathways into homeownership,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Starter Home Zoning Districts give cities and towns a voluntary option to build and expand homeownership opportunities for the next generation of Massachusetts residents.”  

“Housing challenges look different from community to community. These final regulations give municipalities a practical roadmap if they want to create starter home districts, grow their housing supply and strengthen neighborhoods, with state incentive payments to support that work,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 

“We focused on making this program straightforward to use and easy to follow. The final regulation clarifies the rules, aligns with state ADU policy and lays out a step-by-step process so communities can move from interest to adoption to production with confidence,” said Interim Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Jennifer Maddox. 

Starter homes play an important role in helping young families and working households put down roots in their communities. When people are able to buy a home they can afford, they are more likely to put down roots in the community, invest in their neighborhood and build stability for themselves and their children. These homes give families room to grow while making it possible for teachers, nurses, public employees, and others to live in the communities where they work. 

What Chapter 40Y does 

Chapter 40Y creates a new, optional local zoning tool for municipalities. Communities that choose to participate can create Starter Home Zoning Districts where qualifying homes are allowed as-of-right. No special permit is required if a proposal meets the rules.  

The statute includes core requirements: 

• Allow starter homes as-of-right 
• Permit a minimum density of four units per acre of developable land 
• Limit homes to 1,850 square feet of heated living area 
• Require at least 50% of homes to contain three or more bedrooms 
• Require income restrictions for larger developments, with at least 10% of units in developments of more than 12 starter homes restricted to households earning up to 110% of AMI.  
• Permit Starter Home Accessory Dwelling Units 

Municipalities must obtain a preliminary determination of eligibility from HLC before local adoption and must receive final approval following adoption. The statute also establishes Zoning Incentive Payments and Production Bonus Payments. 

The final regulation makes the Chapter 40Y program workable by setting clear requirements and a consistent process for communities that choose to participate.  

HLC held a public comment period on the draft regulation in the summer of 2025. After reviewing public feedback, the agency made clarifications and refinements before filing the final regulation with the Secretary of State for publication. 

The Starter Home Zoning District program builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s broader efforts to bring down housing costs by increasing housing supply across Massachusetts.  

Since taking office, Governor Healey has focused on expanding pathways to homeownership, increasing housing production and lowering costs. Her administration has advanced new efforts to help first-time homebuyers, including expanding down payment assistance and lowering mortgage rates to make it easier for Massachusetts residents to buy their first home. At the same time, to build more homes, she has taken action to speed up the permitting process, turn state land into thousands of new homes, convert downtown commercial space into apartments and create a first-in-the-nation fund to finance mixed-income development in a time of high interest rates. She also legalized Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and this year, her administration will be offering low-cost financing and free designs for anyone who wants to add an ADU to their home. To help people afford their mortgages and rents right now, she banned mandatory renter-paid broker fees, gave seniors up to $2,800 a year to help with housing costs, and expanded home inspection protections. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of School Breakfast in Supporting Student Food Security & Local Food Systems

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of School Breakfast in Supporting Student Food Security & Local Food Systems 

 

Administration tours New Bedford Public Schools’ state-of-the art Culinary and Nutrition Center

 

NEW BEDFORD – Following Governor Maura Healey’s Massachusetts School Breakfast Week proclamation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration visited New Bedford Public Schools today to lift up the critical role school breakfast programs play in supporting student success, reducing food insecurity and grocery costs for families, and strengthening the local food system across Massachusetts.  

 

Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Food and Nutrition Programs Director Rob Leshin, Project Bread and state and local officials served “Grab and Go” breakfast at Taylor Elementary School and toured the district’s new Culinary and Nutrition Center, a 17,000 square foot facility that opened in July 2025. The state-of-the art center includes a refrigerated food preparation area, commercial walk-in cooler and freezer, blast cooler and freezer, storage areas and a commercial cook kitchen.  

