(Boston Orange 編譯) 商業雜誌根據美國人口統計局最新數據所做的分析顯示，麻州有18個區域號地區的家庭中位收入高達20萬美元，其中4個區域號碼更是高到25萬美元。
該數據顯示，有錢的地區更有錢了。去年的排名是有11個區域號碼的家庭中位收入至少20萬美元，5年前，卻只有牛頓市和多佛
(Dover)市達到這個標準。
該雜誌根據人口統計局數據，不計算家庭數少於500的地區，列出了一份表。最新數據是反映的2022年收入。
這些數據是根據那些市鎮的家庭樣本，以及調整過通貨膨脹後估計出來的。由於人口統計局數據不包括淨值，在這兒，收入被當作財富。
這些數據也不特別標出超過25萬元的數據，所以前面提到的4個區域號碼，意味著中位家庭收入在25萬元以上。
DCR局長Brian
Arrigo表示，一入秋，麻州的公園就生氣蓬勃起來，每個人都有機會體驗美麗的麻州風景。新的互動楓葉地圖將容許人們在楓紅季節，比以前更容易的計畫一趟週末出行，走進州有公園去欣賞美景。
民眾只要選擇一個日期，就可以看到全州哪個地方的楓葉，處於變色的巔峰期。DCR的林業員工以現有狀況為基礎，和以前各年相比，預測麻州大多數地方會在十月中看到最盛楓紅，西部麻州有些地方紅得更早些。地圖上也有DCR員工在之前的楓紅季節內，所拍下的公園和物業照片，讓遊客預想可能看到的景觀。
這地圖已優化到可以在桌上型電腦，以及手機等移動設備上使用，以確保所有使用這都可以用。DCE的互動楓葉地圖現在已經掛在DCR的官網上，DCR也推出了社交媒體視頻，教人如何使用這互動工具。未來數周內，DCR將在社交媒體頻道上分享更新的楓葉地圖截圖。
DCR的楓葉網頁還重點推薦麻州公園系統內，17個賞楓地點，有登山小徑，野餐區，以及風景如畫的地點。
 |
| HUD代理局長Adrienne Todman(前右四)在波士頓市長吳弭(右二)等人陪同中， 參觀美華村，送上320萬元支票。右一為余麗媖，左一向右為雷國輝、陳力， 蔣宗壬(佐四)、波士頓市房屋長Sheila Dillon (右三)。(波士頓市府照片) |
代表美華村董事會到場，陪同參觀並收取支票的人有華經會董事會主席蔣宗壬，董事余麗媖、雷國輝，以及中華頤養院院長陳力等人。
聯邦房住局的這綠化及韌性翻修計畫
(Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, 簡稱GRRP)，旨在藉由使得人們的住家對氣候危險具有更強抵抗力，來加強能源、水的使用效率，減少氣候汙染，生成可再生能源，縮減房屋營運開銷，推廣使用率畫樓與材料，並改曬居民的生活品質。
來自拜登總統2022年通膨縮減法中的11.2億元，如今已發給225處物業，讓將近2萬6000戶出租住宅更加綠化、健康並且安全。
HUD 代理局長Adrianne
Todman 2日在波士頓市宣佈這次發放的補助款，其中700萬元市發給波士頓市的2處物業，來為居民做重要的更新。助理房住局局長Julia
Gordon
10月2日這天宣佈的補助款與貸款，代表GRRP第一次撥款給夏威夷州、南達科達州和內布拉斯加州，也把這計畫的獲益範圍擴大到42州及哥倫比亞特區，波多黎各，共11.2億元以上。
這次市第四次，也是最後一次在GRRP計畫下的綜合類，為最需要氣候韌性及水電效率更新地區所做的撥款。未來數個月內，預計還會有一次剩下來的基本類撥款宣佈。
10月2日這天的撥款，包括26處參加聯邦房住局為低收入個人及家庭所辦，第八類租住援助項目的物業，11處202以項目為基礎為低收入老人提供承租援助的計畫，處經由聯邦房住局811項為殘障人士提供支援。其中有3處務業的房屋單位數目超過200，21處務業的住宅單位在51到200戶間，19處務業的住宅單位低於50戶。
波士頓市獲得撥款的另一物業是St.
Botolph Terrace，獲得416萬元。麻州總共有3處務業贏得撥款，另一處為麻州屋斯特市的Autumn
Woods 公寓，獲得2000萬元。
NEW DATA SUGGEST DECREASING OVERDOSE DEATHS IN BOSTON
BOSTON – October 2, 2024 – New data analyzed by the
Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) show a decline in overdose deaths in
Boston at the beginning of this year compared to the same four-month time
period last year. Compared to January through April 2023, the same time period
in 2024 shows that opioid-related overdose deaths among Boston residents are
down 33% overall with notable decreases among Black and Latinx residents. Prior data from the Commission showed that annual
opioid-related overdose deaths increased by 12% in Boston from 2022-2023,
especially among Black and Latinx residents. Although these new data are
preliminary and only represent four months of 2024, the data are encouraging,
and the Commission will continue to closely monitor the impact of the opioid
epidemic in Boston.
