麻州長Healey提名3位新法官

  Governor Healey Nominates Three New Judges  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey nominated Jennifer Bingham, Colleen Carroll and Caryn Mitchell-Munevar to serve as Associate Justices of the Probate and Family Court. The nominees will now continue forward to the Governor’s Council for confirmation.  

“The people of Massachusetts deserve judges who will safeguard our rights and values and uphold the rule of law,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Attorneys Bingham, Carroll and Mitchell Munevar are all uniquely equipped to serve the bench, and we thank the Governor’s Council for considering their nominations.” 

“I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council to confirm these three nominees who will do great work for state on the bench,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.  

The Probate and Family Court Department handles court matters that involve families and children, like divorce, child support, and wills. The Probate and Family Court Department's mission is to deliver timely justice to the public by providing equal access to a fair, equitable, and efficient forum to solve family and probate legal matters and to help and protect all individuals, families, and children impartially and respectfully. 

Earlier this term, Governor Healey appointed Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark, Michelle Yee, Jessica Dubin, Alexandra Flanders, Mikalen Howe, and Carla Salvucci to serve as Associate Justices of the Probate and Family Court. Governor Healey also appointed Stephanie L. Everett, Esq. to serve as the Suffolk Register of Probate, and Mark Ames to serve as Hampshire Register of Probate. 

For more information about the Probate and Family Court, visit its homepage. 

About the Nominees: 

Jennifer A. Bingham is an experienced domestic relations attorney in private practice who has represented clients in all aspects of divorce, including complex property division, business valuation, alimony, child support, child custody and antenuptial agreements. In addition to other firm experience, Attorney Bingham has founded and led a small firm and solo practice. Since 2022, she has focused on delivering alternative dispute resolution services in the family law context at Bingham Dispute Resolution. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in the Accounting and Law Departments of Babson College. Attorney Bingham is a frequent lecturer on traditional and cutting-edge issues in the family law practice area. Attorney Bingham also founded and leads the Team Owen Fund, a 501c3 public charity focused on youth leadership and service. She holds a Bachelor of Art from the University of Rhode Island and Juris Doctor from New England Law Boston. 

Colleen Carroll is the Assistant Judicial Case Manager at the Plymouth Probate & Family Court where she manages the Pathways Program, conducting virtual case management conferences on complaints for modification of child support, custody, parenting time and alimony, and drafting stipulations, temporary orders and judgments. Prior to this, Attorney Carroll led a solo practice focused on domestic relations and criminal defense for over twenty years. She has a Bachelor of Art from Assumption College and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University School of Law.  When not working for the Trial Court, she is an avid rower. 

Caryn Mitchell Munevar is currently the Senior Supervising Attorney at the Northeast Legal Aid in Lowell where she litigates and executes all aspects of case development pertaining to divorce, custody, visitation, separate support, child support and Hague international custody disputes. Prior to this, for over 20 years, Attorney Mitchell-Munevar served as the Clinical Law Professor & Attorney at Law at New England Law. Attorney Mitchell-Munevar has also been active in a wide variety of pro bono projects and serves on the Family Law Curriculum Advisory Committee of the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE). She holds a Bachelor of Art from New England College and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law. 

昭倫公所前主席暨威威餐廳老闆許揚威辭世

              (Boston Orange) 昭倫公所前主席暨威威餐廳創辦人許揚威 (David Yeung Wai Hui) 於11月19日在家人照顧中安詳辭世，享年73歲。

               許揚威出生於中國廣東台山。他和何麗芳 (Winnie Lai Fun (Ho) Hui)移民來美後，在波士頓成家，育有3名子女後才遷居龍都 (Randolph)。1970年代末期，他在波士頓華埠創辦威威餐廳，烹製的”威威雞”遠近聞名，長年有許多人慕名而來，非得飽餐一頓威威雞，才能滿足的離開。

               許揚威在波士頓華埠社區內十分活躍，受人尊重，歷任昭倫公所主席，出席中華公所代表。

               昭倫公所現任主席謝如鍵轉告外界，悼念儀式訂於11月23日早上9點至11點在昆士市的安泰殯儀館 (Hamel Lydon, 650 Hancock Street, Quincy ) 舉行，儀式完畢後，將依照習俗，靈柩繞行波士頓華埠後，再安葬於佛士曉墓園 (Forest Hills Cemetery)。

來自加拿大的聖誕樹訂11/26抵達波士頓

Boston’s Official Tree Arrives November 26

The annual gift of an evergreen Christmas tree from Nova Scotia is scheduled to arrive by police escort at Boston Common at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26. 