 

“A healthy breakfast allows students to start the day focused, engaged and ready to learn,” said Governor Healey. “School breakfast programs, such as New Bedford, not only prepare students to thrive in the classroom--they also help ease grocery costs for families. We’re excited to see more students taking advantage of these meals and grateful to our school nutrition professionals who make them possible every day.” 

 

“New Bedford’s Culinary Center is a win, win, win model – helping students access healthy food, providing jobs and supporting the local economy and food system,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “When kids have access to healthy food at school, they’re better prepared to reach their full potential. We’re proud to partner with districts across Massachusetts that are finding innovative ways to make breakfast accessible to more students.” 

 

Participation in school meals continues to grow after Governor Healey made state-supported universal free school meals permanent, making Massachusetts one of only nine states to provide school meals at no cost to all students. School breakfast programs now serve around 292,000 students each day, a 20 percent increase, representing an additional 48,000 students per day compared to the 2022-23 school year. Stable funding for universal free school meals has allowed school nutrition programs to plan ahead and invest in healthy meals that incorporate local produce.   

 

The administration is committed to increasing school breakfast participation to make sure students have the fuel they need to stay alert and focused throughout the school day. The effort is also part of Governor Maura Healey's Anti-Hunger Task Force’s work to mitigate President Trump’s cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and adopt long-term solutions to hunger. While more students are eating school breakfast, the number of students who eat lunch each day is still about double the number who eat breakfast. In fall 2024, 292,000 students ate breakfast daily while 595,000 ate lunch.  

 

“While the federal government continues to attack nutrition programs, in Massachusetts we remain committed to expanding food access. It was wonderful to visit New Bedford’s Culinary Center today and see what is possible when school communities come together with local food business to provide healthy and culturally appropriate meals to all students,” said Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw. “Expanding access to school breakfast helps reduce food insecurity, supporting working families and ensures students have the energy they need to succeed in class.”  

 

“I am proud of Massachusetts' commitment to universal free school meals, including breakfast, which helps students be ready to learn,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I'm grateful for the important and innovative work of school nutrition staff and hope students are taking advantage of the free meals available to them."  

 

New Bedford Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services provided more than 1.2 million breakfasts throughout the 24-25 school year, as well as 1.9 million lunches, 65,000 afterschool meals and 519,000 pieces of produce as part of the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.  The city says its new central kitchen allows the school district to deliver better meals to students more efficiently and consistently across the district. The center has also enabled the district to serve as the school food vendor for local charter and private schools, as well as include more local products in the meals, working with local farmers and fishers. 

 

“I'm very grateful to New Bedford's food service team who have achieved record student participation in recent years and go above and beyond to ensure the highest standards in our breakfast and lunch programs all across the city,” said New Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Andrew O’Leary.    

 

“School breakfast is critical not only for our children but also for the future of our city and the Commonwealth. The opening of the NBPS Central Kitchen in 2025 marked a new chapter for New Bedford’s students and families, and serves as a testament to what Gateway Cities can achieve when invested in,” said State Representative Antonio Cabral (D-New Bedford). “Thank you to Acting Secretary Kershaw and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their partnership and for recognizing the incredible work happening right here in New Bedford.” 

 

Research consistently shows that students who eat breakfast perform better academically, have improved attendance, and experience fewer behavioral and social-emotional challenges. School breakfast programs also improve food security and protect against obesity and other negative health outcomes.  

 

"When we invest in school breakfast, we invest in our children’s health and our shared future. At Project Bread, we work to remove barriers between students and the food they need to succeed. One powerful example is Grab & Go breakfast, which makes free breakfast part of the school day instead of putting that responsibility on families,” said Sarah Cluggish, Chief Program Officer of Project Bread, the leading statewide food security nonprofit. “These programs save families time and money, support better classroom experiences for students and teachers, and help ensure every child has a fair chance to thrive. We’re proud to partner with districts like New Bedford through Breakfast After the Bell programs and to stand alongside the Healey-Driscoll administration in their commitment to ensuring every student in Massachusetts can access free school meals." 

