波士頓市長吳弭提醒民眾這個週末氣溫零下 注意保暖

MAYOR WU URGES CAUTION AS BITTERLY COLD WEATHER ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND

BOSTON - Friday, January 21, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a cold weather advisory and winter safety tips in response to the bitterly cold temperatures expected tonight and this weekend. Boston is forecasted to experience wind chills as low as zero overnight tonight into Saturday, January 22. This follows a wind chill of below zero Thursday night into Friday.    “As Boston is impacted by another round of brutally cold weather, I urge all our residents and families to take precautions to stay safe,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “While our City is prepared for more winter weather, I’m reminding residents to check on others, especially those more vulnerable to cold temperatures.”   Due to the low temperatures and strong wind gusts, there is an increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite in vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk populations.   The current City of Boston cold emergency threshold is 1 day or more of -10°F or below observed wind chill. Additionally, the current City of Boston cold advisory threshold is 1 day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill.   Mayor Wu is advising residents to take precautions, reminding them to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If you see an individual experiencing homelessness and vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, they are encouraged to call 911 as well.    While the temperature forecast does not reach the threshold for declaring a weather emergency, Boston Centers for Youth & Families’ (BCYF) community centers will be open for people to warm up during their normal operating hours tomorrow. They are also open for pre-registered regular programming. Due to COVID-19 public health regulations, all people entering BCYF community centers must wear a face covering (covering both the nose and mouth) and must sign in and include contact information. Locations open on Saturday can be found at Boston.gov/BCYF.   The Boston Public Library's Central Library in Copley Square will be open during normal operating hours tomorrow, and is available for people in need of a place to warm up. Visitors to all BPL locations are required to wear face coverings fully covering their nose and mouth.   City COVID-19 testing sites are running on normal operating hours, but are subject to change as the forecast updates. A full list of City testing sites and any changes to hours can be found here.   The Southampton Street Shelter and Woods Mullen Shelter will remain open 24/7. Amnesty is in effect and anyone with a non-violent restriction may come in.   The Boston Police Department (BPD) is making announcements on every shift for officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for vulnerable people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered homeless persons in distress. The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers and 911 dispatch as needed.     KEY SAFETY TIPS INCLUDE:   Dress for the weather:   Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to wear face coverings in all indoor public places. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well. Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.   Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.   Watch for signs of frostbite:   Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.   Watch for signs of hypothermia:   These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911.   Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:   In accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately. If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint.   Heating safety:   Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.  Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color. It is poisonous and can be deadly. Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people. Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed.   Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:   The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate a home's main water shut off valve, and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage. Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing. Circulate warm air around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open. Circulate a trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold to help prevent them freezing up. Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight. If pipes do freeze, slowly thaw them with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.     Emergency home repair resources:    Income-eligible homeowners and Boston's residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).    In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.      For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow @CityofBoston on Twitter.

華美福利會企業簡報賽 環保業ChopValue Boston奪冠

華美福利會亞裔企業簡報賽參賽者和評審。(視頻截圖)

ChopValue Boston 創辦人Elaine Chow。

                         (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 華美福利會(AACA)的首屆亞裔企業培訓輔導項目 (ABTM)簡報賽，日前經10人評審，選出優勝者，發出共1萬2000元獎金給已創辦企業組的第一、二、三名依序為ChopValue Boston， FreshZen Foods，Three Circles Studio，新創企業構想組為Joy In Tutoring。

。              這一比賽原定在”越助中心”舉行，因為新冠病毒疫情加劇，改在網上辦理。AACA的「下一步」項目主任Andy Goldberg說明，這次的簡報賽，共有8人參加已創辦企業組，首獎5000元。3人參加新創企業組。得獎者將自動獲得入讀華美福利會下一期的企業培訓及輔導班。

FreshZen Foods的Ruby Chan

              已創辦企業組第一名ChopValue Boston，由創辦人Elaine Chow做簡報，是一家藉由已有國際連鎖的科技方法處理回收的一次性筷子，再以之為材料，製作成環保傢俱，或壁飾等物品的公司。Elaine Chow 表示，該公司計畫從大波士頓各中餐館回收一次性筷子，再找本地廠商生產，全程以無碳方式進行，期以達到減碳減排的環保理想。