This marks the 53rd year of the annual tree donation, celebrating 107 years of friendship between Boston and Nova Scotia. The tradition honors the people of Boston for their emergency assistance following the devastating 1917 munitions explosion in Halifax Harbor. The first "Tree for Boston" was donated in 1971 by Joseph Slauenwhite from Lunenburg County.

Boston’s official 2024 tree is a 30-year-old, 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Hugh and Liz Ryan of Mattie Settlement, Nova Scotia. 

Boston’s Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett, Santa Claus, the Boston Park Rangers, and local school children will greet the tree at its final destination near the Boston Visitors Center at 139 Tremont Street. The tree will be lit at approximately 7:55 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, as the City of Boston’s official tree lighting is celebrated on Boston Common from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on WCVB Channel 5 starting at 7 p.m.

The annual tree lighting on Boston Common is co-sponsored by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and title sponsor, The Province of Nova Scotia. The event is supported by presenting sponsor Amazon, signature sponsors Meet Boston and JetBlue, community sponsors Bank of America and Constellation Energy, partner Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel, and media sponsors WCVB Channel 5 and the Boston Globe. 

Visit Boston.gov/holidaylights for more information and follow our social channels to stay up to date with all the holiday lighting events: @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

麻州慶祝全國學徒週10週年 撥320萬元補助款將培訓514人

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $3.2 Million in Apprenticeship Grants 

Funds will result in 514 apprentices and pre-apprentices trained and placed in fields like health care, manufacturing, clean energy, and life sciences 

 

BOSTON – As part of Massachusetts Apprenticeship Week and the 10^th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) today announced $3.2 million in Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce (GROW) to 29 organizations to train and place 514 apprentices across the state. The grants, which include contract renewals and new awards, leverage more than $2 million in state funding complemented by remaining support from federal funds to train apprentices in high growth industries like health care, manufacturing, clean energy, early childhood education, and more.  

 

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute received $90,000 to train automotive technology apprentices with area employers like Enterprise Mobility, McGovern Auto Group, and Shaker Auto Group.  

 

Earlier this week, Secretary Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler were joined at the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Week Kickoff Event by state and local officials, members of the Apprenticeship Council, and members and leaders of Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12, who hosted the event. At the kickoff, Secretary Jones presented a signed the proclamation officially declaring November 17 through November 23 as Massachusetts Apprenticeship Week.  

 

This week, the administration is hosting or attending a series of events across the state to highlight the Registered Apprenticeship Program as a key resource for employers to address workforce shortages and encourage residents to pursue apprenticeship pathways in sectors like construction and building trades, life sciences, health and human services, education, advanced manufacturing, and other industries.    

 

Registered Apprenticeship provides individuals with paid work experience, classroom instruction, and on-the-job training combined with securing nationally recognized credentials, progressive wage increases, and economic mobility.  

 

“Registered Apprenticeship is a proven program that provides jobseekers with hands-on training and skills that lead to a long-lasting, family sustaining careers” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is proud to have made historic investments in Registered Apprenticeship, expanding the program to more industries and making it more accessible to populations that have been underrepresented in the workforce.”  

 

“Registered Apprenticeship creates more rewarding and equitable career pathways for all of our residents, while addressing our greatest workforce challenges,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “The newly announced grants will support local, regional, and statewide efforts to grow and diversify apprenticeship opportunities as well as help create new programs in multiple sectors.” 

 

EOLWD’s Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) is responsible for promoting, developing, and servicing registered apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts. DAS maintains more than 900 apprenticeship programs with over 11,000 apprentices currently working with the vast majority in construction but a growing number of apprentices in expansion industries such as manufacturing, life sciences, and health care.  

 

“Registered Apprenticeship increases access and opportunity for untapped, diverse talent to pursue a career supported by technical training combined with on-the-job training,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This proven model empowers individuals, especially underrepresented workers in fields like construction and high-tech industries to advance in a career with meaningful wages, benefits, and the skills employers need.” 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to expanding apprenticeship. The administration’s FY25 budget delivered $2 million to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion for the construction and building trades in Massachusetts and also expand registered apprenticeship to more industries. In addition, the Healey-Driscoll Administration enacted legislation to expand eligibility for the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit, which offers employers a $4,800 credit for each apprentice hired. 

