波士頓空間補助款最高20萬元 第2輪11月10日截止申請

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF SPACE GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN City will help up to 20 small businesses open storefronts in vacant locations

BOSTON - Monday, October 2, 2023 - Today Mayor Michelle Wu announced the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion is now accepting applications for the second round of SPACE Grant recipients, providing up to $200,000 in funding to individual businesses to open a new storefront. The SPACE Grant program aims to revitalize Boston’s Downtown and neighborhoods post-pandemic, fill vacant storefronts with vibrant small businesses, and help close the racial wealth gap. In this second round of the program, up to 20 businesses will be selected to receive funding. The deadline to submit an application is November 10 at 5:00 p.m. This summer, the City announced 24 entrepreneurs that together received about $2.8 million in funding for the first round of the program.  “Our small businesses represent the vibrancy and diversity of Boston and our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Since launching the SPACE Grant program, we’ve felt the outsized impact of supporting entrepreneurs who were eager to be located Downtown and filling vacant commercial spaces, but didn’t have the extra capital to make it happen. In this next round of funding, we’re excited to help another group of business owners find long-term success in locations throughout Boston.” The SPACE (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) Grant program is funded by a $9 million investment from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and will support both entrepreneurs looking to open their first brick and mortar storefront business as well as current small businesses in Boston looking to expand to new locations within the City. There will be an emphasis on businesses looking to locate Downtown, but entrepreneurs with a preference for any neighborhood within the City of Boston are encouraged to apply. SPACE Grants will prioritize helping Boston small businesses that were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes but is not limited to arts and entertainment; childcare; fitness, recreation, wellness; food service and production; repair and maintenance; restaurants; and retail.  “The SPACE Grant program represents one example of how our Office is bringing foot traffic back to Downtown, closing the racial wealth gap, and overall making our City a more enjoyable place to live and visit,” said Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu. “This program taps into the talent already in Boston, providing not just funding but wrap-around, long-term technical assistance for continued success. I encourage any interested small business owners to apply.” "Boston deserves a city with thriving storefronts in all of its neighborhoods," said City Councilor Brian Worrell. "The SPACE Grant has proven its success with women and black and brown business owners, which is why it's so important to see this latest round of funding offered. Entrepreneurial opportunities that are boosted by these grants can lead to more jobs and economic development that will lift up every corner of this city." The SPACE Grant program will provide grants of up to $200,000 over a three-year period to subsidize rents, upfront capital costs, and necessary infrastructure to help local, small, diverse businesses seeking to fill vacant storefronts. The City will work with technical assistance providers as part of the Small Business Technical Assistance Program to help business owners with business support such as developing financial projections and budgets, business planning, lease negotiation, and support with marketing strategy to help ensure long-term success in addition to direct financial assistance. Additionally, SPACE Grantees will receive free one-year memberships to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). Grantees will also be granted a 2-year membership to the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.  Businesses selected for a SPACE Grant will have strong business plans, experience in their industry, and will be ready to expand to their first brick-and-mortar storefront or second location.  The SPACE Grant program was first announced at the end of 2022, following the release of the City’s Downtown Revitalization Plan. Recipients in the first round of funding ranged from daycares to salons to eateries. Of the business owners that received grants for the launch of the program, 75 percent are minority-owned and more than 60 percent are women-owned. A full list of the recipients can be found here. A third and final application for SPACE Grants will be available in Spring 2024. “Receiving the SPACE Grant created a special opportunity for Flourish & Foundry to open our first brick and mortar location the right way. We feel so supported by the Mayor's Office with access to a network providing us with legal and insurance services, navigating the complexity of opening a new retail location, and building meaningful relationships with other grantees and organizations,” said Marcus Hamblin and Sarah Marchione, co-owners of Flourish and Foundry, a recipient of the SPACE Grant program who will be opening on Tremont Street. “It feels like a collective effort which helps express how important community is to us.” “The SPACE Grant program has been a world changing experience for REVAMP Training,” said Jeremy Colon, the Co-Founder of Revamp Training, a SPACE Grant recipient. “The grant has made it possible for me and my team to expand operations from a 600 square foot space to a 2500 square foot space and create a one of a kind fitness studio experience that will serve our clients and respective community to come. The dream of servicing, impacting, and making a positive push for better health and fitness is possible to the residents of Dorchester and Greater Boston because of this Grant.” The City received over 350 applications for the first round of funding earlier this year. Entrepreneurs who applied but did not receive funding in the first round and want to apply again can do so with a streamlined application. All applications and information about the SPACE Grant program can be found at boston.gov/space-grant. Applications are available in multiple languages.  “The Wu Administration’s SPACE program has already made a significant contribution to Downtown’s revitalization as the first leases have been signed and companies founded by local entrepreneurs will soon fill our vacant storefronts,” said Michael Nichols, President of the Downtown Boston BID. “The number of vacant storefronts Downtown has been reduced by 22% from this time one year ago and we eagerly anticipate the second application period bringing even more new retailers into the neighborhood to continue driving economic vitality in Boston’s Central Business District.” The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion will be hosting virtual office hours from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. every Friday until November 3rd for anyone with questions about the application. The Office is holding an in-person info session in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration on October 10th at 9:30 a.m. Application deadline: November 10, 2023 Grantees chosen: An application review process will take place from November-December. Grantees will be notified by the end of January 2024. Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for a SPACE Grant: Business must be incorporated in a Qualified Census Tract OR one of the prioritized business industries: food service and production, restaurants childcare repair and maintenance and laundry services (i.e., laundromats, dry cleaning) retail art, entertainment, creative economy, and fitness, wellness, and recreation. Business must have fewer than twenty-five (25) employees (not including the business owner). Business owners must provide proof of a Boston business address (e.g., a signed lease, business permit / license / title, utility bill in which the business is named directly, or other home office documentation).  Business and business owners must be in good-standing with the City of Boston. Business must provide a copy of its up to date Business Certificate.