              第二名FreshZen Foods由Ruby Chan做簡報。有家人在餐館業工作的她透露，踏進這辣醬及調味料生意，完全是意外，但FreshZen的調味料不但用料天然，還低碳少糖，推出後意外地大受歡迎，因為打算擴大行銷到紐約及西岸，所以來參加比賽，增加籌資機會。

Three Circles Studio由創辦人Kevin Thai

              第三名的Three Circles Studio由創辦人Kevin Thai做簡報，是一家攝影公司，主要業務是幫助企業領袖克服面對相機鏡頭時的緊張與不安全感，進而幫助他們在網際網路上打造個人品牌，同時為企業領袖拍出專業水準的照片。Kevin Thai坦言，他已開業數年，口碑及業績都不錯，但要擴展或更上一層樓，幫助更多人，就得有突破。

              新創企業構想組的優勝者為Joy In Tutoring，由Nina Truong做簡報。她的構想是把輔導課業服務和餐飲結合在一起，藉由創造出一個有趣，溫馨的場所，來促成對學生課後學習更有益的環境。

Joy In Tutoring，的Nina Truon

              共11個參加簡報賽的項目，種類十分多元，有丁偉簡報以摩頓市有69年歷史工廠為基礎，發展以植物為基礎的食品包裝材料，有Lan Mi的Cobblestone 資本，要針對移民及特定族裔來設立房地產投資基金，Bowen Gao要在配音業方面做更多元發展，Vanessa Ly要向更廣的大眾介紹越南菜餚等等，參與評審的10名專家，都民間創意的多元化讚嘆不已。

              Andy Goldberg表示，賽後，各參賽者和評審們私下交流，都獲得不少寶貴意見。華美福利會將在整理分析「亞裔企業簡報賽 (Asian business pitch contest) 」過程與結果後，再決定是否或何時舉辦下一次的活動。

                 有意研習華美福利會企業培訓及輔導班者，可洽Andy Goldberg，電郵 abtm@aaca-boston.org ，或電話 617.953.0954。

The Advancing Justice Affiliation Continues In-Language Bystander Intervention Training for the Asian American Community Nationwide

 The Advancing Justice Affiliation Continues In-Language Bystander Intervention Training for the Asian American Community Nationwide

 

[Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.] – The Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliates in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. continue to offer virtual Bystander Intervention Training – Stop Anti-Asian and Asian American and Xenophobic Harassment in 2022 and are now proud to offer trainings in Asian languages for limited English proficient members of the community.

 

Washington, D.C.-based Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles (Advancing Justice – LA) offer accessible in-language trainings in Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Additionally, Advancing Justice – AAJC offers trainings in Hindi, provides simultaneous interpretations along with English facilitations, and uses bilingual slides. Advancing Justice – LA trains directly in Asian languages, accompanied by translated slides as part of the interactive experience. Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago (Advancing Justice – Chicago) provide bilingual trainings in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hindi, with verbal presentations in both English and the Asian language and slides in Asian languages only.

 

Since the Advancing Justice affiliates in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. and Hollaback! started training in the last two years, they have trained over 150,000 people. Of all people who reported witnessing harassment after completing the training, 75% reported intervening, a best practice in reducing trauma and de-escalating violence.

 

“The Asian American community has borne heightened discrimination as some have sought to place blame for the pandemic on us,” said Marita Etcubañez, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Advancing Justice – AAJC. “We have heard from many in our community about the fear and anxiety they are feeling as Asian Americans have experienced increased hate crimes and hate incidents in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Through our trainings, we share practical, actionable strategies that we hope our participants will be able to use to safely intervene in and stop harassment, and also mitigate the harm for the person who faced harassment.”