 

“With the 10-year anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, this is the perfect time to celebrate the life-changing impact that Registered Apprenticeship offers for so many jobseekers and employers,” said Undersecretary for Apprenticeship, Work-Based Learning, and Policy Josh Cutler. “Massachusetts is leading the way to grow apprenticeship opportunities across all sectors of our economy.” 

 

“Congratulations to this diverse group of grant recipients,” said Director of the Division of Apprentice Standards Lara Thomas. “We look forward to working with old and new partners across the Commonwealth to develop transformative Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships.” 

 

The following is a list of the 29 grant recipients, totaling $3.2 million and supporting 514 new apprentices: 

 

Education 

 

Bunker Hill Community College (Boston): $51,638 to place and train two apprentices for early childhood education apprenticeships. 

 

Family Services of Central Massachusetts (Worcester): $100,000 to place and train 15 apprentices in child development associate apprenticeships. 

 

Neighborhood Villages (Boston): 

·       $250,000 to train and place 100 apprentices in early childhood education apprenticeships. 

·       $183,500 to train and place 21 apprentices in early childhood apprenticeships and intermediary. 

 

United Way of Mass. Bay (Boston): $20,000 technical assistance grant to explore developing youth development practitioner apprenticeships. 

 

YMCA of Greater Boston (Boston): 

·       $156,000 to train and place 24 apprentices in early childhood educator apprenticeships. 

·       $135,000 to train and place 22 apprentices in early childhood educator apprenticeships. 

 

Health and Human Services 

 

Advocates for Human Potential (Sudbury): 

·       $120,000 to train and place 24 apprentices in behavioral health. 

·       $123,092 to train and place 24 apprentices in statewide licensed alcohol and drug counselor apprenticeships. 

 

High Point Treatment Center (New Bedford): $20,000 technical assistance grant to explore developing community healthcare worker apprenticeships.

 

MassHire Hampden County (Springfield): $250,000 to train and place 50 apprentices in healthcare and behavioral health apprenticeships.

 

Hampden County Workforce Board (Springfield): $206,347 to train and place 35 apprentices in healthcare apprenticeships. 

 

SEIU Local 888 (Braintree): $125,000 to train and place 35 pre-apprentices in healthcare sector pre-apprenticeships. 

 

Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester): $225,000 to train and place 35 apprentices in health care and cybersecurity apprenticeships. 

 

Manufacturing 

 

Aimtek (Auburn): $35,000 to train and place eight apprentices in various manufacturing apprenticeships. 

 

Atech Turbine Company (Auburn): $50,000 to train and place 15 apprentices in various manufacturing apprenticeships. 

 

Bridgewater State University (Bridgewater): $40,000 to place and train 12 pre- apprentices in advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeships for neurodiverse individuals. 

 

Greater New Bedford Workforce Board (New Bedford): $98,358 to train and place 13 apprentices in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and other sectors. 

 

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Auburn): $45,000 to place and train 12 apprentices in manufacturing pre-apprenticeships. 

 

Metro North, Merrimack, North Shore Workforce Boards (Somerville):  $276,787 to train and place 25 apprentices in manufacturing apprenticeship. 

 

Trades 

 

Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute (Boston): $90,000 to place and train 12 apprentices in automotive technology apprenticeships. 

 

Berkshire Community College (Pittsfield): $12,550 technical assistance grant to explore developing HVAC apprenticeships. 

 

IBEW Local 103 (Dorchester): $146,000 to train and place 40 pre-apprentices in clean energy. 

 

Massasoit Community College (Brockton): $20,000 technical assistance grant to explore developing medium/heavy-duty EV technician apprenticeships. 

 

Minuteman, LLC (Cambridge): $11,500 to train and place two apprentices in DEIA focused plumbing apprenticeships. 

 

Pipefitters Local 537 (Dorchester): $50,000 to train and place 100 apprentices in DEIA-focused pipefitting and refrigeration apprenticeships. 

 

Various Industries 

 

Asian American Civic Association (Boston): $20,000 technical assistance grant to explore developing financial services sector pre-apprenticeships.