麻州政府撥款200萬元給45個旅遊項目

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $2 Million in Grants to 45 Tourism Destinations

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that it has awarded $1,998,130 to 45 cultural and tourism projects through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program, which supports projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions.     “Our administration is actively investing in the communities that elevate Massachusetts as a note-worthy travel destination. Through these grants, we aim to foster creative solutions to enhance our tourism economy," said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants pave the way for a brighter future for our beloved attractions, allowing us to showcase them on a global scale.”  “The DDC grants will boost industries that make Massachusetts a household name for annual travel,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We look forward to working together to invest in our state’s tourism economy, as it remains an important part of our economic development strategy.”  The DDC Grant Program provides funding for aid in destination recovery and resiliency. The program’s aim is to strengthen the Massachusetts economy through projects that enhance tourism resources and infrastructure, especially physical or structural upgrades that have a lifespan of greater than five years.  “We’re committed to enhancing and revitalizing the diverse communities throughout Massachusetts that attract visitors from around the world,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “Tourism plays a vital role in the economic well-being of our state, and this grant program will position Massachusetts at the top of the list as an annual travel destination for years to come.”   “The Destination Development Capital Grants offer essential assistance for the ongoing recovery of Massachusetts’ tourism economy,” said Undersecretary for Economic Strategies Sarah Stanton. “We are proud to provide support that contributes to destination resiliency across the state.”   “The DDC Grant Program will support enhancements to our cultural, historic, natural, and community resources that are important to the visitor experience,” said Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox. “I look forward to seeing the funded projects come to fruition over the next year.”   The 2023 DDC Grant Program Award Recipients include:   Amelia Park Children's Museum - $19,000                                                 For the addition of one new exhibit and an update to a treasured and well-used exhibit at our Children's Museum.    Arlington Chamber of Commerce - $23,000                                                Expand recognition of a significant battle that took place in Arlington (then called Menotomy) on April 19, 1775, and to increase awareness of Arlington's importance in the events of that historic day.     ArtsBoston - $7,500                            To reopen our freestanding ticket booth at Faneuil Hall, which has been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.     Cape Cod Baseball League Inc. - $63,000                                                     Create a new hall of fame and league store, providing families an interactive attraction to visit, enhance space to hold public events leveraging the league’s relationships with alumni and known sports personalities, and create a website to optimize the league’s ability to engage a worldwide audience about visiting the Cape.    City of Fall River - $50,000                 To acquire two ADA-compliant trolley buses, erect two transit shelters doubling as informational kiosks, and plan tourist-optimized routes of strategically selected waterfront destinations.    City of Lynn - $10,000                         To create a master wayfinding plan and to design and engineer a comprehensive tourism navigation system consistent with our downtown Lynn revitalization.     City of Quincy/Discover Quincy - $85,000                                                   For renovating and enhancing the Quincy Welcome Center and implementing the first phase of a coordinated Legible City wayfinding system with the Welcome Center as its hub.    Concord Museum/Concord Antiquarian Society - $12,500                     To refresh its branding and website to highlight its recent, multi-year renovation and capitalize on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.     Danvers Alarm List Company Inc. (The Rebecca Nurse Homestead Museum) - $10,000                             Will fund designs for an addition that would provide an ADA-accessible entrance and restrooms to our visitor center building.    Double Edge Theatre Productions Inc. - $72,500                                       For planning, design, and engineering for a new Community Design Center.    Egan Maritime Institute - $20,000   Egan Maritime Institute is requesting funds to complete necessary ADA accessibility upgrades to the front entryway to the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum.     Emerald Necklace Conservancy Inc. - $10,000                                           To refresh and reinstall its Visitor Center displays, and update seasonally updated park signs, wintertime lighting activations in the Necklace.    