City of Boston Funding update

The Funding Update Subscribe to The Funding Update FEDERAL GRANTS Department of Justice OJJDP FY 2022 Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Drug Misuse, 5/23/2022 Category 1: Mentoring Strategies - Project Sites Category 2: Statewide and Regional Mentoring Strategies Awards will range from $625,000 to $2M OJJDP FY 2022 Enhancing School Capacity To Address Youth Violence, 6/3/2022 Category 1: Project Sites Category 2: Training and Technical Assistance. Awards will range from $1M to $3.5M OJJDP FY 2022 Reducing Risk for Girls in the Juvenile Justice System, 6/6/2022 Category 1: Project Sites Category 2: Training & Technical Assistance Awards will range from $525,000 to $800,000 OJJDP FY 2022 Family-Based Alternative Sentencing Program, 6/20/2022 OJJDP will support potential models that divert justice-involved parents/primary caregivers whom a court has found guilty of a crime from the prison system, promote the unification of families, and prevent children from entering the foster care and/or juvenile justice systems. Max Award: $750,000 Department of Education Upward Bound Math & Science, 6/3/2022 Eligible Applicants: secondary schools, higher education, public and private agencies, and organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth. Max award: $287,537 Health & Human Services Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, 6/13/2022 Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnerships for Success grants support state and community substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion services. Awards will range up to $375,000 per year for community, tribal, or territory applicants;and uUp to $1,250,000 for state applicants. Health Resources & Services Administration, 6/14/2022 Grants support training projects that will increase the number of Community Health Workers and Health Support Workers. HRSA estimates 75 awards ranging from recipients. You may apply for up to a ceiling amount of up to $3,000,000 total cumulative costs, or $3M max.  News for Applicants In April 2022, the federal government will transition from the use of the DUNS Number to a new SAM.gov Unique Entity ID, which is required to apply for and receive federal awards. If you are registered in SAM.gov, you’ve already been assigned a new UEI.  FAQ    Federal funding opportunities are continuously updated on grants.gov STATE GRANTS Massachusetts Housing Partnership + Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency The Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund is available for homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of HAF is to prevent foreclosures and displacements of eligible homeowners.    Scroll down to "Important Links" on CommBUYS to see Newly Posted Bids. CITY GRANTS Economic Opportunity & Inclusion Cabinet, 5/21/2022 Boston’s Contracting Opportunity Fund has $800,000 available to assist small, local businesses in building their capacity to bid on City contracts. Find out if your business qualifies, and apply here Boston Housing Authority, 5/23/2022 Income Verification Software (Job #1942-02) - BHA is seeking a contract from a vendor to provide electronic income verifications to assist in determining income eligibility for applicants and participants in low-income housing programs. The award value is estimated at $200,000 per year over a 5-year term.. Youth Leadership Program (Job #2032-01) - BHA seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide a vital and enriching youth leadership program to BHA residents ages 15-19. The proposed program envisions a dynamic leadership group for at least 50 to 75 youth participants. The contract will have a one-year term. Bids are updated continuously on the City of Boston Supplier Portal. FOUNDATION GRANTS Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Open Funding priorities: trustworthy journalism, voter protection, women in technology, veterans and military families. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, 6/1/2022 The Disruptive Technology Fellowship will provide a stipend of $75,000 to early-career scientists within 10 years of receiving their PhD.  George B. Henderson Foundation, 5/6/2022 Grants support projects focused on enhancing the appearance and preservation of outdoor elements within Boston’s city limits. Awards average $20,000 to $40,000, but the foundation will consider any project that fulfills its goals and offers outstanding benefit to the community. A mini grants (up to $7,500) program is also available.  Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, 5/10/2022 In 2022, the program will award $1.25 million in prizes overall. Five grand prize winners will receive $100,000, with $70,000 going to the public high school skilled trades program and $30,000 going to the eligible individual skilled trades teacher. In addition, 15 prize winners will each be awarded $50,000, with $35,000 going to the public high school skilled trades program and $15,000 going to the eligible individual skilled trades teacher.  AstraZeneca, 5/13/2022 ACT on Health Equity grants ($25,000) will be awarded to community-based programs working to improve conditions that affect health and well-being The Lewis Prize for Music, 6/3/2022 Accelerator Awards ($15.000 to $50,000) are open to nonprofit Creative Youth Development music organizations Bess Spiva Timmons Foundation, 7/1/2022 Funding priorities: education, health, medical research, arts, minority groups, social services, and ecology. Max award: $5,000. General Motors, 9/29/2022 Corporate grants and event sponsorships for charitable organizations that address social issues, such as, STEM education, community development, climate equity, and road and vehicle safety.  Check the Funding Update Archives for back issues with open deadlines. THE RESOURCE TABLE CITY OF BOSTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND, 4/29/2022 New college-goers and continuing education students are awarded $2,500 per year to help pay for up to 4 years of school. Supporting Small Businesses: Hello Alice From a grant to jazz up your online storefront to a loan to help you stock up on inventory, the Small Business Funding Center connects you with the capital you need to launch and grow your small business. Final Call: 2022 Fellowship Recruitment The application deadline for the 2022 Boston Professionals Fellowship is one week away, Friday, April 29, 2022! This year's fellowship is open to both City of Boston residents and non-Boston residents. Applicants can choose to apply for either the Program Coordinator Track or the Administrator of Sponsored Research Track. CONSTRUCTION BID SOURCE Search on Project Dog