“These new data show we are on the right track thanks to the
lifesaving work our street outreach workers and BPHC staff do every day,” said Mayor
Michelle Wu. “While these data show a promising trend, we know each life is
more than just a number, and we as a city will continue to leverage resources
and invest in recovery support services.”
“These data give us hope, but we have a lot of work to do to
ensure that this trend continues,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of
Public Health for the City of Boston. “To that end, the Boston Public
Health Commission is prioritizing evidence-based strategies, including
expanding mobile outreach to people who are unhoused and at risk for
overdose, increasing access to naloxone, and decreasing substance use stigma
throughout Boston communities.”
As the Commission assesses various factors contributing to
the decline in opioid-related overdose deaths, BPHC has been steadily
increasing prevention services. Over the past three years, BPHC used about $2
million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to expand community outreach and
harm reduction services, including funding Torch Light Recovery to run a
neighborhood engagement team in Nubian Square that connects people to substance
use, mental health, and housing services. The Commission also funded day spaces
at Whittier Street Health Center and the Boston Living Center with support
groups and housing navigation services.
The Nubian Square Task Force, co-led by BPHC, convenes more
than 25 participating agencies to share substance use and housing resources and
holds large scale public health events each year. This past year, the Task
Force placed more than 15 people experiencing chronic homelessness from Nubian
Square into long-term transitional shelter.
In addition, the Boston Public Health Commission is using
$7.5 million to expand access to naloxone and other resources. During Recovery Month in September, the Commission launched a
campaign to educate the public about ways to protect loved ones from overdose
and distributed $1 million in funding to five community organizations to
distribute naloxone, prevent overdose deaths, and provide substance use
treatment. The Commission is also using new federal funding to expand current overdose prevention
services, track overdoses throughout the city, and build a better citywide
support system with different avenues of care.
BPHC is at the forefront of the City’s response to the
substance use crisis. BPHC's Recovery Services Bureau operates a continuum of
care, spanning outreach, harm reduction, treatment, and community-based
programs. The Bureau’s outreach workers regularly reverse up to five overdoses
per day and host free trainings on how to respond to overdoses and administer
naloxone. In 2023 the Bureau distributed over 23,000 doses of naloxone to
residents and community partners and made 2,389 referrals for substance use treatment.
Harm reduction and treatment referrals are available through
BPHC’s AHOPE and PAATHS programs. AHOPE offers lifesaving harm reduction services
including syringe exchange; drug checking to identify the presence of fentanyl
and xylazine; naloxone distribution; and screening for HIV, hepatitis, and
other bloodborne illnesses that can be spread through intravenous drug use. The
PAATHS program connects people to a variety of
treatment services including detox, medication for opioid use disorder, and
outpatient treatment programs. For support with substance use disorders,
contact the PAATHS program at 1-855-494-4057 or call 3-1-1. For more
information, visit boston.gov/recovery.
Senate Leaders Celebrate the Launch of MassEducate
Senate plan has already reversed enrollment decline,
created opportunity for thousands
(FRAMINGHAM—10/2/2024) Massachusetts State
Senators today celebrated the official launch of MassEducate, universal
tuition-free community college for Massachusetts. Senate members joined
the Healey-Driscoll administration and higher education leaders to
officially launch the program at an event at Massachusetts Bay Community
College in Framingham.
Originally proposed in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget
and codified into law in the Legislature’s final budget, MassEducate allows Massachusetts residents who do not
already hold a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to attend any of the state’s
15 public community colleges and pay no tuition or fees.
The program is designed to offer residents of any age the
opportunity to earn a degree in high-demand fields like nursing, engineering,
life sciences, and other fields, thereby helping to fill Massachusetts’
workforce shortages with homegrown talent.
“Two years ago, I stood before the Senate and laid out a
vision for universal free community college as part of our efforts to make the
Commonwealth more affordable, competitive and equitable. Today, thanks to the
leadership of Chair Comerford and Chair Rodrigues, and the support of every
member of our Chamber, free community college is now the law in Massachusetts,”
said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Conversations about
college have turned from ‘I wish’, to ‘I will’ for so many of our residents,
and this transformative investment will reverberate in families for
generations. I could not be prouder of the Senate, or more thankful for each
and every member for their support.”