Essex Agricultural Society (Topsfield Fair) - $75,000                                 For upgrades to its antiquated distribution system along with wires, transformers, and switches. Grange Building electric service will be brought up to code. Internet service will be expanded. To install two transformers for back-up outages and two tight tanks for health and safety issues.    Franklin Performing Arts Company Inc. - $75,000                                     To accomplish capital maintenance and equipment purchases for our venue THE BLACK BOX, including replacement units and circulation improvements to the building's HVAC systems, parking lot repair, sprinkler system update, lighting, and sound equipment.    Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) - $20,000          For ADA accessible entrance and restroom renovations.    Griffin Museum of Photography - $17,500  To fund repairs and renovations to our thirty-year-old building. The planned repairs and renovations include updated facilities, replacement of failing roof and plumbing systems, and upgrades for improved energy efficiency.    Hancock Shaker Village - $50,000    For renovations to its visitor center. The renovations will enhance visitor orientation and museum programming while extending HSV’s tourism season from three to four seasons, and improving the experience for individuals, families, tour groups and people with disabilities.     Hull Lifesaving Museum - $50,000   To restore the exterior of the boathouse to its configuration and condition that existed in 1964.     Huntington Theatre Company - $25,000                                                     To support planning for the construction of The Huntington’s upcoming East Wing, Phase II of the Huntington Theatre Renovation and Expansion Project in the lead-up to an anticipated early 2025 construction launch. Planning will include schematic design, design development, construction budgeting, development of construction documents, and securing permitting.    Inspire Arts & Music Inc. - $50,000  To install energy efficient HVAC for the building, replace the outdated windows and explore options to improve accessibility.    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Inc. - $75,000                                     To implement the Museum’s Gallery Lighting Project, with non-invasive, LED lighting to improve the viewing experience while minimizing light exposure for fragile and permanently installed objects.     John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum Foundation Inc. - $5,000                  To expand web conferencing capability in the presentation room that will export museum programs and add an ADA compliant assistive listening system.     Lexington Historical Society - $40,000    To create updated interpretations of our three historic house museums (Buckman Tavern, Hancock-Clarke House and Munroe Tavern). The upgrades will include new signage, text and image panels, multimedia displays, and educational materials.     Maria Mitchell Association - $75,000                                                           To support Maria Mitchell Association’s upgrades to the aquarium and Marine Science Center in downtown Nantucket.     Meet Boston - $75,000                       To make critical upgrades and enhancements to the interior of the Boston Common Visitor Information Center – better signage, structurally-sound brochure and merchandise racks, digital touch screens, expanded counter space, and better storage areas.    Museum of Science - $50,000           For construction to begin following MOTT’s support in FY23 for architectural & engineering designs. This project includes demolition and reconstructing the exterior envelope including structure, brick façade, glazing, and roofing.      Nantucket Dreamland Foundation Inc. - $90,000                                      Dreamland Nantucket is seeking capital funds to improve our 18,160 square foot historic building in the heart of downtown Nantucket. Funds will be used for heating and water pump replacements. The work will be completed by June 2024.    Nantucket Historical Association - $75,000                                                For the replacement of the chiller and associated remote roof-mounted condenser as well as the replacement of all refrigerant piping between the chiller and condenser and will be in accordance with museum best practices.     North Shore Community Development Coalition Inc. - $75,000            For renovating a vacant commercial space at 98-102 Lafayette Street, Salem, into Punto Urban Art Museum Headquarters (PUAM HQ) and El Patio. PUAM HQ will be a cultural destination including a gallery, a social enterprise gift shop and cafe, as well as El Patio, an outdoor space to host community events and exhibits.    Old Sturbridge Inc. (Old Sturbridge Village) - $50,000                              Old Sturbridge Village will make improvements to the museum’s Visitor Center, constructed in 1975, to include roof and siding repair to secure the exterior envelope, restroom and lighting upgrades, and accessibility to a gallery space. The improvements will result in an improved visitor experience and necessary repairs to keep the building sound.    Pilgrim Society - $25,000                   For design and engineering support for exhibition improvements and conservation needs in connection with the first phase of a capital renovation for Pilgrim Hall Museum, including roof/skylight replacement, upgraded building systems, and new gallery lighting, to take place over the next three years.    