 

CyberTrust MA (Waltham): $20,000 to explore developing pre-apprenticeships in Cybersecurity. 

 

CyberWarrior Foundation (Whately): $60,000 to train and place 40 cybersecurity pre-apprentices. 

 

Massachusetts Bankers Association (Boston): $75,000 to train and place 15 apprentices in a credit analyst apprenticeship. 

 

MassBioEd (Cambridge): $195,000 to train and place 30 apprentices in life sciences sector apprenticeships. 

 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester): $20,000 to explore developing research graphic design pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. 

 

The Commonwealth continues to accept applications for apprenticeship program funding for Fiscal Year 2025. For more information, visit www.commbuys.com.      

 

Statements of Support 

 

Dr. Aisha Francis, President and CEO, Benjamin Franklin Cummings Technical Institute: 

“We appreciate support from the EOLWD’s Grow Apprenticeship program. By investing in innovative apprenticeship pathways like the degree apprenticeship at Franklin Cummings Tech, we can interlace college degree attainment with a 2,000-hour head start in a career. This workforce investment will pay dividends by cultivating a broader middle skills workforce eager and ready to accept jobs in key industries that drive our state’s economy.” 

 

Rick Carter, Training Director for Plumbers Local 12 Education Fund and Chair of the Apprenticeship Council: 

 

“As we kick off National Apprentice week in the Commonwealth, it has never been a more exciting time to be an apprentice. Whether the apprentice is in the construction trades to high-tech, Massachusetts has been, and will be, the model for apprenticeship for the country. The investments that the Healey-Driscoll administration has put into the programs will ensure that we are the model for other states to strive for. We are looking forward to 2025 to continue growing quality apprenticeship opportunities for all residents of the Commonwealth. Quality high paying careers is what apprenticeships provide.” 

 

麻州宣告乾旱嚴重

 Critical Drought Declared Across Massachusetts 

Most of Massachusetts now in a Level 3-Critical Drought, except for Cape and Islands Regions 

BOSTON – With precipitation at an unprecedented low over the last three months, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper today elevated the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Southeast regions to a Level 3 - Critical Drought. A Level 3 - Critical Drought persists in the Central and Northeast regions. The Cape and Islands regions remain at a Level 0 - Normal condition. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 3 - Critical Drought requires detailed monitoring of drought conditions, continued coordination among state and federal agencies to communicate the implementation of water use restrictions, declaration of bans on open burning, engagement with municipalities including local Board’s of Health, providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. The Drought Management Task Force will meet biweekly in the coming months to ensure responsive oversight of the drought.  

“Massachusetts is experiencing critical drought conditions that are fueling unprecedented and destructive wildfires across the state,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Climate change is reshaping our region’s weather patterns, resulting in warmer and drier fall and winter seasons. Water conservation is more important than ever. We urge municipalities, residents, and businesses - including those with private wells - to help us reduce stress on our water systems. We need to work together to ensure we have enough clean drinking water, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain effective fire control. Every small effort counts.”  

“As drought conditions intensify, MEMA continues to work with our partners on the Drought Management Task Force and with those coordinating the ongoing response to wildfires,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. “This is not your normal fire season, but everyone can help protect your family, your home, your community, and the responders on the front lines by avoiding anything that could create a spark or ember outdoors.”  

Over the past 30 days, most of the state received less than an inch of rain, which is 3 to 4.5 inches below normal. Many areas recorded their lowest rainfall ever for this time of the year. Since August, when dry conditions began, all regions except the Cape and the Islands have seen an 8 to 11 inch rainfall deficit.   

Streamflow has also sharply decreased, especially in the Central region. This has resulted in dry brooks and streambeds, increased ponding, exposed beaches and sediments, limited fish passage, and drying ponds. Furthermore, groundwater levels are falling quickly in all regions, with the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, and Northeast regions showing the largest drops. Residents can report dry environmental conditions they are experiencing and submit photos to support state drought monitoring efforts here.  

Fire activity has increased across the state because of drought conditions, leading to wildfires that are burning deeper into the soil. Due to fire conditions, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has implemented a temporary ban of all open flame and charcoal fires within state park properties. Small portable propane grills are still allowed at campgrounds and recreation areas where grilling is permitted. This situation can make it harder to control fires and may prolong fire incidents. About 200 cities and towns have implemented temporary restrictions on all outdoor burning: residents are encouraged to follow local and state guidance on any activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, or other ignition sources outdoors.  