“I’m thrilled to see this ambitious initiative be officially
launched,” said Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael J. Rodrigues
(D-Westport). “No cost community college removes barriers and allows
everyone an opportunity to obtain a higher educational degree without the
stress of a burdensome financial obligation. This program will fill an educated
workforce pipeline in some of most desirable and competitive vocational fields
in the Commonwealth.”
“Today, we celebrate our state's historic investment in a
mighty equity engine, workforce engine, and opportunity engine,” said
Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on
Higher Education. “We have seen the state's transformative investments at
work through MassReconnect. MassEducate—universally free community
college—builds on the program's successes and will allow more Massachusetts
residents to access the promise and power of a higher education degree. I am
deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means
Chair Michael Rodrigues for prioritizing higher education. Investing in our
students today means a brighter tomorrow for our Commonwealth.”
“As a member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, I
am delighted MassEducate will allow the Commonwealth to provide a free
community college education to Massachusetts residents who might not be able to
afford one otherwise,” said Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Lowell), a member
of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “I want to thank Senate
President Spilka and Governor Healey for championing this legislation and
ensuring it came to fruition.”
“As a community college graduate, and occasional adjunct
professor at local community colleges as well, I know firsthand the
high-quality education and workforce training that students can receive at our
community colleges,” said Senator Paul Mark (D-Beckett), a member of the
Joint Higher Education Committee. “This significant investment, led by the
Massachusetts Senate, will increase the opportunity for students throughout
Massachusetts to obtain a college degree while avoiding the need for a
significant amount of student loans and debt. Investing in public higher
education strengthens our workforce, strengthens our economy, and invests in
the professionals who give so much to educate our students.”
“As a strong advocate for expanding educational access, I’m
thrilled to see the launch of MassEducate,” said Senator Pavel Payano
(D-Lawrence), a member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “The
program will provide life changing opportunities for thousands of Massachusetts
residents, including those attending the two community colleges in my district.
In the gateway cities of Haverhill, Lawrence, and Methuen, MassEducate will
open doors for students who may have once seen college as out of reach. By
investing in free community college, we are not only easing financial burdens
but also building a stronger workforce with homegrown talent, ready to meet the
challenges of tomorrow."
Community college enrollment has jumped at institutions
around the state, such as at Massachusetts Bay Community College, where
enrollment for Fall 2024 has increased over 36 per cent from Fall 2022.
Overall, free community college is anticipated to impact more than 45,000
students this academic year.
The program builds on the success of MassReconnect, included
in the Legislature’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which piloted free community
college by offering free tuition to students in nursing programs and students
over 25 years old without a bachelor’s degree. More than 4,500 students
participated in the program.
The Legislature’s budget included a historic $392 million
for financial aid across the statewide public higher education system,
including $117.5 million for free community college.
To learn more about free community college, residents
can contact their local public community college or go to Mass.Gov/StudentAid.
Building on the first successful year of Governor Healey’s MassReconnect program, which provides free community college to students 25 and older, MassEducate offers all residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to attend any of the state’s 15 public community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. Massachusetts now has one of the most accessible, equitable and comprehensive free community college programs in the country for full-time and part-time students, regardless of income. Students and families can learn more about financial aid opportunities and how to apply at Mass.Gov/StudentAid.
“We knew that MassReconnect would be transformative for
thousands of students, for our amazing community colleges, and for our economy
– and that was only the beginning. This universal free community college
program will continue to transform opportunities for students and strengthen
our workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts’ community colleges are economic drivers, helping students move
ahead in their careers and meeting the needs of our employers. We’re grateful to Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano and all
of our partners in the Legislature for working with us to create this
nation-leading program.”
“Our administration is grateful to the legislature for their
support of this sweeping free college program that builds on the success of
MassReconnect,” said Lieutenant
Governor Kim Driscoll. “We saw with MassReconnect that eliminating the financial barrier
of tuition and fees brought more students into our community colleges, and we’re excited to build on that momentum by expanding these benefits
to learners of all ages.”
“Universal free community college is transformative.
MassEducate will deliver an education to every resident who wants one, fill
workforce shortages faced by our businesses, and has already reversed a decade
of enrollment decline,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).
“Our community colleges are well-positioned to support this program, which will
change the life trajectories of many students and their families. I am
profoundly grateful to Chair Comerford and Chair Rodrigues for their
leadership, Governor Healey for her signature, our partners in the House of
Representatives, and to the community colleges who are delivering a stellar
education.”
“By building on the progress that we have made with
MassReconnect, the comprehensive free community college program that the
Legislature created in this year’s budget will help to foster educational
opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth, especially for students
that come from historically underserved communities,” said House Speaker
Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Critically, this program will also help to
bolster workforce development here in Massachusetts. I want to thank Governor
Healey for signing this initiative into law, as well as my colleagues in the
House and our partners in the Senate for the work that they did to make these
opportunities a reality.”