Plimoth Patuxet Museums - $50,000                                                           For a three-phase project expanding the Indigenous Program to improve public access via an ADA-compliant pathway; create climate-controlled artifact storage; add historical foodways space adjacent to the Patuxet Homesite and construct an accessible indoor amphitheater for year-round performances.    Plymouth Guild Inc. (Plymouth Center for the Arts) - $25,000               For ensuring the preservation and accessibility of our historic property to further enrich our community and those who visit. "Project: Welcome" is focused on creating a safe, secure, accessible and welcoming environment for visitors from near and far.    Provincetown International Film Society - $75,000                                  To renovate the Waters Edge Cinema. The grant will be used to repair the roof and to update and replace projection equipment, the HVAC system, theater seating, lighting and sound proofing. PFS is an established cultural resource and local economic stimulant.    Sandwich Historical Society (Sandwich Glass Museum) - $50,000         For repairs to our building's roofs, walls, windows, and gutters; upgrade our electrical and heating/cooling systems; invest in solar power and energy efficiency; invest in equipment and market research to upgrade and expand our seasonal events.    Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum Inc. - $10,000                                          To renovate a section of railway track, replace all ties and timbers, remove old ballast and replace with new ballast, and raise, level, and align railway structure for smoother, safer operation.    Springfield Museums - $45,000        To update animal environments and increase educational opportunities at the Science Museum. Funding will also go toward structural changes to increase exhibit space, important way-finding, and multilingual interactive components.    Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute - $25,000                                    To improve wayfinding in its buildings and on campus to enhance accessibility and safety for all visitors.     The Community Fair Association of North Chester, Chester Hill, and Littleville Inc. - $10,000  The infrastructure project entails the demolition of rock ledge throughout the fairgrounds to increase the usable area for parking and exhibits by 25 to 35 percent of current usable area.     The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (Historic New England) - $21,130  For capital improvements at the Eustis Estate, our house museum, study center, and 80-acre landscape at the base of the Blue Hills in Milton. Landscape restoration, exterior repairs, and site-wide wireless internet upgrades will significantly enhance the visitor experience at our most-visited site in Massachusetts.    The Wang Center for the Performing Arts Inc. (Boch Center) - $75,000   To support the purchase and installation of state-of-the-art sound equipment for the Wang Theatre that will increase the quantity and diversity of performances and programming, facilitating partnerships and bringing more patrons, jobs, and cultural tourists to Boston and Massachusetts.    The West End Museum Inc. - $100,000                                                        The West End Museum will reconstruct itself as an educational and tourist hub in downtown Boston. The Museum is constructing a flexible space capable of supporting exhibits, programs and rentals, and will include a new immersive theater and interactive map that will make the Museum a notable tourist destination.    Three Saints Inc. - $50,000                To build a new floating stage for entertainment, repair the existing entertainment stage, update all electrical panels that we provide for our vendors, acquire some new equipment which will be used for Feast weekend, and cover the costs associated with safety and security during the weekend.     Town of Nantucket Culture & Tourism Department - $35,000               To re-shingle the exterior, replace the several broken and rotting windows and install ADA compliant doors and more durable flooring that can handle the volume of visitors.    World Music Inc. (Global Arts Live) - $25,000                                            To design, build, and operate a new performing arts center in Kendall Square featuring a state-of-the-art 400-seat theater and 125-seat amphitheater. We are requesting design and engineering support for cost management consultants with specialized expertise in theater construction and applicable staff time.    Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce - $22,000                                              To enhance and expand our investment at the Cape Cod Welcome Center to install two digital touchscreen panels on an outdoor kiosk to promote regional tourist destinations, an addition to the existing visitor center with a HVAC unit, and re-landscaping a Veteran’s Memorial Garden.   The DDC Grant Program is funded through the FY23 Capital Plan and is open to any public, nonprofit agency in operation in Massachusetts. Awarded projects must be completed by June 30, 2024.