SBA Administrator Guzman Launches T.H.R.I.V.E, Executive Level Business Training for Entrepreneurs Ready to Maximize their Full Potential WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America’s 32.5 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, announced the launch of T.H.R.I.V.E. (Train, Hope, Rise, Innovate, Venture, Elevate), a reimagined training program for small business leaders, formerly known as Emerging Leaders. “T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined initiative will provide up-and-coming small business leaders with tools, knowledge, and access to the best and the brightest minds in economic development to help them accelerate their growth and help them become competitive in an increasingly global economy,” said Administrator Guzman. “The Biden-Harris administration continues to do everything possible to empower small business owners to continue powering our nation’s historic economic growth.” Local area recruitment for the 2022 training cycle has begun. Small business owners can learn more regarding eligibility, how to apply, program format, and locations by visiting www.sbathrive.com or by contacting their local SBA District Office. The SBA’s T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined provides complimentary entrepreneurship education and training for executives of high-performing small businesses. Over six months, this intensive executive entrepreneurship training series includes in-person coaching, self-paced instruction, mentoring, and classroom time. The program allows participants to work with a network of experienced subject matter experts in core business topics like accounting, business strategy, marketing, and human resources customized for the unique needs of small business owners. “Under Administrator Guzman’s leadership of action and outcomes, we are committed to transforming our learning ecosystem to be timelier and more relevant and meet small businesses where they are right now. We embody this approach with T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined. With this reimagined curriculum building on our rich history, we will expand access to more small businesses, and more locations and increase accessibility through a virtual component.  We are energized, mobilized and ready to go,” stated SBA Associate Administrator of the Office for Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid. T.H.R.I.V.E.’s reimagined design removes the one-size-fits-all model in exchange for engagement, problem-solving, and peer-to-peer interaction within the cohorts. In addition, the new format promotes an ecosystem of business connections among business peers, government leaders, and the financial community. As a result, T.H.R.I.V.E., Emerging Leaders Reimagined helps build sustainable and scalable businesses that promote economic development within their communities and the U.S. overall. Please visit T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined for eligibility requirements, registration, and training locations. Applications are accepted through May 31, 2022.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CRITICAL ACTIONS TO MITIGATE EXTREME HEAT IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CRITICAL ACTIONS TO MITIGATE EXTREME HEAT IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES The City to launch an Extreme Temperatures Response Task Force and expand cooling strategies including a new Cool Roof Grant Program, pop-up cooling support for 30 community organizations, and a community design challenge for a ‘cool bus stop’