Currently, there are approximately 37 active wildfires across the state. This year’s fire season has lasted longer because of dry conditions. Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across the state since October 1, burning more land than Massachusetts usually sees in an entire year. As firefighting efforts demand significant water resources, it's crucial for residents to practice aggressive indoor water conservation to maintain sufficient supply and pressure in public water systems.   

“About 200 cities and towns have implemented local bans on any outdoor fires under Section 10.10.2 of the State Fire Code,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “We’re reminding all residents to follow the state and municipal guidance on fire protection because in the current drought conditions any outdoor fire is likely to catch, spread, and threaten people and property. Every firefighter battling a preventable wildfire is one who can’t respond to a house fire, car crash, or medical emergency.”  

"The combination of drought conditions and dry fuel conditions means that we continue to be at high risk of wildfires across Massachusetts. We urge everyone to exercise caution and remember, even a small spark can ignite a larger fire in these conditions," said Department of Conservation and Recreation Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino. "We all have a role to play in reducing the risk of new fires by following local fire restrictions and practicing responsible water conservation to ensure firefighters across the state have the resources we need to combat these fires."     

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities in managing systems, including assistance on the use of emergency connections and water supplies.  

It is important to note that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan. However, private well users and other sources of water within the same MWRA serviced communities are impacted by drought conditions. 

All sources of water, regardless of their location or type of withdrawal, ultimately draw from the same river basin. This means that the water in private wells often originates from the same source as the public water supply in that basin. During this critical drought and with decreasing groundwater levels, water levels in private wells can also decline and those on private wells are also strongly urged to conserve water as outlined below.  

Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 3 – Critical Drought region, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are also asked to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place.  

For Regions in Level 3 – Critical Drought  

Residents and Businesses: 

• Minimize overall water use  
• Follow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictions 
• Monitor total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool  to evaluate household water use. 
• Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by: 
• Checking water meters for constant dial movement 
• Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks 
• Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas 
• Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load 
• Aggressively reduce indoor water use by  
• Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer 
• Running washing machines only on a full load  
• Not letting water run while brushing and shaving  
• Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense-labeled
• Stop all non-essential water use 
• Be extra cautious with outdoor fires, grills, and flammable materials  

Immediate Steps for Communities: 

• Provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials 
• Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties 
• Strongly discourage or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing 
• Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use   

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities: 

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials 
• Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates 
• Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply 
• Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan   

Officials remind everyone to follow these outdoor fire prevention steps: 

• Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Even during open burning season, it always requires a permit and burning leaves is not allowed. 
• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.  
• Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.  
• Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.  
• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.   

State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help federal, state, and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.  

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES HOUSING ACCELERATOR FUND

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES HOUSING ACCELERATOR FUND

Bunker Hill Redevelopment will be first project to benefit from investment in jumpstarting housing production

BOSTON – Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced she will be filing a $110 million appropriation to create the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund at the next City Council meeting on December 4, 2024. The new fund is intended to kickstart the production of housing by closing financing gaps for projects that have already been approved but have been unable to start construction. The Housing Accelerator Fund is supported by unrestricted prior-year budgetary fund balance, and the City’s investment will be matched by the Commonwealth’s Housing Momentum Fund. Mayor Wu made the announcement at the Bunker Hill Redevelopment in Charlestown. The mixed-income units already permitted through the Boston Housing Authority’s public-private partnership with Leggat McCall Properties at Bunker Hill will be the first project to benefit from the fund.

“Boston’s housing crisis is the biggest stress on families across our neighborhoods, so we need to do everything possible for more housing and more affordability,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our Housing Accelerator Fund will wisely use City dollars to jumpstart new projects and then return those funds back to the City once the projects are financed, supporting public-private partnerships for housing, private development, and home ownership. Thank you to City Councilors, colleagues at the state level, and housing partners for collaborating to innovate and find new approaches to meet the needs of our community.”

