MIT北大校友攜手迎蛇年新春 詩歌舞樂紛陳秀才藝

MIT-北大蛇年春晚合影。(周菊子攝)

右起，樂聞、黃海斌、李佳若、戈書寧擔任主持。 (周菊子攝)

                (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州劍橋市報導) 麻省理工學院學生學者聯合會 (MIT-CSSA) 和新英格蘭北京大學校友會攜手，2月2日假MIT Walker紀念廳舉辦「2025蛇年春晚」，不但為300多人奉上元寶餃子等春節美食，獻演15項長3小時多元節目，更讓人讚嘆大波士頓人才濟濟，高手雲集。

左起，北大理事杜廣延、單銘、MIT CSSA主席周懿靈、北大理事羅嘉元、
北大校友會長續然、MIT CSSSA主席朱芊語、贊助商Caroline Lu，李雪瑩
為第一輪抽獎抽出幸運者後合影。(周菊子攝)

              這晚屋外飄雪，屋內挑高至少3層樓的廣闊空間，張燈結綵，掛著「瑞氣臨門納千祥，吉星高照迎百福」的大紅吉祥對聯。麻省理工學院校務長Melissa Nobles，中國駐紐約總領事館教育處領事馬景津、陳冰雅都專程出席道賀。

              2名北大校友，2名MIT學生的4名主持人，一開場先指出，過去一年「跌宕起伏又充滿驚喜」，但眾人齊心協力「卷」出新高度，這晚兩校強強聯手，同時展現科技創新與文化藝術魅力。

主持人請北大校友理事唐建新(左二起)、梁恒、栾甡、吳琼抽第二輪獎品。(周菊子攝)

              曾任四川電視台主持人的樂雯，曾多次擔任國際會議主持人的黃海斌，正在MIT唸物理博士，還是知識/校園生活類博主，擁有百萬粉絲的李佳若，MIT博士生戈書寧等這4名主持人，一一介紹嘉賓，感謝贊助商後，請出MIT舞獅隊，以喧天鑼鼓，祥獅獻瑞，拉開MIT-北大2025春晚序幕。

北大校友理事長王開元(左)和會長續然(右)送感謝狀給
贊助活動的學而思聯合創始人曹允東。(周菊子攝)

              黃海斌在開場時說2月2日這晚是正月初五，迎財神的日子，祝福大家財源滾滾，人興財旺，更是贏得一片掌聲。

              首先上場的表演節目是配樂詩朗誦「金蛇狂舞狂想曲」，由創辦波士頓拾音社的MIT校友寧可為這場MIT-北大蛇年春晚量身訂製，並邀廣播劇版「互聯」原班人馬的魏晶，王曉梅、郭旭、沈心焯、劉希純和寧可聯袂演出。

麻省理工學院校務長Melissa Nobles致詞。(周菊子攝)

              他們這幾人各有來頭，魏晶曾獲央視廣電節目主持人大賽銀獎，王曉梅曾任央視「經濟半小時」編導，兩人還都是國家一級播音員。郭旭曾任央視編導，河北電視主播，還在MIT教過課，沈心焯是北大校友，曾任紐英崙中華資訊網路協會(NECINA)會長，現任董事。劉希純曾任牛頓中文學校校長，和寧可都是MIT校友。他們的朗誦抑揚頓挫，氣勢十足。

中國駐紐約總領事館教育處領事馬景津、陳冰雅從紐約趕來道賀。(周菊子攝)

              接著是北大-伯克利學生樂隊歌曲串燒，由依序是北大校友的大鍵盤手陶婧漪、吉他手周張弛和伯克利音樂學院薩克斯風手忻珂燁，表演搖滾樂「Black Ice」，爵士樂「Just the Two of Us」，以及揉合「太陽照常升起」，「千本櫻」，「好運來」，「名偵探柯南」等四首經典旋律的嶄新創作。

同是MIT 國標舞隊的寧可和Madelyn Andersen，穿著正式舞服，舞姿翩翩的跳了一曲美國華爾滋「農曆年之夢」。

MIT醒獅隊率先出場。(周菊子攝)