BOSTON - Friday, April 22, 2022 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu hosted an Earth Day celebration at Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Chinatown and announced Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston, a citywide framework to prepare Boston for hotter summers and more intense heat events. The Heat Plan presents 26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston. In addition to citywide strategies, the Heat Plan focuses on five environmental justice communities that are hotspots in Boston and experience greater burdens as temperatures increase: Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, and Roxbury.  "Extreme heat in Boston is more than an inconvenience or discomfort—it’s an urgent risk for our health, our neighborhoods, and our infrastructure," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "Our Heat Resilience Solutions report presents Boston's roadmap for navigating extreme heat, particularly for our environmental justice communities. This study centers people and reinforces our commitment to a Boston Green New Deal."  The Heat Plan is a critical component of Climate Ready Boston, the City’s initiative to prepare for the near- and long-term effects of climate change, like sea level rise, coastal storms, extreme precipitation, and extreme heat. The report builds on heat preparedness work to date and outlines infrastructure and programmatic strategies that will help address the growing risks of hotter summers and extreme heat in Boston. The strategies identified in the Heat Plan will work together with the Urban Forest Plan to improve tree protection, stewardship, and new plantings for nature-based cooling solutions. The consultant team supporting the project included Sasaki, Klimaat, All Aces, and WSP.  "Chinatown has long experienced the heat island effect, and many of our Chinatown residents have to endure high temperatures during the summer with no access to air conditioning or shades from tree canopies,” said Council President Ed Flynn. “As we continue to experience high temperatures and extreme weather due to climate change, we need to work together to address extreme heat in our communities. I want to thank Mayor Wu and her team for implementing strategies that will help keep our residents healthy during high temperatures, and help our neighborhoods prepare for extreme heat events. I look forward to continue working together with the Wu Administration, our residents, and community leaders on making sure that residents in Chinatown and other communities can live safely and comfortably during days with high temperatures." "As we grapple with the impact of climate change on our most vulnerable communities, the Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston report offers the type of creative interventions necessary to ensure we are a climate-resilient city,” said City Councilor Kendra Lara. “I'm excited to join Mayor Wu and Chief White-Hammond in stewarding this plan." Boston is already experiencing the effects of climate change. Over the last decade, Boston experienced more hot days and nights than any decade in the previous 50 years. The Heat Resilience Solutions report focuses on community-driven solutions to prepare and protect our neighborhoods for the effects of extreme heat. Climate Ready Boston completed a redlining analysis to explore neighborhood histories and systemic inequalities in Boston that resulted in certain communities facing greater burdens from climate change. The analysis showed that redlined areas are 7.5°F hotter in the day, 3.6°F hotter at night, and have 20% less parkland and 40% less tree canopy than areas designated as “A: Best”. By taking a people-centered approach to heat resilience, the City of Boston can prepare our residents and communities for extreme heat in a way that addresses systemic inequities to support a thriving, Green New Deal city.  “As the climate changes, Boston will experience increasingly higher average temperatures over time and heat waves will become more common, last longer, and be hotter,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “Past decisions made by the public and private sector have led to increased heat risk in our environmental justice communities. This report is about doing the work to protect the entire city beginning with those communities that are bearing the biggest heat burdens.”  The three-phase plan consists of an analysis of extreme heat, a comprehensive series of strategies, followed by an implementation roadmap for delivering on the strategies. To support the implementation of the Heat Plan, the City will launch the Boston Extreme Temperatures Response Task Force, which will help deliver a unified, all-of-government response to address chronic high temperature conditions and prepare the city in advance of extreme heat events. The Task Force’s work will be supported by the Environment Department, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Boston Public Health Commission’s Office of Public Health Preparedness with the goal of collaboratively protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of Boston residents facing increasing temperatures and other climate risks.  In addition to transformational climate resilience investments proposed in Mayor Wu’s first budget, the City is taking critical immediate action to provide heat relief. Moving forward, the City is taking short-term, actionable steps toward relief during heat waves, including City operations and communications, cooling opportunities, and public education. To expand upon the recommendations proposed in the report, the City of Boston will be engaging in a variety of catalytic projects to support extreme heat mitigation, advance economic opportunity, reduce carbon emissions, and improve health for residents and the environment. These pilots include: The distribution of 30 pop-up cooling kits, including a hose, misters, and a tent, to community organizations that have public events this summer. The Environment Department will support a Cool Roof Grant program to educate property owners on the benefits of cool roofs and facilitate the installation of cool roofs to support resilience, increase energy efficiency, and protect resident health and safety. The Boston Transportation Department will facilitate a community wide design challenge for a ‘cool bus stop’ this fall. The design that best meets the site specific criteria and integrates heat resilient design elements will inform the implementation of a new bus shelter on the SL4 and SL5 routes of the Silver Line. "Chinatown residents disproportionately experience environmental stressors like air pollution, rising sea levels, and extreme heat," said Karen Chen of the Chinese Progressive Association. "I am grateful to Mayor Wu for sharing the Heat Plan and taking action to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change."  “All of the neighborhoods surrounding The Greenway will be impacted by the continued effects of climate change, but no neighborhood is impacted by the effects of increased heat more than Boston’s Chinatown,” said Chris Cook, Greenway Conservancy Executive Director. “We are honored to partner with Mayor Wu and her administration on actionable first steps to address these circumstances for the residents of Chinatown.” The critical actions laid out through the Heat Plan reinforce the Wu administration’s commitment to supporting a healthy, local ecosystem, and a thriving green economy. Last week, Mayor Wu shared her administration’s first proposed budget which includes groundbreaking investments in climate action to create a Green New Deal city. These investments, which further key strategies identified in the Heat Plan, include $2.5 million for a new Climate Ready Streets program within Climate Ready Boston to deliver on heat resilience, stormwater management, and air quality on key transportation corridors, $20 million for a nation-leading pilot for energy retrofits in triple deckers and other multi-family homes while maintaining affordability, $2.5 million of ARPA funds to grow and preserve our urban tree canopy, including an innovative pilot program on private land, $2.5 million in electrifying school bus infrastructure, a $6 million ARPA investment to scale Youth Green Jobs, and $137 million in capital funding, plus operating investments, to create and protect parks, the tree canopy, and open spaces in the city.