Civil Rights Groups Send Post-Affirmative Action Report to Harvard, UNC, and over 100 Additional Colleges and Universities Detailing Options for Equitable and Diverse Higher Education After the Supreme Court Decision

 Civil Rights Groups Send Post-Affirmative Action Report to Harvard, UNC, and over 100 Additional Colleges and Universities Detailing Options for Equitable and Diverse Higher Education After the Supreme Court Decision

Accompanying Letter Urges Educational Opportunities Attainable for All

 

Washington, DC – Today six leading civil rights groups released a comprehensive report that offers recommendations for advancing educational equity in light of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decisions, providing key recommendations that can increase access to equitable and diverse education. The executives of the six organizations delivered the report with a personal letter to Harvard, UNC, and over 100 additional colleges and universities.

 

The extensive report, co-sponsored by the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRUL), Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and the Asian American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, includes approaches that institutions can implement to increase diversity in higher education. The report offers concrete solutions to college students, education professionals, individuals, and institutions looking to further their commitment to pursuing racial equity. And it suggests ways to bring fair and robust educational opportunities to all students, paving the way for institutions to admit individuals from varied backgrounds to create a diverse campus that reflects the extensive resources  and potential of our multiracial democracy.  

 

“Regardless of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision, colleges and universities must do all they can to ensure equitable educational opportunities,” said Jin Hee Lee, LDF’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. “This report provides a blueprint for those in higher education to advance racial equity and foster a diverse learning environment.”  “The success of our multiracial democracy hinges upon the ability to tap the talent, innovation, and potential of all Americans. It is therefore imperative to open the pipelines to educational resources  and professional opportunities so that we can all benefit from the rich diversity America has to offer,” Lee added.