 

“It is a privilege and a testimony to our collective commitment to the Asian American community that we are able to expand and offer these culturally competent, useful trainings with more Advancing Justice affiliates,” said Dax Valdes, Senior Trainer with Hollaback!. "We always look for ways to make our sessions more accessible, so we can reach more community members who may be wondering what to do when they see someone else getting harassed, on public transportation or at the grocery store, for example. Offering these trainings in Asian languages is a crucial step in meeting communities where they are.” In Hollaback's evaluation and research, they found that 98.8% of those trained reported that as a result of the training, they were able to recognize and intervene when harassment occurs.

 

According to Christina Yang, General Counsel and Pro Bono Director at Advancing Justice – LA, “It is essential for us to train directly in Asian languages and make bystander intervention trainings more accessible to broader audiences, especially those who are still under attack and scapegoated for the COVID-19 pandemic.”

 

“As an organization that strives towards racial equity through community organizing, it is imperative that we respond to the requests from different communities and partners across the Midwest. We are excited to be a part of a strong affiliation and movement to make this training more inclusive for so many.” said Catherine Shieh, Anti-Hate Training Coordinator at Advancing Justice – Chicago.  

 

Upcoming Asian language Bystander Intervention Trainings:

 

Chinese

• January 31 – Training with simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese & Mandarin, 3pm Hawaii / 4pm Alaska / 5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern. Click here to register.

• February 3 – Cantonese training, 1pm Hawaii / 2pm Alaska / 3pm Pacific / 4pm Mountain, 5pm Central, 6pm Eastern. This training will also be offered in March and April. Click here to register.
• February 10 – Mandarin training, 1pm Hawaii / 2pm Alaska / 3pm Pacific / 4pm Mountain, 5pm Central, 6pm Eastern. This training will also be offered in March and April. Click here to register.

 

Hindi

• April 20 – Training with simultaneous interpretation in Hindi. 3pm Hawaii / 4pm Alaska / 5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern. The registration link will be posted here soon.

 

Korean

• January 25 – Korean training, 2pm Hawaii / 3pm Alaska / 4pm Pacific / 5pm Mountain / 6pm Central / 7pm Eastern. This training will also be offered in February, March, and April. Click here to register.

• February 17 – Training with simultaneous interpretation in Korean, 3pm Hawaii / 4pm Alaska / 5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern. Click here to register.

 

Tagalog

• January 26 – Tagalog training, 1pm Hawaii / 2pm Alaska / 3pm Pacific / 4pm Mountain / 5pm Central / 6pm Eastern. This training will also be offered in February, March, and April. Click here to register.
• March 23 – Training with simultaneous interpretation in Tagalog, 3pm Hawaii / 4pm Alaska / 5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern. The registration link will be posted here soon.

 

Thai

• April 7 – Training with simultaneous interpretation in Thai, 3pm Hawaii / 4pm Alaska / 5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern. The registration link will be posted here soon.

 

Vietnamese

• February 17 – Vietnamese training, 12pm Hawaii / 1pm Alaska / 2pm Pacific / 3pm Mountain / 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern. This training will also be offered in March and April. Click here to register.

• March 1 – Training with simultaneous interpretation in Vietnamese, 3pm Hawaii / 4pm Alaska / 5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern. The registration link will be posted here soon.

Statement from Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford on President Biden’s First Year in Office

 Statement from Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford on President Biden’s First Year in Office

“When President Biden and Vice President Harris took their oaths of office on the steps of the Capitol, they stood at the intersection of compounding crises: a virus raging unchecked across the country and an economic recession. Despite Republican efforts to halt their popular agenda, President Biden led Democrats in passing historic pieces of legislation, getting millions of vaccines in arms, putting money back in people’s pockets, and making infrastructure investments that are critical to America’s future. Although much work remains to be done, Bay Staters are better off now than they were one year ago, and President Biden and Vice President Harris are just getting started.”