6教育機構得款25萬元為學生提供STEM機會

 Six Educational Organizations Awarded $250,000 in Grants to Create STEM Design Challenges for Students Across the Commonwealth

Design Challenges Will Take Place During 5th Annual STEM Week in October

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded more than $250,000 total in Design Challenge grants to six educational organizations gearing up to provide STEM opportunities to students during the 5th annual statewide STEM Week to be held October 17 – 21, 2022.

“For the past several years, our administration, through the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito and the STEM Advisory Council, has worked hard to provide students across the Commonwealth with opportunities to gain valuable experience in STEM,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to offer students a platform that delivers compelling learning experiences, and one that may encourage students to pursue careers in STEM.” 

“We remain committed to creating additional access and awareness about STEM careers for all Massachusetts students and bolstering the Commonwealth’s talent pipeline,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Co-Chair of the STEM Advisory Council. “STEM Week, and the Design Challenges offered by our partner organizations, help students gain more exposure and experience in STEM subjects in an engaging and hands-on manner.”

“The STEM Design Challenges provide engaging and meaningful opportunities for students in all grades to gain knowledge in science, technology, engineering and math by solving real-world problems that communities face,” said Secretary of Education James Peyser. “Our Design Challenge partners are a crucial part of making STEM Week meaningful and fun for our students.”

STEM Week is a collaborative effort between the Executive Office of Education, the STEM Advisory Council – which works to generate interest and support from the business community for STEM activities – and the Commonwealth’s nine Regional STEM Networks, which plan and coordinate activities with local schools, community leaders and business partners. The STEM Advisory Council is co-chaired by Lt. Governor Polito, Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Executive Chairman Jeffrey Leiden. 

Since taking office in 2015, strengthening STEM education in the Commonwealth’s K-12 schools has been a priority of the Baker-Polito Administration. The first STEM Week was held in October 2018 to boost interest in STEM subjects among students, particularly young women and students of color, and highlight the abundance of STEM career opportunities in the Commonwealth. The STEM Week theme “See Yourself in STEM” encourages young people to think about studying science, technology, engineering and math to pursue STEM careers.

The following organizations received grants to develop STEM Design Challenges for students during this year’s STEM Week:

PBLWorks - $41,830: In partnership with Mass STEM Hub, a project of the One8 Foundation, students in grades 6-12 will use labor market data and other research to explore and present on STEM Careers through the lens of “How can we prepare and inspire people in Massachusetts to pursue STEM careers that have the greatest potential for impact?” Students will collaborate with and seek feedback from local employers and peers on their presentations to build connections as they begin college and career planning. PBLWorks aims to reach 100+ schools with this applied learning experience.

The Wade Institute - $39,965: This Design Challenge, “Extreme Zoom Makeover: A STEM Approach to Habitat Design,” will engage students in grades 5-8 in a unique experience that integrates science and engineering concepts in a series of inquiry-based investigations that lead up to a student-driven challenge. Partnering with the Lloyd Center for Environment and Buttonwood Park Zoo, this design challenge aims to reach 100 classrooms. 