                         這晚的表演節目，總共不下15項。陸續還安排了2019年4月成立的MIT國樂團以鋼琴、二胡、古箏、竹笛、小提琴演奏「上海灘」，精熟虞山琴派的吴重彦，以出自國家級非遺傳成人馬維衡之手，用明代杉木房樑精製古琴獨奏「良宵引」。

波士頓夢想家房地產公司創辦人暨浮雲社社長王奕飛和擅於創作的何能能，搭檔演出「何必畢業」，借”穿越”時空概念，把花木蘭到居禮夫人的故事都編撰進了說詞。

拾音社朗誦詩。左起，寧可、郭旭、沈心焯，魏晶、劉希純、王曉梅。(周菊子攝)

              北大經濟系校友郭放和9歲兒子朱星澄，依序以古箏、鋼琴合奏了一曲「青花瓷」。  舞蹈專業畢業的郭旭獨舞「敦煌飛天長綢」。

寧可和Madelyn Andersen跳國標舞。(周菊子攝)

              創辦私募地產基金C-Star的北大校友李雪瑩，邀來紐約國際交響樂團行政總監劉千慈，以鋼琴、大提琴的「千頤慈韻」組合，合作唱奏了「冬雪 (Winter Snow)」，「自由探戈 (Libertango)」2曲。被形容為春晚金主姊姊的李雪瑩還特地說明，自己創辦了Harmonics of Enterprise 全球音樂會系列，要通過音樂搭建人們溝通與合作的橋梁。

作為伯克利音樂學院教授暨古箏演奏家翁慧所創辦「伯克利全球弦樂合奏團」成員的桑雪騏、章吳儀、陳璵晉等人，依序以琵琶、中阮、二胡配合大提琴，演奏了重新編配的「唐代柘枝舞」和「遙遠的綠谷」。

北大-伯克利學生樂隊歌曲串燒。(周菊子攝)

              曾代表中國參加英日新馬泰等國際舞蹈比賽，身為中國藝術職能教育學會國家隊選手，來自波士頓Bailemos舞蹈工作室，參加過央視春晚演出的Russell Yang，這晚以「舞王傳奇」之名，表演了一段邁克傑克遜風格舞蹈。

              Longy音樂學院美聲表演女高音谷曉禾在同校鋼琴科姚天穎的伴奏中，演唱了著名音樂家黃自於1932年所創作的「思鄉」、「玫瑰三願」等2首歌曲。

「伯克利全球弦樂合奏團」演出。(周菊子攝)

              郭旭指導，成員包括趙迎社、齊培敏、白方方、邱若崙、蔡詠、牛江河、李景漪、 羅容、朱莉等人的”玖舞團”，表演了蒙古舞「海然海然」。

              這場蛇年春晚，最後在新英格蘭武術學院示範刀棍功夫的「俠客行」，以及北美合唱協會愛樂合唱團部分團員演唱，郭凌指揮的「草原戀」、「You Raised Me Up」聲中落幕。

王奕飛(右)和何能能搭檔演出相聲「何必畢業」。(周菊子攝)

                        北大校友會的理事長王開元，唐建新、梁恒、栾甡、吳琼、羅嘉元、單銘、杜廣延，現任會長續然，麻省理工學院學生學者聯合會主席朱芊語、周懿靈等人，在表演節目的抽獎環節中分三輪上台，抽出掃地機器人、美的小烤箱，Fujifilm拍立得，無線藍芽音響，中領館春節禮包，樂高鮮花擺件，故宮文創等30多件獎品，還特地感謝了捐款，送獎品的學而思聯合創始人曹允東，C-Star創辦人李雪螢，仁港置業創始人陳思宏，MT律師事務所合夥人田惜，夢想家國際地產創辦人王奕飛等人。(訂正錯字: 栾甡，訂正圖說人名)

李雪瑩(右)和劉千慈(左)組成「千頤慈韻」組合推廣音樂。(周菊子攝)

「伯克利全球弦樂合奏團」演出。(周菊子攝)

Russell Yang秀舞技。(周菊子攝)

谷曉禾演唱，姚天穎彈鋼琴。(周菊子攝)

郭旭(左二)率玖舞團演出蒙古舞。(周菊子攝)

郭旭表演敦煌舞。(周菊子攝)

主持人黃海斌(左)、樂雯(右)請北大校友會理事長王開元(左二)抽出當晚特等獎
掃地機器人。(周菊子攝)

麻州府撥款85萬元資助殘障青少年做就業準備

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards More Than $850,000 to Help Young Adults with Disabilities Prepare for Employment

Athol, MA - The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $850,000 in grants to fund five organizations that provide job training, employment placement, and post placement services for 119 young adults with disabilities.