師大副校長印永翔訪波士頓 簡介百年校慶談募款

波士頓師大校友歡迎師大副校長印永翔 (後左五)來訪。後排左起，師大校友會長彭淑敏，
科技組長謝水龍，師大校友財政楊源，經文處處長孫儉元，以及教育組組長黃薳玉，
資深校友游勝雄，馮文鸞，僑教中心主任潘昭榮。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 國立台灣師範大學副校長印永翔日前訪美，在波士頓向校友報告校務發展，邀校友們6月1日返校參加百年校慶，關注百年校務發展基金籌募活動，協助母校未來的興建國際教學研究大樓計畫。

印永翔此行訪美，主要目的是出席賓州州立大學「台灣師大海外華語教學中心」揭牌儀式。他另外特別安排到波士頓、華府、紐約，芝加哥，洛杉磯等地拜訪校友，報告校務近況，凝聚校友的向心力。

師大副校長印永翔(後左一)和在波士頓進修的師大年輕世代校友。科技組長謝水龍(後中)
因妻子陳沁紅曾任師大音樂系主任，彼此十分熟稔。後右為創辦Folkspaper的校友
林奕汛。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓師大校友會活動組彭淑敏，財政楊源與資深校友游勝雄、馮文鸞，和創辦Folkspaper的林奕汛，以及刻在新英格蘭音樂學院進修的年輕一代校友，1月17日特地邀波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元，教育組組長黃薳玉，科技組組長謝水龍，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮等嘉賓，在華森市木蘭餐廳歡迎印永翔，聆聽母校近況。

              印永翔準備了一份精彩的簡報，從師大1922年創辦時是台灣總督府台北高校，1950年代是台灣省立師範學院，1960年代成為省立師範大學，到今日成為國立師範大學，校門也轉型變身至少4次來綜述師大歷年來的轉變與今日近況。

波士頓經文處處長孫儉元應邀出席。(周菊子攝)

              印永翔指出，師大有和平，公館，林口等3個校區，總校地面積54公頃，全校學生約15,000人，為增加個人使用樓地板面積，師大近年陸續建了美術館，預定今年9月竣工，可容納3000多人的公館校區學生宿舍。師大還在臥龍街籌建地下3層，地上10層的華語國際教學研究大樓。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(後右) 請師大校友會活動組長彭淑敏(後左)協助，
分發農曆新年春聯，紙卡燈籠給師大校友們。(周菊子攝)

              早年師大只有教育、文、理等3個學院，但隨著時代推進，自1982年後，依序增加了藝術、科技與工程，運動與休閒、音樂、管理與國際與社會科學等6個學院，師大也成為了一所綜合大學。

              印永翔指出，師大十分重視研究與教學，學校財務也很健全。師大的學術成就在全球眾多大學院校的評比中，也十分優秀，QS世界大學排名﹐師大排名第331，其中教育與語言這2個領域，更是名列前茅，依序為第20 (THE)，第53 (QS)。

              2020年師大有10名學生及畢業校友參加奧運，其中3人榮獲獎牌，舉重陳玟卉及空手道文姿云銅牌，射箭團體賽中的魏均珩銀牌。

              2016年起，師大還和台大，台科大展開跨校聯盟合作，學生們可以跨校選課，為將來的進入雙主修時代打下基礎。

              師大在全體師生努力下，2020年在教育部的首輪「優華語計畫」中拔得頭籌，去年已和美國賓州州立大學、加州大學洛杉磯分校展開合作，更於2020年9月獲選為教育部4所雙語大學「重點培育學校」之一。

              印永翔此行的另一主要目的是向校友報告，6月1日就是師大「百年傳承，世紀典範」的百年校慶大日子，以棗紅和黃金色的2個齒輪圖案來寓意凝聚與傳承，特別邀請美術系名譽教授蘇憲法繪製「師大百年校景圖」捐贈，從3月起，師大將開始舉辦一系列慶祝活動。為歡迎校友，師大會館還推出了四天三夜7999元專案。

              師大百年校慶的另一件大事是要推動「百年建設」，規劃在公館校區興建「國際教學研究大樓」，做為師生現代教學、學生活動、跨域研究中心及系所行政辦公空間，總建設經費估計約需新台幣18億元，全國校友總會也為百年校慶訂製了金門高粱紀念酒，勸募捐款。 (更新版)

大學沙龍 - 1/22 史前文明搖籃的長久影響

 

陳剛是清白的 美國司法部請法官駁回該案

陳剛教授。(MIT網站照片)