Kids in Tech - $48,700: This Design Challenge, “Everyday Engineering: Using the Ordinary to Create the Extraordinary,” will deepen 5 – 8 grade students’ understanding of the different branches of engineering. The challenge will cover the five pillars of engineering and include a series of webinars to simulate the activities. Kids in Tech plans to reach 8,500 students with this design challenge. 

The STEM Center at WPI - $41,596: The STEM Center will expand the “I Am STEM” library to include four lessons for each grade level, pre-K – 5, as well as create four additional lessons for Grade 6. This will increase the total lessons in the library from 14 to 28 over the course of two years. The STEM Center anticipates reaching 5,000 students. 

United Way and Boston PIC - $30,000: This design challenge focuses on social justice for civics by using STEM as the lever for change. Approximately 150 Boston Public School teachers and their classes will participate in this STEM Week design challenge. 

Museum of Science - $49,578: The Museum of Science is launching a biotechnology challenge for students in grades 6-8 to raise awareness about the use of plastics. Students will be challenged to engineer biodegradable plastic and think about the benefits of making plastic more environmentally friendly. The challenge will reach 1,500 students. 

STEM Challenge Partners

The following organizations were also announced as STEM Challenge Partners. The organizations have collaborated with the STEM Advisory Council over the last five years to provide opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.

i2 Learning - i2 Learning has been proud to partner with the Commonwealth since the inaugural Massachusetts STEM Week in 2018. Building on the success of i2's courses during STEM Week, i2 has developed additional project-based programs to be run in schools throughout the year, including Day of AI, i2 Full Year, and i2 Summer. For more information about bringing project-based STEM learning to your school or district outside of STEM Week, please visit www.i2learning.org.

FIRST Robotics, WPI - New England FIRST invites students and educators across the Commonwealth to engage with robotics teams during STEM Week and learn more about how to get hands-on with robotics.  FIRST programs enable students from kindergarten through high school to understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting challenge while building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way. To learn more visit https://nefirst.org/ or first@wpi.edu.

About the STEM Advisory Council
The grants were awarded through the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council, whose members are appointed by the Governor and include education and business leaders in STEM industries that work to promote STEM education, partnerships among industries and schools, and internships for students. The STEM Advisory Council serves as a coordinating entity between the public and private sectors and has three main priorities for STEM Education in Massachusetts:

• Develop foundational skills in STEM subjects for all students
• Create and sustain high-quality, integrated STEM pathways 
• Deepen employer partnerships and create on-ramps to careers for traditional and adult learners

波士頓公共衛生局重新建議民眾公共場合室內戴口罩

            (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 波士頓公共衛生局 (BPHC)今 (21) 日發出新建議，鼓勵民眾在室內的公眾場合戴口罩，稱過去2週來新冠確診率增加了65%，還是小心為上。

波士頓公共衛生局也鼓勵民眾如果感覺生病了，就要做檢測，留在家裡。

波士頓市上個月的社區確診率低到2.2%，最近卻跳升到6.9%，地方上的廢水樣本的新冠病毒分子，也在2週內增加了109%，種種跡象都顯示未來數週，確診率可能又再上升。

整個波士頓市，大約有73%的居民已完整接種新冠疫苗，約53%還打了加強劑。波士頓市政府鼓勵至少5個月以前就已打了主要疫苗的每一名12歲以上人士接種加強劑。全市各地都有免費的疫苗及加強劑接種地點，其中有許多不須預約。查詢可上網，boston.gov/covid19-testing。

Sonia Chang Diaz宣佈麻州環保領袖支持她競選州長

Top Massachusetts climate leaders endorse Sonia Chang-Díaz for Governor

BOSTON, MA - Seven of Massachusetts’ top climate policy makers, experts, and advocates are personally endorsing State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz in her campaign for Governor of Massachusetts. 

The new endorsers include former candidate for Governor and climate leader Bob Massie, former chair of the Department of Public Utilities under Gov. Deval Patrick Ann Berwick, Executive Director of Renew US Dálida Rocha, former President of the Conservation Law Fund Philip Warburg, Executive Director of Alternatives for Community and Environment Dwaign Tyndal, Executive Director of Livable Streets Stacy Thompson, and Founder and Co-Coordinator of the Mass Power Forward Coalition Claire Miller.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of these champions for climate action and environmental justice,” said Chang-Díaz. “We have the natural resources and technology to win the fight against climate change and create tens of thousands of new, good-paying jobs. We just need the political courage and leadership to pass a Green New Deal that meets this moment across our sectors, including expanding public transportation, eliminating building emissions, ending new fossil fuel infrastructure, and putting communities of color and low-income communities at the front of the line for the benefits of these new industries.”