MassReconnect and MassEducate are having a significant
impact on community college enrollment. Since the implementation of these
programs, MassBay has reported 2,672 full-time students currently enrolled for
the Fall 2024 semester, a 36.6 percent increase from the Fall 2022
enrollment.
More than 4,500 students statewide received MassReconnect grant awards in the 2023-24 academic year. These new students drove an eight percent overall enrollment growth across Massachusetts community college, reversing a decade of decline. Now, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with the Legislature, is building on the commitment to make higher education more affordable and accessible, with free community college projected to impact more than 45,000 students this year.
Massachusetts has doubled state spending on financial aid,
adding over $200 million in two years. The Fiscal Year 2025 budget designates
$392 million to state financial aid, up from $184 million in Fiscal Year 2023.
This includes $117.5 million in funding for MassEducate and
MassReconnect.
“We heard from MassReconnect students that the
Commonwealth’s investment in them was game-changing and now we are offering
that opportunity to our full and part-time students across the Commonwealth,”
said Education Secretary
Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Massachusetts comprehensive free community college program is a
true testament to Massachusetts’ commitment to
increasing access and affordability in higher education so students can realize
their dreams. As we invest in students, we are also investing in our community
colleges and the Commonwealth’s future.”
“We’re grateful to Governor Healey and the legislature for
Massachusetts’ historic investments in student financial aid, which position us
to lead in socioeconomic upward mobility through higher education,” said Commissioner of Higher
Education Noe Ortega. “We also want to thank our community colleges for their
partnership in quickly implementing MassEducate so that learners can access it
immediately.”
41 INDEPENDENT CINEMAS WIN GRANTS TO BRING SCIENCE TO THE MOVIES
Nationwide Science on Screen® initiative promotes scientific literacy through entertainment
Brookline, MA (Thursday, October 3 2024) — Coolidge Corner Theatre and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation named the 2024−25 recipients of their nationwide Science on Screen® grant program this week, awarding grants totaling $250,000 to 41 independent cinemas, museums, and community groups with film programs. Each organization will receive up to $9,000 to create and present three or more Science on Screen events, which pair expert-led discussions of scientific topics with screenings of feature and documentary films. At least one of the films shown by grantees must be a past recipient of the annual Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize or a Sloan Development Grant.
Since partnering with Sloan in 2011, the Coolidge has awarded over $2.75 million in grants to 131 film and science-focused organizations in 45 states (plus Washington, DC) across the country.
Science on Screen features classic, cult, and documentary films provocatively matched with presentations by experts who discuss scientific, technological, or medical issues raised by each film. The Coolidge/Sloan Foundation nationwide Science on Screen partnership seeks to inspire in theater-goers an increased appreciation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as compelling enterprises and vital elements of a broad understanding of human culture and current events.
Over the past 13 seasons, grantees have sold more than 176,000 tickets to over 1,450 Science on Screen events (including free tickets offered by many grantees to their Science on Screen series). Those events have featured presentations by hundreds of scientists, doctors, teachers & professors, farmers, journalists, and more, including at least five Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners, ten astronauts, and other luminaries including autism activist Temple Grandin; outed CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson; surgeon and writer Dr. Atul Gawande; environmentalist Bill McKibben; geneticist George Church; and trailblazing molecular biologist Dr. Nancy Hopkins.
Highlights from the most recent season include:
“We are thrilled to continue our seminal partnership with the Coolidge Corner Theatre to support the nationwide Science on Screen program,” said Doron Weber, Vice President and Program Director at the Sloan Foundation. "These events, which pair expert speakers in over 40 states with popular titles such as Sloan-winning films Oppenheimer, Daniela Forever and Love Me, demonstrate that science can illuminate films just as films can illuminate science. We’re also proud that theaters can select recent Sloan-supported documentaries such as The White House Effect, Leonardo da Vinci, and Theater of Thought and bringing attention to urgent contemporary issues and inspirational scientific figures.”
Science on Screen was initially conceived and established in
2005 for Coolidge Corner Theatre
audiences in greater Boston, which boasts one of the
nation’s largest populations of life and physical scientists. In 2011, the
Sloan Foundation partnered with the theatre to take Science on Screen
nationwide and to make it an integral part of its coast-to-coast film program.
To date, the Sloan Foundation has awarded the Coolidge more than $4.5 million
to support the program, including the creation of a website (scienceonscreen.org)
where information on these programs and archived videos of the speakers’
presentations are available to the public.
Science on Screen grant recipients are chosen based on the
need for science-related programming in their community, the strength of their
proposed Science on Screen programs, the success of past Science on Screen
programs (for returning grantees), and their location.