 

“The Supreme Court’s decision was a setback in the efforts to widen educational opportunities for students, especially from communities of color. But we will remain dedicated and vigilant in pushing colleges and universities to provide access to resources and opportunities for those who cannot pay their way into highly regarded schools at all levels within our educational system,” said Advancing Justice - AAJC President and Executive Director John C. Yang.  “The majority of Asian Americans support affirmative action, and we will continue to fight for equitable admissions policies on their behalf as well as Black and Latino Americans.”   

 

“In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s ruling we need to encourage students from communities of color to continue to apply to the schools of their choice and this report advocates for policies in higher education that encourage students who have been uneasy since the Court’s decision. Our hope is that leaders take a serious look at new options to keep equity at the forefront of admission policies in our colleges and universities,” said David Hinojosa, Director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

 

The Supreme Court decision restricting the freedom of colleges and universities to use affirmative action does not mean schools  should waver in their commitment to diversity and opportunity or retreat from their obligation to address persistent racial inequalities. Colleges can still consider race in alternative ways and students can continue to discuss race and how it has shaped their character or unique abilities in the college admissions process,” said ReNika Moore, Director of the Racial Justice Program, ACLU. “With this new resource, we aim to clarify any misinterpretation of the decision and provide much needed guidance on how to advance equal opportunity and diversity in higher ed.”

 

"Racial disparities in education begin long before students are ready to fill out college applications. Now that they've dismantled race-conscious admissions, the radical right is going after race-neutral efforts to achieve equal access to education, and it's no surprise that they've made K-12 education the next frontier in the campaign to roll back progress on civil rights,” said Fran Fajana, Director of Racial Justice for LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “Several cases have already been brought against K-12 schools, but all have failed so far.  We will continue to defend school districts working to make their schools more fair and equitable, and we will continue to call out the hypocrisy of those fighting to block every path to educational opportunity for talented and under-identified students. This report highlighting measures, including race neutral ones, that colleges can take to keep the doors of opportunity open to all students could not be more timely."

 

“In the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action, the Court distorted the history of the Equal Protection Clause and the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education to propagate a false myth of “color blindness.” Colleges and universities now confront the challenge of addressing racial disparities in the blind. This report illuminates critical guidance to leaders in higher education committed to not simply maintaining but growing a multi-racial campus, which benefits all students and our society at large,” said Bethany Li, Legal Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF).

 

After centuries of exclusion, no single program will ever adequately address systemic racial inequality. The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the urgent need for swift and critical action in higher education to reduce discrimination and open more doors to marginalized communities.

 

The report includes these recommendations:

 

1)    Diligently Comply with Anti-Discrimination Laws: Schools should take proactive measures to ensure that their policies and practices comply with federal and state antidiscrimination laws, which prohibit funding recipients from intentionally or unintentionally limiting opportunities for people based on race or ethnicity.

2)    Reimagine and Retool Admissions Policies in Higher Education: Schools should engage in holistic admissions processes that evaluate applicants’ demonstrated capacity and strength, considering resources and opportunities available to them in their K-12 community. Schools should also critically examine admissions requirements, policies, and procedures to ensure that they do not create inequitable and unnecessary barriers to access.

3)    Expand Recruitment Efforts and Build Robust Pipelines: Schools should develop innovative strategies to target recruitment efforts to underserved communities. This includes tailored programming for students who cannot visit campus, development of robust pipelines for students of all ages, and investment in and compensation for historically underrepresented students and alumni who serve as ambassadors for the institution in their communities.

4)    Support Historically Marginalized and Underrepresented Students on Campus: A healthy, vibrant campus climate for all students is critical for ensuring equity in higher education.

 

Lastly, all schools have different access to resources that will inevitably drive their options for crafting a diverse class, but this report notes they also have the responsibility to do everything in their power to commit to diversity and equity in and beyond their admissions process.