"Sonia is a courageous leader who will move Massachusetts decisively forward in the fight against climate change,” said Bob Massie, a longtime climate leader. “We need a governor like Sonia to shift us to clean electricity, break free from the stranglehold of fossil fuels, catch up on renewable energies, and build an equitable economy. Sonia has excellent plans, laid out paragraph by paragraph, and the experience to deliver them."

“Sonia is not afraid to take on enormous challenges, and that is what we need in the face of a dramatically changing climate and the imperative of transforming our energy regime,” said Ann Berwick, former Chair of the Department of Public Utilities under Gov. Deval Patrick. “This is not just about energy, but also about our children's health and creating a modern, green economy. Sonia is exactly the Governor we need.”

"It's time to move from just imagining a Massachusetts we know is possible to actually creating it,” said Dálida Rocha, Executive Director of Renew US. “We must be bold in our approach to climate change-which means we must prioritize those who have been disproportionately impacted by it. Indigenous Tribes, Black and Brown communities and immigrants are experts when it comes to bold solutions because they know far too well the devastating impacts of climate change. Sonia Chang-Díaz has a track record of bringing the voices of the unheard to the forefront and I know when it comes to addressing climate change it will be the same. I proudly endorse Sonia Chang-Díaz for Governor of Massachusetts.”

"Sonia is the Climate Governor that Massachusetts needs,” said Philip Warburg, former president of the Conservation Law Fund. “Transitioning our economy to renewable energy will not be a simple or easy undertaking, and Sonia has the experience and track record to guide our state at this critical juncture. She will ensure that the benefits of healthy buildings, clean energy jobs, and affordable public transit reach all segments of our population."

“Tackling our climate crisis will require bold leadership and honesty about environmental racism and what true climate justice looks like,” said Dwaign Tyndal, Executive Director of Alternatives for Community & Environment. “Sonia has been a steadfast champion for transformational change and has delivered it over and over again in the Legislature. It’s clear she’s the leader we need in Massachusetts to meet this moment, and I’m proud to endorse her for Governor.”

“Sonia’s vision will transform our commutes, our economy, and our health,” said Stacy Thompson, Executive Director of Livable Streets. “Her Green New Deal is the plan we need — from electrifying our public transit system to advancing state-wide transit equity and investing in tens of thousands of green jobs.”

“We need leaders who won’t be afraid to take on fossil fuel interests and who will prioritize environmental justice not just in word, but in action,” said Claire Miller, founder and co-coordinator of the Mass Power Forward coalition. “Sonia has a long record of taking on and winning tough fights even when they’re not politically convenient. She’s exactly who we need in the corner office, and I’m proud to endorse her candidacy for Governor.”

All of the climate leaders backed Sonia in their personal capacity, not as representatives of their organizations. 

Chang-Díaz released her platform for a Green New Deal for Massachusetts in December, which includes a sweeping and rapid approach to combating the climate crisis at the state level. The plan includes benchmarks to meet all of Massachusetts’ electricity needs with 100% renewable, carbon-free energy by 2030; eliminate all carbon emissions from new buildings by 2030 and transition existing buildings to become zero-carbon by 2045; and expand, electrify, and make fare-free public transit systems across the state, including establishing East-West rail and robust regional transit networks. 

The plan also details that the Chang-Díaz Administration will immediately remove fares on all MBTA and RTA buses in its first budget, halt the purchase of any new fossil fuel-powered buses, and produce and execute plans for full MBTA bus fleet electrification by 2030 and full electrification of the RTA system and Commuter Rail by 2040, with three Commuter Rail lines electrified within the first three years of her administration.

百人會歡迎八名新成員

 Committee of 100 Welcomes Eight New Members

New York, NY (April 21, 2022) – At Committee of 100’s forthcoming 2022 Conference & Gala, the organization will formally welcome eight new members into Committee of 100.

Committee of 100 is a non-profit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, healthcare, and the arts, focused on public policy, civic engagement, philanthropy, arts, and culture. For over 30 years, Committee of 100 has served as the preeminent organization committed to the dual missions of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life and advancing constructive relations between the U.S. and Greater China.