               (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 震驚一時，拖延年餘的麻省理工學院教授陳剛 (Gang Chen)被捕，被控事件，美國司法部今 (20)日以”對司法有利”為由，請美國地區法院法官取消對陳剛的4點控訴，法官也已同意撤銷此案。

              陳剛的律師Robert Fisher表示，「政府終於承認了我們一直都知道的事實，那就是陳剛教授是無辜的」。

              麻省理工學院校長L. Rafael Reif也在今 (20)日發給校內師生的訊息中說，「對我們所有認識陳剛教授的人來說，都深深地鬆了一口氣」。

              川普總統在任時，美國司法部推出「中國計畫 (China Initiative)」，以防止中國偷盜美國科技為主軸，大規模調查各大學院校與中國有來往的科研人員。麻省理工學院機械工程教授陳剛被捕時，各界震驚，學術界幾乎無人相信。經由張曙光等人發起，還有共160多名MIT教職員發表了聯名公開信來聲援。麻省理工學院校長

              美國司法部20日動議，要求美國地區法院法官Patti B. Saris 撤銷對陳鋼的4點控訴，包括電匯詐欺，未申報中國銀行戶口，報稅不誠實等。這些控訴都源自美國司法部認為陳剛五年前向美國能源部申請補助，以在MIT做研究時，未揭露他與中國政府曾簽訂合約，會晤，以及他從中國那兒收到獎勵款。

              美國司法部檢控官表示，持續調查後，政府得到更多有關陳剛漏報資訊的資料，經過整體評估，現在政府無法承擔審訊時的舉證責任，因此撤銷控訴對司法有利。

              Patti B. Saris法官很快就同意了這一要求，給回陳剛他的清白。

              新上任的美國駐麻州檢察官Rachael Rollins表示，司法部的結論是，「我們不能再在審判中承擔舉證責任」，做為檢控官，他們有責任持續檢驗他們所追究每件事的相關事實，並開放接納之前未發現的新證據。撤銷此案就是這一過程的結果，而且是對司法有利的結果。

幾名熟悉這一案件調查過程的人透露，這一案件開始分崩離析是一名能源部高官最近告訴調查者，他們並未要求陳剛揭露司法部稱陳剛漏報的資訊，而且即使他把那些資訊包括進他的申請計畫案內，對於政府資助他研究的決定，大概也沒什麼影響。

在司法部的「中國計畫」之下，陳剛之外的另一名被告的學術界人士是田納西州教授胡安明 (Anming Hu)。去年9月，因陪審團未能達成一致決議，也獲判無罪了。胡安明被控以他在收取美國太空總署研究補助款時，隱瞞了他和一所中國大學的關係。法官發現政府未能提出證明。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES $50 MILLION FUNDING COMMITMENT FOR MILDRED C. HAILEY APARTMENTS, SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON FAIR HOUSING

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES $50 MILLION FUNDING COMMITMENT FOR MILDRED C. HAILEY APARTMENTS, SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON FAIR HOUSING New investments will bring critical upgrades to more than 500 residents in Jamaica Plain, with new commitment to embedding fair housing and civil rights throughout City government