 

When Massachusetts made universal free school meals permanent, it required all schools participating in the federal National School Lunch Program to also provide breakfast for their students. Under state law, schools where 60 percent or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program must offer all students a school breakfast after the beginning of the instructional day. This can happen through a variety of models, including breakfast in the classroom, “grab and go” breakfast, and “second chance” breakfast in the cafeteria. The administration works with districts to help them find the model that works best for them. 

Statement from Governor Maura Healey on Recent Acts of Violence in Michigan and Virginia

 Statement from Governor Maura Healey on Recent Acts of Violence in Michigan and Virginia  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement in response to recent acts of violence in Michigan and Virgina:  

 

“Yesterday was a dark day for our nation. I am horrified by the attacks in Michigan and Virginia and grateful to the first responders and public safety officials whose quick actions helped protect lives. 

 

These attacks are a painful reminder that too many communities across our country continue to face threats of violence and extremism. No one should have to live, learn or worship in fear. 

 

I also want to speak directly to Massachusetts’ Jewish community, which I know is feeling significant anguish and fear as a result of yet another antisemitic attack. You have the full support of the state and law enforcement who will do everything we can to protect you. Antisemitism has no place in our state or our country.  

 

In moments like these, we are reminded that our strength comes from standing together, looking out for our neighbors and refusing to let hate divide us. Here in Massachusetts, we stand strong against violence and hate of all kinds. Our administration will continue working closely with state and local law enforcement to protect our communities

Senate President Announces Support for Bill to Stop Changing the Clocks in Massachusetts

Senate President Announces Support for Bill to Stop Changing the Clocks in Massachusetts 

(BOSTON—3/13/2026) Today, Senate President Karen E. Spilka announced her support for ending the twice-yearly clock change and establishing a permanent, consistent time system in Massachusetts.  

 

“Twice a year, Massachusetts residents scramble to adjust their routines, deal with disruptions to their kids’ sleep schedules, and have their lives unsettled generally,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). 

 

“Every person who spent this week adapting with an hour less sleep or enjoying an afternoon of sunshine should agree. It’s time to stop changing the clocks and provide people with reasonable consistency.” 

 

“This should be the last time that Massachusetts has to change our clocks. It would be better for our health, safer for our roads, and remove one more complication from everyone’s lives. I want to thank Senator Keenan for filing this and Senator Collins for his collaboration to advance this measure to Senate Rules.” 

 

“Observing Atlantic Standard Time year-round would decrease energy usage, reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, car accidents, and increase workplace productivity,” said Senator John F. Keenan (D-Quincy), sponsor of the legislation. “Tom Emswiler, a constituent and dedicated expert on time zone policy, brought this issue to my attention. I’m pleased to see that his advocacy has helped spur action in the Legislature, a promising reminder of how engaged residents can help shed light on new ideas.” 

 

During a session on Thursday, the Senate moved legislation on the topic, S.2157, to the Committee on Rules, where it will receive review before a potential vote on the Senate floor.   

 

That legislation seeks to implement the recommendations of a previous legislative commission which noted the overall benefits of switching to a year-round daylight savings time because of the positive impacts from an additional hour of winter evening daylight and the absence of time transitions.  

Numerous studies have shown that changing the clocks has demonstrable negative impacts on health: 

• According to experts at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the time change is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, mood disturbances, and hospital admissions. 
• Research from the Stanford School of Medicine finds that disruptions to the body’s circadian rhythm are associated with higher rates of stroke and obesity. 
• Sleep medicine specialists from Northwestern Medicine have linked the clock change to longer-term health effects, including depression, slowed metabolism, weight gain, and cluster headaches. 