“Committee of 100 has a long-standing reputation as one of the most prestigious non-profit organizations in the country dedicated to the welfare of the Chinese American and broader AAPI communities,” said Gary Locke, Committee of 100 Chair, Former U.S. Ambassador to China, and current President of Bellevue College in Washington. “These new members reflect our continued dedication to naming diverse and impactful leaders to advance the critical work of our organization's dual missions. We warmly welcome these new members to Committee of 100, and look forward to their expertise, energy, and camaraderie in the years to come.”

Committee of 100’s members are American citizens who are proud of their contributions to the U.S. and their Chinese heritage. Members of the organizations are united by the belief in the fundamental American principles of equality and opportunity for all people, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, or creed. Committee of 100 and its members support the full inclusion and advancement of the more than five million Chinese Americans in the U.S. and believe that America is stronger because of its diverse citizenry. 

“We are excited to expand our membership with eight new members who will bring diverse expertise and insight to our dual missions,” said Zhengyu Huang, President of Committee of 100. “We look forward to collaborating with them all as we continue to advance the causes of Chinese Americans through institutionalized access, research, data, and thought leadership.”

American citizens of Chinese heritage are invited to Committee of 100 membership based on their extraordinary achievements. Members are pioneers in their respective fields across the arts, science, technology, business, and finance. Currently, Committee of 100 has over 130 members.

波士頓市長吳弭釋出80萬元支持小企業爭取市府合約

MAYOR WU RELAUNCHES FUND TO SUPPORT EQUITY IN CITY CONTRACTING

BOSTON - Thursday, April 21, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today relaunched the City of Boston’s Contracting Opportunity Fund with an additional $800,000 available to assist small, local businesses in building their capacity to bid on City contracts. The Boston Contracting Opportunity Fund was launched in April 2021 to support diverse, local businesses working in construction building and design, professional and support services, and goods and supplies. The goal of the Fund is to increase the quantity and availability of Certified Businesses by granting monetary assistance to help entities better access City-contracted projects. The Contracting Opportunity Fund application is now available here. “We must use every tool possible to ensure equity in City contracting and build wealth in our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As Boston continues to grow and recover from this pandemic, the reopening of the Contracting Opportunity Fund will help support and expand opportunity for our minority-owned and women-owned small businesses participating in the bidding process.” “Reopening the Contracting Opportunity Fund is an important step in the City’s effort to eliminate the existing barriers that our minority-owned and women-owned businesses face when contracting with the city,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “By prioritizing equity, this program will bridge the gap and assist our small business community in the bidding process.”  Applicants must show how funding will increase their capacity to bid on City contracts and commit to providing supporting documentation for grant expenditures. Applicants must be a Certified MBE (minority-owned business enterprise), WBE (woman-business enterprise), VOSB (veteran-owned small business enterprise), and/or SLBE (small local business enterprise) with the City of Boston’s Supplier Diversity Program, or must be eligible and apply for Certification before the Fund closes on May 20, 2022. Applicants must also be in good standing with the City of Boston. To learn more about business certifications visit here. In spring 2021, the City’s Supplier Diversity Program provided grants of up to $15,000 for certified MBE, WBE, VOSBE, and SLBE Boston-based businesses to support capacity building activities. A total of $820,000 was awarded to 56 businesses, of which 71% were certified minority-owned businesses and 20% were women-owned businesses. As a result of the fund application process, a total of 39 businesses applied for certification as minority-owned (MBE) or woman-owned (WBE) businesses. In March, Mayor Wu filed a home rule petition with the City Council that would expand access to City contracts for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). The proposal would raise the written quote contract maximum for contracts with certified MWBEs from $50,000 to the state Small Purchase threshold, which is currently $250,000. The written quote contract process allows the City to award contracts without a full Request For Proposal (RFP) process, making it significantly simpler and cheaper for businesses to apply. This change will dramatically lower barriers to access for MWBEs and allow the City to make a greater investment in these businesses. Once approved by the Boston City Council, the home rule petition must be passed by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed by the Governor in order to become law.  The renewal of this Fund builds on significant investments made by the City of Boston in supplier diversity and equitable procurement initiatives since February of 2021, when it established annual city spending goals of 25% to women and minority-owned businesses. Through key investments in staffing and programmatic needs, the City of Boston is implementing new initiatives that seek to address the past and present effects of discrimination, disparities, obstacles and barriers in its procurement process that impact minority-owned and women-owned businesses. To learn more visit here.