All of these grant recipients play a significant role in the
cultural life of their communities, with successful track records of building
strong community partnerships and producing creative, thought-provoking film
programs that both educate and entertain audiences.
The 2024−25 Science on Screen grantees include 10 first-time
participants:
Grantees returning to Science on Screen in 2024−25 are:
Governor Healey Appoints Michael T. Caljouw as Division of Insurance Commissioner
With more than 30 years of industry-related experience in
the public and private sector, Caljouw begins his tenure on November 4
BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey announced today
the appointment of Michael T. Caljouw as Commissioner of the Division of
Insurance (DOI), an agency overseen by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer
Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) within the Executive Office of Economic
Development.
“Our administration is committed to ensuring a level playing
field for businesses and consumers and making our state more affordable for all
our residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are excited to have
Commissioner Michael Caljouw leading the Division of Insurance, where he will
oversee one of the leading insurance markets in the country, work to make
insurance coverage more affordable and accessible, and tackle growing challenges
in the insurance market.”
“As DOI Commissioner, Michael Caljouw will ensure equity and
integrity in insurance markets and that Massachusetts residents have the
unbiased information they need to make decisions about their coverage,” said
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are thrilled to announce this new
leader at DOI, who brings more than 30 years of experience working in the
public and private sectors to the agency.”
“Massachusetts is home to a leading insurance sector that
contributes billions to the state’s GDP and employs tens of thousands of
residents,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “The
Division of Insurance plays an important role in overseeing and partnering with
the industry to promote a stable and fair insurance market for carriers and
consumers, and we are excited to have Commissioner Caljouw at the helm of this
vital agency.”
Caljouw comes to DOI with 33 years of industry experience in
insurance law and policy, most recently serving as Vice President for State and
Federal Government and Regulatory Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Massachusetts. Previously, he held positions as Senior Counsel at Holland and
Knight; Deputy Director, Chief of Staff, and General Counsel for OCABR; General
Counsel for DOI; and as Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel for former
Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Brian Lees.
During the course of his career in the public and private
insurance sectors, Caljouw has led the development of major policy, including
Massachusetts’ HMO insolvency and cost containment laws. He was responsible for
insurance rate decisions and the review of major insurance mergers and
acquisitions across all lines of the insurance business. He led multiple teams
across disciplines, mentoring and developing leaders in both policy and
insurance markets and working to create a culture of diversity and inclusion.
“Michael’s vast experience in the insurance industry,
background on policy and law, and understanding of both the public and private
sector are assets as he takes on the role of DOI Commissioner,” said
Undersecretary of OCABR Layla R. D’Emilia. “I look forward to DOI’s next
chapter under his leadership.”
“I am excited to return to public service under the
Healey-Driscoll Administration, with a mission of ensuring stable, affordable,
and transparent insurance markets and safeguarding consumer interests in
Massachusetts,” said Michael Caljouw.
Caljouw serves as the chairman of the board of the Rappaport
Center for Law and Public Policy. He is a former board member of the
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Massachusetts Health Policy Forum,
Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, and Associated Industries of
Massachusetts. A Massachusetts native and Boston Latin School graduate, Caljouw
earned his B.A. from Williams College and his J.D. cum laude from Suffolk
University Law School.
DOI is responsible for overseeing and monitoring an
approximately $70 billion industry with more than 1,400 licensed insurance
companies and approximately 200,000 individual insurance producers licensed to
do business in Massachusetts.
DOI’s primary mission is to monitor the solvency of its
licensed insurance carriers in order to promote a healthy, responsive, and
willing marketplace for consumers who purchase insurance products. DOI also
serves to protect consumers by providing accurate and unbiased information
about policy decisions, plan types, and available insurers, so that consumers
may make informed decisions about their insurance coverage and intervenes on
behalf of consumers victimized by unfair business practices.
Secretary Raimondo and Minister Goyal Co-Chair 2024 U.S.-India CEO Forum
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States hosted the
6th meeting of the U.S.-India CEO Forum, which was co-chaired
by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Minister of Commerce and
Industry of India Piyush Goyal. The U.S.-India CEO Forum is a platform that
convenes leaders of the U.S. and Indian business communities to develop and
provide joint recommendations to strengthen bilateral commercial ties and
expand trade and investment between India and the United States.
During the meeting, U.S. and Indian government
representatives and CEO Forum members reaffirmed their commitment to expanding
bilateral commerce and trade, driving inclusive economic growth and innovation,
and fostering a resilient bilateral partnership.
The Secretary and the Minister thanked Mr. James Taiclet,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin, and Mr. N.
Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, for their leadership as Private Sector
Co-Chairs from 2023–2024. They noted, with appreciation, the recommendations
made by the Forum members over the past two years and their respective
initiatives.
They also took stock of the Forum’s accomplishments,
including the launch of the publicly accessible Network for Innovation and Harnessing Investments and Trade for
Inclusive Growth between the United States and India (NIHIT)
Platform to facilitate online knowledge sharing and networking among U.S. and
Indian startups and small businesses. To date, NIHIT has organized four
workshops to promote capacity building and skilling in cybersecurity, digital
technologies, and AI, which have been attended by over 1,000 startups, small
businesses, and entrepreneurs.
CEO Forum members, which represent a total of 22 U.S.
companies and 25 Indian companies, have also made a series of recent
announcements demonstrating their commitment to advancing U.S.-India commercial
engagement:
(Boston
Orange 編譯)
波士頓市長吳弭
(Michelle Wu) 在10月2日宣佈，將把28號公車路線中30個車站的候車亭屋頂，變成綠色花園，種植抗旱植物，改善空氣品質，增加風雨時的蓄水量，同時為巴士路線增加新的綠色空間，為民眾提供樹蔭。波士頓市府堤共示意圖。
吳弭市長指出，這為期三年的試驗計畫是波士頓市府氣候韌性辦公室(Office
of Climate Resilience)的新里程碑，也是全美在安裝巴士候車亭綠色屋頂上，規模最大的一次性安裝行動。
這些綠色屋頂將可為原本透明的巴士候車亭屋頂，提供直接的樹蔭，讓人們在熱天等車時，涼快些。種的植物還可以吸收雨水，減少徑流，捕捉汙染物，進而改善水質，預防淹水。
波士頓市府表示，這是波士頓市熱計畫的一部分，包括「涼爽社區」策略，旨在藉由蔭涼候車站，讓社區涼快些。
28號公車在麥特潘、多徹斯特和洛士百利之間行駛，是麻州地鐵在波士頓市的3條可免費搭乘公車路線之一，也是搭乘人數最多，半數以上乘客為低收入民眾的一條公車路線。
波士頓市和3家機構合作辦理這候車亭屋頂綠化項目，包括集體社會影響（Social
Impact Collective），一家波士頓市少數族裔所擁有的建築設計公司，以及衛斯頓苗圃(
Weston Nurseries)，一家麻州的植物苗圃，和波士頓青年建造
(YouthBuild Boston)，一家衛青少年提供支援即進入建築工程和設計行業所需經歷的本地非牟利組織等。
參與辦理這計畫的機構包括波士頓市氣候韌性辦公室，環保局，物業管理辦公室，綠色基礎設施辦公室，交通局，市長辦公室，以及麻州地鐵，市府街道家具合約夥伴JCDecaus。
波士頓市氣候長
Brian Swett，新綠交易(Green
New Deal)主任暨環境局局長Oliver
Sellers-Garcia，綠色基礎建設主任Kate
England，以及集體社會影響創辦人Michael
Chavez等人分別從各方面讚許這一計畫。
JCDecaus北美共同執行長Alan
Sullivan表示，該公司很榮幸能參與這促使碳排放到2050年縮減為零的計畫。
波士頓市府表示，市府的人力發展辦公室和環保、能源，以及開放空間內閣，新綠交易團隊，綠色基礎建設辦公室等合作，從國家海洋及大氣局獲得980萬元，將致力於培訓有助波士頓市加強海岸氣候韌性人力，以及相關的建設項目。
BOSTON - Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the installation of green roofs on 30 bus shelters along the MBTA’s #28 Bus route. Built in collaboration with community partners, these new roofs feature drought-resistant plantings that will help provide shade, improve air quality, increase stormwater retention, and add new green space along the bus route. The City selected bus shelters along this corridor as it has some of the highest bus ridership in the MBTA system and neighborhoods along this corridor are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat. The City and its partners will be evaluating this three-year demonstration project to learn how it can be scaled to other locations across the city. “These green roofs on bus shelters are not just a representation of Boston’s progress on sustainability—they are a practical, scalable solution to some of the most pressing challenges we face as a city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With this new milestone from our Office of Climate Resilience, we are demonstrating that Boston is leading the way in innovative, community-focused climate action.” These green roofs provide direct shade over bus shelters, which typically have transparent roofs. In addition to keeping people cool on hot days, the plantings will absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and capture pollutants, thereby contributing to better water quality and flood prevention. Finally, the small rooftop gardens will also support birds and pollinators, fostering greater biodiversity in urban areas. This is the largest single installation of green roofs on bus shelters in the nation. This project advances key strategies in Boston’s Heat Plan, including the “Cool Commutes” strategy, which aims to create cooler commutes through shaded bus stops. The City prioritized the Route 28 corridor running between Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury as it intersects with some of the city’s urban heat islands - areas that experience higher temperatures for longer periods on hot days. Route 28 is currently the most popular route in the MBTA system and is one of three fare free bus lines in Boston. Over half of riders on free routes are classified as low-income, and thus disproportionately affected by climate impacts such as the urban heat island effect. This corridor is used by a variety of bus routes in addition to the #28. “The launch of these green roofs is a tangible example of how we can reimagine our urban infrastructure to be more resilient, sustainable, and equitable,” said Brian Swett, Chief Climate Officer. “This is also a terrific example of Boston’s approach to the Green New Deal - investing in neighborhoods and people to address our climate crisis.” “This project exemplifies how innovative, scalable solutions can improve the day-to-day experience for residents, while adapting our city for the climate challenges ahead,” said Chris Osgood, Director of Climate Resilience. “A range of