台中市長盧秀燕訪美首站獲贈曼徹斯特市鑰 13日將拜會波士頓市長吳弭

新罕布夏州曼徹斯特市市長 Jay P. Ruais送市鑰給台中市市長盧秀燕。（台中市府提供）

         （Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導）台中市長盧秀燕率團訪問美國，3月12日抵波士頓，立即前往新罕布夏州拜會曼徹斯特（Manchester）姊妹市，意外獲贈鑲有她英文姓名的「市鑰」，為11天訪美行程，奠下「馬到功成」基礎。今（13）日一早，她將拜會波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）。

台中市長盧秀燕（前中）由波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏（前左四）陪同，拜會
曼徹斯特市市長Jay P. Ruais。（台中市府提供）

13日這天，盧秀燕等一行約15人的美國訪問團，將在紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，中華總會會長余麗媖，波士頓僑務委員陳仕維，波士頓華商會副會長陳文珊等人陪同下，先拜會波士頓市長吳弭，再參訪紐英崙中華公所，麻省理工學院，晚上預定在龍鳳酒樓和大約200僑胞餐敘。

盧秀燕從台中出發前就已宣佈，此行訪美，將在3月11日至21日的10天，走訪美國5州，9個城市，主要的三大任務為深化城市交流、關心僑胞，以及鞏固台美情誼，將探討「能源穩定」、「區域安全」與「全球貿易」等關鍵議題，了解美國觀點，既為台灣發聲，也為台灣帶回更精確的國際現況訊息。

此行，她還將和「北美台商會聯合總會」簽訂 MOU。

12日抵達波士頓後，盧秀燕和台中副市長黃國榮等人立即展開拜會行程，由駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，組長黃耀良陪同，前往新罕布夏州（ＮＨ），拜會已締交37年之久的姊妹市曼徹斯特（Manchester），和市長 Jay P. Ruais親切晤談，也晤見了該市經濟發展事務主任Jodie Nazaka和大曼徹斯特地區商會董事長兼執行Heather McGrail。

盧秀燕和Jay P. Ruais就針對居住正義、街友議題及犯罪防治等三大議題，交流經驗，談及如何平衡城市發展與市民的居住權益；如何有效整合資源來協助無家可歸者，以及城市層級的反毒政策與預防機制等議題，談得很是愉快。

盧秀燕特地介紹台中是風靡全球的珍珠奶茶發源地時，Jay P. Ruais回以曼徹斯特是美式炸雞柳發明地，讓一旁聽者無不莞爾。

盧秀燕表示，3年前，曼徹斯特前市長Joyce Craig曾親自造訪台中。這次她率團回訪，也當面邀請曼徹斯特現任市長Jay P. Ruais擇期訪問台中，促進雙方更進一步交流。

Jay P. Ruais市長隨後送給盧秀燕市長，烙印有她英文姓名的曼徹斯特「市鑰」做見面禮。盧秀燕也以台中特產回禮。

            根據台中市已公佈的訪問團行程，盧秀燕等一行人接下來將在3月14至16日訪問紐約，拜會當地中華公所，參訪交通建設及博物館，和大紐約僑界交流，還將參訪新澤西州的人工智慧創新中心NJ AI Hub及HELIX創新園區。3月17及18兩日到華府（DC）拜會馬里蘭州政府，和美國聯邦眾議員晤談，和北美台商聯合總會「三合一綠色通道」簽署合作備忘錄，也和僑界交流。3月19日將到華盛頓州拜會西雅圖市，探望姊妹市塔可瑪（Tacoma），然後搭機返台。

「大聲朗誦詩歌」賽Nia Cao贏得麻州冠軍 前五名有3華裔

2026 麻州“大聲朗誦詩歌”賽冠軍Nia Cao。 David Marshall攝

         （Boston Orange編譯）Dana Hall 學校11年級學生 Nia Cao（譯音，曹妮亞），3月8日贏得第21屆全美「大聲朗誦詩歌（Poetry Out Loud）」的麻州冠軍，將獲全額補助，參加4月27日至29日在華府舉行的總決賽，爭取總冠軍及獎金2萬元。

2026 麻州“大聲朗誦詩歌”賽前五名。David Marshall攝

「大聲朗誦詩歌」是國家藝術基金會（National Endowment for the Arts, NEA）主辦的全國性高中詩歌朗誦競賽，目的是讓學生透過記憶、朗誦經典與當代詩歌，提升公開演說能力、自信心，並加深對詩歌的欣賞與理解，這競賽從2005年開辦以來，已有超過450萬名高中生參加。全國總冠軍獎金最高可達 $20,000。