The Bunker Hill redevelopment project, which broke ground on its first building in June 2023, is a multi-phase public-private partnership among the Joseph J. Corcoran Company, Leggat McCall, the Boston Housing Authority and the Charlestown Resident Alliance (CRA), which will replace 1,100 public housing units with 2,699 units with a mix of public, income-restricted, and market rate rental units. This model of mixed-income housing is ideal for supporting healthy, diverse communities. The project also includes 73,000 square feet of retail and civic uses, off-street parking, and new public open space to support residents and the Charlestown community.

The next phase of Bunker Hill’s Redevelopment, which will be funded through the Housing Accelerator Fund, will be a nine-story, 265-unit mixed-income building, including 58 new affordable units. These affordable units will be a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments throughout the building. Like the first building now nearing completion, it will be built to passive house standards, the highest standard for energy efficiency in new construction. The next phase of Bunker Hill’s redevelopment is expected to begin construction in mid to late 2025.

“We are eager to turn our attention to the second building of the project and are grateful for the collaborative effort of Mayor Wu, the City Council, and the BHA to make this appropriation a reality,” said Adelaide Grady, Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment Executive Director and Senior Vice President/Partner at Leggat McCall Properties. “The timing of this enables us keep up the momentum following the first building as we work closely with the BHA and CRA to quickly start construction on the next new homes for Bunker Hill families.”

In the coming months, the City will partner with the Commonwealth to identify additional projects that meet City and State priorities of affordability, climate resilience, and equity to participate in the Housing Accelerator Fund and the state’s Momentum Fund, which was created in the housing bond bill that became law earlier this year. The Commonwealth will provide both underwriting support and matching funds through MassHousing. Developers with projects that have already been approved by the Planning Department and meet MassHousing’s statutory requirement of 20 percent affordability can apply for equity investments from the Commonwealth and City through MassHousing application process. Qualified applicants will be identified by the City in partnership with MassHousing.

“NAIOP is grateful to the Wu Administration for recognizing the challenges facing housing production in Boston,” said Tamara Small, CEO of NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association. “Supporting market rate housing development is critical to addressing the housing crisis, and today I am pleased to stand with Secretary Augustus, Mayor Wu, and the entire City of Boston as this new tool is implemented.”

In addition to partnering with the State to move much needed rental housing into construction quickly, the City will also work with small and large scale developers in Boston to identify potential opportunities to use this fund or similar models to accelerate the creation of approved, new middle income homeownership housing opportunities. Through the work of the Boston Home Center and related programs, the City is committed to advancing pathways to stable homeownership for Bostonians. The Wu administration has invested more in creating and expanding homeownership opportunities than any previous administration. 

“The Housing Accelerator Fund is an innovative tool in our toolbox that will add to our options and strategies, like the state’s Momentum Fund and incentives for office-to-housing conversion programs,” said City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. “Creative initiatives like these send a strong message that Boston is working with our development partners to find shared solutions to our affordability, housing, and sustainability goals.”

“We have an opportunity with this development fund to invest in home ownership in a way that has never been done before. This will create stability in our neighborhoods, and the byproduct of that stability is going to be wealth for our residents,” Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4) said. “I’m proud to stand alongside the mayor on this commitment to get shovels in the ground and cranes in the sky. This is a clear signal that Boston is serious about housing production.”

Today’s announcement is a major step in making Boston a home for everyone. Under Mayor Wu’s leadership, the City has permitted 8,679 new housing units—nearly a third of which are income-restricted—and approved an additional 16,185 units. Her commitment to streamlining processes led to significant improvements, including reducing approval times for affordable housing by 68% and modernizing development reviews for greater transparency and equity. Mayor Wu has championed innovative zoning initiatives to create mixed-use and diverse housing options across neighborhoods and led efforts to convert underutilized City-owned land into nearly 1,400 new income-restricted units. Additionally, she has expanded financial assistance for homebuyers and created more opportunities for first-time and BIPOC homeowners. Through comprehensive anti-displacement measures, strategic public investments, and a focus on affordable homeownership, Mayor Wu is building a more inclusive, stable, and sustainable housing future for Boston. 

The source for the $110 million appropriation is unrestricted, prior-year budgetary fund balance, known as free cash. As a non-recurring revenue source, free cash should be restricted to support one-time, non-recurring expenditures, such as this one-time investment in housing creation. As of June 30, 2023, the City of Boston has a free cash balance of approximately $515 million, as certified by the state Department of Revenue. The City will have its free cash certified again in spring 2025, based on the fiscal year end June 30, 2024.