partners made this project possible, and we look forward to learning from it and scaling it to communities across Boston.” To install and maintain the green roofs, the City partnered with Social Impact Collective, a Boston-based, minority-owned architecture and design firm, Weston Nurseries, a Massachusetts-based plant nursery, and YouthBuild Boston, a local non-profit organization which focuses on providing underserved young people with the support and credentials needed to successfully enter the construction and design industry. Data collection and analysis will be conducted in partnership with Social Impact Collective, ensuring that the project’s benefits are thoroughly documented and understood. Data being collected includes how much stormwater is retained, temperature of green roofs compared to the sidewalk, and plant growth. “The number of public and private partners involved in this project demonstrates the all-of-government approach this administration has taken to enhancing sustainability, livability, and justice,” said Oliver Sellers-Garcia, Green New Deal Director and Commissioner of the Environment Department. “We’re committed to putting all our resources towards work that improves daily life and directly involves residents, youth and local entrepreneurs. Boston’s climate investments are quality of life and economic development investments too–that’s what the Green New Deal is all about.” “Having led the original pilot project back in 2014, we were delighted to work with the City again and bring back this valuable program” said Michael Chavez, Founder of Social Impact Collective. “These green roofs are a visible example of how implementing climate resilience at a neighborhood scale can improve outcomes while empowering the community through training and involvement in project implementation.” The green roof retrofit project builds on a successful pilot program initiated in 2014. This new installation, completed last month, will seek to standardize the integration of green infrastructure across Boston's bus shelters and potentially other street furniture. These green roofs will be monitored and maintained for three years to assess their impact on heat, air quality, stormwater management, and biodiversity. This project is a collaboration between the City’s Office of Climate Resilience, the Environment Department, the Office of Property Management, the Office of Green Infrastructure, the Transportation Department, the Mayor’s Office, as well as the MBTA and JCDecaux, the City’s street furniture contracting partner. "It's been amazing to work with Michael, Trevor and YouthBuild Boston again! Their partnership and passion for green infrastructure (GI) undoubtedly helped [de]pave the way for widespread GI implementation in Boston," said Kate England, Director of Green Infrastructure. "Green roofs are just one type of GI the City is deploying to improve our resilience to the effects of climate change--distributed GI in our neighborhoods ensures our most vulnerable populations experience the many benefits of GI in their daily lives." “As the sustainability leader in out-of-home media and the first in our industry to commit to the RE100 and to our carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2050, we are proud to be supporting this important Boston initiative to provide new sustainable services on the streetscape” said Alan Sullivan, Co-Chief Executive Officer of JCDecaux North America. Today’s announcement expands upon the City’s work to make Boston the most green and resilient city in the country. Recently, the Office of Workforce Development in collaboration with the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet, the Green New Deal team, and the Office of Green Infrastructure have been awarded $9.8 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop the workforce needed to enhance Boston’s climate and coastal resilience. This project is a strong example of Boston’s work to implement a Green New Deal that is focused on enhancing quality of life and economic opportunities through addressing climate change. You can learn more about this project or see a map of where the green roofs are located here. |
Governor Healey, AG Campbell Celebrate MBTA Communities Momentum to Lower Housing Costs
Overwhelming number of communities have adopted pro-MBTA
Communities zoning
33 approved communities now eligible to apply for $15
million in MBTA Communities Catalyst Funding to housing and infrastructure
SOMERVILLE – Governor Maura T. Healey and Attorney
General Andrea Joy Campbell today celebrated the momentum around the MBTA
Communities Law, as 75 municipalities have now embraced zoning changes that
will create more housing and lower costs across the state. The Executive Office
of Housing and Livable Communities announced that it has already approved 33 of
their plans, making those communities eligible to apply for the new MBTA
Communities Catalyst Fund, which provides financial support to compliant
communities for housing and infrastructure projects.