BOSTON - Thursday, January 20, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu at a press conference today announced a commitment of $50 million in funding for capital improvements at the Boston Housing Authority’s Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain. She was joined by President of the Mildred C. Hailey Tenant Task Force Yolanda Torres, Greater Boston Interfaith Organization leader Beverly Williams, Chair of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Community Advisory Committee Lincoln Larmond, City Councilors Kendra Lara and Kenzie Bok, State Representative Nika Elugardo and city officials including Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon, Executive Director of the Office of Fair Housing Will Onuoha, and Administrator of the Boston Housing Authority Kate Bennett, members of the Mildred C. Hailey community, and many other advocates. With the new investment, the Boston Housing Authority is planning to address plumbing, ventilation, windows, and kitchen and bathroom improvements in 526 public housing units. These investments will improve air quality, prevent environmental health hazards like mold and mildew, and increase energy efficiency, advancing Mayor Wu’s commitment to climate action through a Green New Deal agenda. The Boston Housing Authority aims to begin work within the year. This new funding for renovations, along with the planned redevelopment, will ensure that the entire site is sustainable. Mayor Wu also today signed An Executive Order Relative to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and the Implementation of the City of Boston’s Assessment of Fair Housing, intended to instill the practice of fair housing and racial equity throughout all levels of City government. The Executive Order builds on the advocacy of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Community Advisory Committee, which spearheaded a multi-year community engagement process to identify fair housing challenges and priorities and action steps to advance a fair housing agenda in Boston. With this step, Mayor Wu builds on Boston’s legacy as a leader in fair housing and civil rights, after Boston became the first major city to embed fair housing in its zoning code in 2021.  “Today was an exciting recognition of the legacy of activism and leadership at Mildred Hailey and the legacy and activism of housing and tenants rights activists across the city and beyond,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We plan to make affordable housing a top priority when it comes to putting federal recovery money to use. That means preserving and improving affordable housing that already exists, as well as adding more affordable housing options for residents across the city. This is an investment that builds on generations of work that advocates and tenant leaders have done to improve quality of life for our residents.” The federal public housing program has been underfunded for decades, especially with regard to capital needs. This underfunding has forced public housing authorities nationwide to defer necessary capital improvements, as conditions in the aging buildings slowly deteriorate. Mildred Hailey, which was built mid century, has significant capital needs that impact residents’ quality of life. This new $50 million funding commitment will be met through a combination of federal funding and the City’s capital plan.  “This funding will significantly improve the lives of hundreds of families in a community that truly needs the help,” BHA Administrator Kate Bennett said. “This is what leadership looks like, and I am grateful to Mayor Wu for acting decisively to address this critical need.” “I cannot overstate how important this investment is for residents here at Mildred C. Hailey Apartments,” said Yolanda Torres, President of the Mildred C. Hailey Tenant Taskforce. “I want to thank the Mayor for making an investment that will make life better for hundreds of residents in my community.” “Thank you to Mayor Wu and the Boston Housing Authority for this much-needed $50 million investment in the Mildred Hailey apartments,” said Greater Boston Interfaith Organization leader, Beverly Williams. “This is a true testament to what happens when elected officials, the community, agencies, and advocates collaborate together.” "An investment in public housing is an investment in the people of our city. For years the tenants at Mildred C. Hailey have fought tirelessly for healthy, safe, and accessible homes,” said City Councilor Kendra Lara. “I want to thank them for remaining steadfast in their advocacy and Mayor Wu for leading with urgency and prioritizing the needs of working-class people in district six and across the city." "Mayor Wu's signing of the executive order today represents a step towards making Boston a more equitable, inclusive and accessible city for all," said Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon. "Thanks to the partnership with the Community Advisory Committee, we continue to create solutions and remove barriers to housing opportunity in Boston. We look forward to making further strides towards equity under Mayor Wu's leadership." "The signing of the Executive Order adopting the City of Boston Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) is a testament to Mayor Wu’s leadership, commitment, and vision for the City of Boston as a place where justice, civil rights, and equity do not only happen at the margins but reign supreme,” said Lincoln Larmond, Chair of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Community Advisory Committee. “The AFH is the fulfillment of years of hard work, dedication, commitment, and perseverance of the Community Advisory Committee for Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (CAC) and our City of Boston partners. Most importantly, however, it is a testament to and affirmation of the residents of Boston who shared their many stories and whose voices and lived experiences expertly informed the policies and goals of the AFH. This is indeed a great victory for the City of Boston and the CAC is proud to stand with Mayor Wu on behalf of countless civic leaders and community members who have labored so long for this day."  A plan is underway for the redevelopment of 253 of the 779 public housing units currently at Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, with construction expected to begin later this year. In addition to restoring 253 public housing units, this plan will create hundreds of additional units affordable to low and moderate income residents. Centre Street Partners, a collaboration of the JPNDC, The Community Builders and Urban Edge, will carry out the redevelopment project. In the past year, BHA has brought in a dedicated maintenance crew, a Director of Quality Control, and additional staff to address maintenance issues at Mildred Hailey. The BHA has also allocated $13 million to make additional capital repairs over the next several years.