            麻州今年的「大聲朗誦詩歌」比賽，由亨廷頓教育局（The Huntington Education Department ）和麻州文化協會（ Mass Cultural Council ）合作舉辦，共有來自麻州各地高中的12名選手參加決賽，在波士頓市的舊南會議廳（Old South Meeting House）競比。Nia Cao以優異表現贏得冠軍，為她自己贏得200元獎金，4月底前往華府參加全國總決賽的全額補助，同時為學校圖書館贏得500元採購詩集基金。

            在麻州的「大聲朗誦詩歌」比賽中，獲得前5名的其他學生，依名次順序為，勒星頓（Lexington）高中11年級的Jason Yang，法蘭克林(Franklin)高中9年級的Marina Zaki，以及神秘谷（Mystic Valley）區域特許學校12年級的Iris Zhao，新人（Newman）學校12年級的Mia Brillantes。

            根據公開資料，亞裔或華裔在「大聲朗誦詩歌」中，一直表現極佳，2024年的冠軍，波士頓拉丁學校的Ailin Sha，從姓名看也是華裔。今年，2026年，不但冠軍Nia Cao是華人，前五名中，共有3人為華裔，讓人看到華裔/亞裔不是只有數理好的一面。

文協雲鶴社慶10週年 90餘人為豐富人生歡聚

文協雲鶴社新任社長楊哲修、吳萍萍夫婦。（雲鶴社提供，林遊嵐攝）

           (Boston Orange)大波士頓區中華文化協會（GBCCA）麾下的雲鶴社，3月11日中午在Natick 鎮Sora 壽司海鮮自助餐廳，慶祝成立10週年，來自四面八方的近90人歡聚一堂，享用美食，欣賞歌舞表演，既回顧過往，也展望將來。

龍俐麗回顧歷史。

          文協會長吳德惠這天應邀專程出席，為雲鶴社成員陳企平頒發文協的“社區服務獎”，表揚他利用專業知識，提升文協的寬頻網路（WIFI）系統，為文協設計了現代化的開門系統，這麼多年來一直無私奉獻的為社區提供許多服務。

大波士頓區中華文化協會（GBCCA）會長吳德惠出席頒發社區服務獎給陳企平。

         雲鶴社的首屆社長是龍俐麗。她在雲鶴社新任社長楊哲修、吳萍萍夫婦的介紹中，為出席眾人補習歷史，指出當年有一群剛退休的人覺得，GBCCA的很多活動，不大適合歲數已經不小的人，讓他們無法像年輕時那樣，有那麼多文協活動可以參加，有點遺憾。於是一群熱心的文協會員起而策劃，在文協體制內新增一個社團，並在2016年三月九日這天正式成立了，還推選她出來擔任第一屆社長。

龍俐麗說，10年下來，雲鶴社辦得越來越有聲有色，全靠歷屆幹部的努力付出，讓人十分感謝。

歷年來為文協雲鶴社付出許多心力的湯耀武、薛正璇夫婦，以及周一男，吳渝接著介紹雲鶴社曾經舉辦過的活動，例如紐約行、華府行，排舞班，每月專題討論餐會，自由談等。

薛正璇。

           他們指出，在2020-2024年 間，由於新冠病毒疫情的關係，排舞班，專題討論，自由談等活動，都轉以雲端聚會（ Zoom）方式舉行，疫情後才再改為一年實體聚會四次，，近年還新成立了健行組，設立了雲鶴聊天室Line群組，以及雲鶴社公告欄群組，加強會員間的溝通。

湯耀武。

雲鶴社新社長楊哲修和吳萍萍接著主持歌舞表演。節目包括張揚明高歌茶花女歌劇中的飲酒歌，女高音吳萍萍唱「我要為你歌唱」，楊哲修唱「卡拉永遠OK，3人的獨唱表演。

這天的特別節目是王樹臣教授演唱京劇「空城計」。

            雲鶴社10週年慶祝會最後在全體合唱「杜鵑花」與「Do-Re-Mi」這兩首大家熟悉的老歌，余嘯渝老師率排舞班學員表演西班牙舞、現代拉丁舞後，帶領全場出席者再跳了兩首排舞後，所有人才在滿心歡喜中盡興而歸。（更新版，所有圖片雲鶴社林遊嵐提供））