The celebration was held at Prospect Union Square in
Sommerville near a 450-unit mixed-income rental community with easy access to
the MBTA. The neighborhood represents the type of good transit-focused,
multifamily housing possible when the state and local communities work
together. The development of the neighborhood was made possible through a $13.5
million MassWorks grant in 2016.
“Dozens of communities across the state are saying yes to
housing and putting forward thoughtful plans that will increase housing
production and lower costs for people,” said Governor Maura Healey.
“When communities say yes to housing production, they are saying yes to making
housing more affordable for the teachers, first responders and middle-class
families that make our communities strong. We’re grateful for the communities
that have adopted these changes and look forward to celebrating many more who
will keep up this momentum this fall.”
“As a former Mayor, I know that change isn’t easy. I also know what so many other municipal leaders across our state recognize as well – we need every community to step up and help us build more housing and lower costs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We launched the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund to offset some of the biggest barriers our cities and towns face and reward those who have done the hard work and are now in full compliance with the MBTA Communities law.”
“I applaud the communities following this mandatory law and embracing it as the tool it is to alleviate the state’s housing affordability crisis,” said Attorney General Campbell. “As we enter fall town meeting season, I hope the communities still left to vote on this critical issue will join our strong and expansive coalition of support. My office will not only continue to enforce the law, but also, alongside the Healey-Driscoll Administration, assist communities with resources, consultations, and technical assistance as they work to come into compliance.”
Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration
created the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund, a capital grant program that
recognizes that promoting housing growth in communities requires additional
resources and makes available funding to support activities related to housing
creation, infrastructure projects associated with housing and acquisition of
property to promote housing. Eligible MBTA Communities are those that have
received a determination of compliance letter from the Executive Office of Housing
and Livable Communities at the time of the funding request. The administration
has made $15 million available for the fund.
The 33 communities now eligible to apply for Catalyst funds include: Arlington, Lexington and Salem, plus newly-approved Abington, Andover, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Dedham, Easton, Grafton, Harvard, Hull, Lincoln, Lowell, Medfield, Medford, Northbridge, Quincy, Randolph, Revere, Rockland, Sharon, Somerville, Stoneham, Swampscott, Taunton, Tyngsborough, Walpole, Wayland, Westford and Worcester. Three additional communities are considered to be in conditional compliance, including Everett, Malden and Newton.
The MBTA Communities Act was passed with overwhelming
bipartisan support in the Legislature and signed into law in January 2021 as
part of legislation to strengthen the state’s economy. The law requires 177
cities and towns to establish at least one district of reasonable size in which
multi-family housing is permitted as of right. Communities have choices as to
the creation of the districts, which must allow multi-family developments
without discretionary review processes, which can stymie developments. Zoning
must also be located near transit stations, when applicable, and that the
districts cannot impose age restrictions. The lack of zoning for multi-family
housing is a barrier for new housing development in Massachusetts. By allowing
multifamily housing near transit, communities can create new housing in
walkable neighborhoods.
“The Catalyst Fund is yet another tool to jumpstart housing production in newly adopted multi-family zoning districts,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “The MBTA Communities law is working. Already, more than 1,600 units of housing are in the pipeline to be built in MBTA Community zoning districts with several communities going above and beyond the guidelines. We need more housing to meet the current demand, and the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund gives our communities a hand as they work to build housing that works for them.”
Most communities are doing what they need to do to comply
with the law. In addition to the 75 that have passed zoning intended for
compliance with the law, many other communities are expected to adopt
multifamily zoning at city and town meetings this fall. The administration
anticipates another wave of communities passing multifamily zoning districts
this fall in advance of the District Compliance Application deadline for
Commuter Rail and Adjacent communities on Dec. 31, 2024.
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is
working with every community to ensure compliance with the MBTA Communities law
while providing funding as well. Over the last three years, the state and its
partners have provided more than $7 million in technical assistance to 156 of
the 177 MBTA communities to help them develop districts to comply with the law.
In addition, the state awarded more than $33 million to support housing
developments in 15 municipalities last year through the HousingWorks
Infrastructure Program.
Funding for the Catalyst program is available for fiscal
2025, fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027. Awards will typically fund projects
with grant requests between $250,000 and $1 million. Eligible municipalities
can find program guidelines and applications at mass.gov. The MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund will
accept applications on a rolling basis.
In March 2023, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) issued an
advisory to clarify requirements for cities and towns
under the mandatory MBTA Communities Law. In addition to its enforcement
responsibilities, the AGO continues to work collaboratively with communities
seeking to reach compliance, including by providing resources, assisting with
technical assistance referrals and offering consultations for communities
seeking feedback on proposed zoning plans.