 

The full report can be accessed here.

麻州Somerville獲選為全美對家庭最友善城市

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 「戶外 (Outdoor.com) 」這個網站最近公佈「2023對家庭最友善城市」排名，麻州的尚莫維爾市 (Somerville)排名第一，也是新英格蘭地區唯一入榜者。

              「戶外」網站表示，今年的排名以全美重視提供戶外空間及公園的社區來排名，注重家庭對社區的要求，更簡單的生活，以及建立起想法相似家庭網路的機會。2023年入選城市讓人們更接近公園，娛樂設施，以及對兒童友善的康娛。2022年則是以小城市感覺卻有大城市的便利設設為重點。

              在排名時，「戶外強調新鮮空氣的重要性，指出花在綠色空間的時間和減少壓力程度相關，而且總體而言，有更好的身體健康。

              尚莫維爾市有60個公園，全市居民居住的地方都在走路10分鐘距離內就有個公園。

              榜單前15名的城市依序為，麻州尚莫維爾市，加州Berkeley，新澤西州Cliffside Park，維琴尼亞州的Arlington，德州的Watauga，亞利桑那州的Chandler，科羅拉多州的Denver，奧勒岡州的Portland，紐約州的Valley Stream，加州的Garden Grove，佛羅里達州Coral Gables，德州的Bellaire，密西根州的Ann Arbor，堪薩斯州的Mission，喬治亞州的Avondale Estates。

紐英崙中華公所2023年改選訂12月5日投票

中華公所中文書記翁宇才(左)說明選舉細節。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華公所二年一度的職員改選，今年已定12月5日投票，10月27日截止受理參選，11月7 日預定為政見發表會。

              預定10月18日設宴慶祝註冊立案100週年的紐英崙中華公所，今年正好是選舉年，照慣例將改選主席，中英文書記，以及財政、核數等5個職位。

中華公所主席雷國輝(中)報告相關事項。(周菊子攝)

              紐英崙中華公所中文書記，也是選舉小組當然召集人的翁宇才在9月26日舉行的2023年度第5次董事大會中宣佈，今年的選舉將在12月5日的早上9點至下午6點，辦理投票，晚上7點開始開票，並即席公佈當選者。

              有意參選者，即日起可至中華公所辦公室索取參選表格，並於10月27日前交回中華公所。

                         若任何職位有2人以上參選，為了讓董事們對各參選人有更深入了解，中華公所將於11月7日晚召開特別會議，邀請參選人發表政見，並另於11月14日辦理初選。

                     若每一職位參選人數不多於2人，參選人的政見發表會將安排在11月28日的中華公所本年度最後一次董事大會時一併舉行。

              中華公所董事謝中之在會議中提問，指出以往曾有參選人同時參選2個不同職位情況，若今年也有同樣情況發生，將如何處理。翁宇才回應表示，該參選人的2項參選申請，都將作廢。

              往年，中華公所每逢選舉，各方人馬早早就開始拜會，游說，尋求支持，有哪些人參選的消息也滿天飛，今年情況卻頗為特別，不但格外安靜，坊間幾乎也沒有任何人名冒出來，有種大多數人已默認，現任主席雷國輝將繼續參選，甚至整個現任團隊都順利連任的味道。

              中華公所在7月份的董事大會中曾提出要給中華公所職員加薪，主席加至每月700元，其他職員加至500元，並從2024年起實施的議案。根據7月大會，這議案原本應在9月投票決定，但26日晚，並未談及此案就散會了。

                           本屆中華公所選舉小組成員有翁宇才，陳建立，蔡倩婷，鄺元傑，梁利堂，關麗莎，陳秀珍，梁添光，李德源等人。其中梁利堂的董事席位已更換為聯發瓜菜東主之一的陳青。選舉小組主席翁宇才表示，梁利堂在選舉小組內的委員席位留空不補。    (更新版)