陳企平獲文協社區服務獎。

吳渝介紹雲鶴社自由談活動。

周一男介紹雲鶴社健行活動。

余嘯渝率排舞班表演。

接待台有周飛飛（右起），李弘嘉，吳德惠，薩芝楠。

趙小怡（左）和吳國志（右）。

龍麗俐（右起），陳玉瑛、譚先哲合唱。

李小玉夫婦（左）。

右起，胡世沛、吳渝、徐宗玲，姜銓等人同桌。

2

會場佈置得十分有氣氛。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES SUMMER SWIM SAFE GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

MAYOR MICHELLE WU  ANNOUNCES SUMMER SWIM SAFE GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

BOSTON - Thursday, March 12, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Human Services Cabinet, in partnership with Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), today announced the opening of applications for the Swim Safe Boston Summer Grant. This grant will provide $150,000 to support organizations working to expand access to swim lessons during the summer months. The funding comes from the BCYF and Human Services FY26 Operating budget.  

 

“Learning to swim is a critical life skill that helps our young people safely enjoy Boston’s pools and beaches,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With applications now open for the Swim Safe Boston Summer Grant, we’re expanding access to high-quality swim instruction and water safety education to keep our community safe. I encourage community organizations to apply and join this effort to support Boston’s youth.”

 

The Swim Safe Summer Grant is designed to reduce drowning risks and eliminate barriers that prevent children and families from learning critical water safety skills. Swim Safe Boston is a coordinated effort dedicated to expanding equitable access to high-quality swim instruction and drowning prevention education for Boston youth. 

 

“Our Swim Safe grants continue to strengthen Boston’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to this essential life skill,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “Our partners reflect our shared commitment to protect and empower our communities.”

 

By partnering directly with trusted community organizations, the program delivers structured beginner swim lessons to young people who may otherwise face barriers to access. Through these partnerships, participating organizations are able to provide their constituents with critical life-saving skills while strengthening youth development programming within their communities.

 

“We are proud to continue our investment in water equity with this latest round of grants,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “By providing free and inclusive access to swimming, BCYF and our partners are removing barriers and ensuring that high-quality aquatics programming is available to every family in our city, regardless of their zip code.”

 

"For years, water access has been part of the Boston Explorers summer experience, but this year, thanks to the Swim Safe grant, we were able to take this a step further. In addition to offering beach and pool experiences throughout the summer, we integrated structured swim lessons that helped to develop swim skills and water safety awareness in partnership with the YMCA,” said Christine Dixon, Executive Director of Boston Explorers, Inc. “We saw some campers advance levels over the course of the summer, and even more powerful, we watched young people who once hesitated at the edge of the pool grow in confidence and joy. Swim Safe didn’t just support recreation - it helped equip our youth with life-saving skills and the foundation for a lifelong love of the water."

 

The grant period runs from June 1, 2026 through August 31, 2026, and all applications must be submitted by Monday, March 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Funding is available only for programs that provide free swim instruction to Boston youth. Other aquatics programming, including intermediate, advanced, or adult swim lessons are not eligible for funding under this grant.

 

ABOUT THE HUMAN SERVICES CABINET

The Human Services cabinet oversees six departments that provide direct services to Boston residents: Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Boston Public Library, Age Strong Commission, Office of Youth Engagement & Advancement, Office of Returning Citizens and the Office of Veterans’ Services. The mission of the Human Services cabinet is to provide equitable access to high quality services, resources, and opportunities so that every Boston resident - especially those with the greatest needs - has what they need to thrive. In pursuit of this mission, the departments in the Human Services Cabinet meet residents where they are - in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities - to break down barriers to critical resources.