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Polus Center for Social and Economic Development in Athol. The Polus Center for Social and Economic Development received $199,991 to provide training for 24 young adults with disabilities to gain customer service and job readiness skills in the grocery and retail industries. The Polus Center will partner with Price Chopper, CVS Health, Shaw’s Supermarket and Mass Hire North Central Workforce Boards/Career Centers.

All five awarded grants are led by community-based organizations with demonstrated success and expertise in preparing young adults with disabilities for employment, job placement, and post-placement support.

“We are building a strong workforce in Massachusetts, and this includes providing opportunities and training for individuals who face barriers to employment,” said Governor Healey. “These grants will help develop and fulfill the immense potential of this segment of our workforce as we create an economy for today and tomorrow.”

“Addressing barriers to employment and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and resources is an economic priority for our administration,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “These grants will help young adults with disabilities learn the skills they need to thrive.”

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to working with partners to increase access, break down barriers, and create pathways to meaningful employment including for individuals with disabilities,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “We appreciate the partnership with awarded organizations as we work together to strengthen employment outcomes, foster inclusivity, and advance economic opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts’ workforce.”

“We are deeply thankful for these five community-based organizations and all of their partners for their commitment to creating transformative opportunities that positively impact young adults across Massachusetts,” said Molly Jacobson, President & CEO of Commonwealth Corporation.  “We congratulate and applaud them for designing thoughtful, tailored training programs that will create meaningful career pathways for young adults with disabilities.” 

The Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investment to attract and develop diverse, skilled talent to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers across industries and statewide. The grant program, funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation, engages community-based organizations dedicated to training young adults with disabilities. 

The following is a list of the five grant recipients, totaling $852,891 and serving 119 young adults:   

Community Work Services (CWS), Boston: $200,000
CWS will deliver intensive vocational training programs to 27 young adults with disabilities, focusing on high-growth fields such as Commercial Cleaning, Food Arts (including a farm-to-table program), Commercial Production, Hospitality, and Clean Energy through its Apex Clean Energy Institute. The program provides hard skills training, professional certifications, and personalized career coaching to support participants in achieving long-term career success.

 

Employment Options, Inc., Marlborough: $200,000
Employment Options will train and place 36 participants in food service jobs. The program is designed for young adults with co-occurring mental health conditions and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are passionate about the culinary arts but lack formal education or experience. It offers hands-on training, job readiness preparation, and wraparound support services. Participants can also earn industry-recognized certifications, including SERV Safe Food Handlers, Massachusetts Allergen Awareness, Massachusetts Food Equipment and Safety Training (FEAST), and Quinsigamond Community College Fresh Start certificates. Program partners include Nothing Bundt Cakes, Herbalife Nutrition, CJ Gourmet Pizza, and Quinsigamond Community College.

Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc., Athol: $199,991
Polus Center will provide opportunities for 24 young adults with disabilities to gain customer service and job readiness skills in the grocery and retail industries. Program partners include Price Chopper, CVS Health, Shaw’s Supermarket and Mass Hire North Central Workforce Boards/Career Centers. Participants will first complete six weeks of training in customer service and workplace readiness skills. Afterward, they can choose between two specialized tracks: the grocery track, which includes Safe Serve Certification training, or advanced retail training, featuring hands-on cashier experience at CVS.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District, Fitchburg: $132,900
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (“Monty Tech”) will deliver a 12-week, targeted training program aimed at serving 20 young adults with disabilities (specifically those diagnosed with autism and Down syndrome) to better prepare them for the workforce. The program will provide occupational skills relevant to jobs identified by Monty Tech’s employer partners. Monty Tech is home to 21 different vocational training programs.

Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc., Boston: $120,000
Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) will partner with Amego, Inc. to support 12 participants with autism at Amego, Inc. in career readiness through a three-tiered curriculum that includes academic learning, real-world experiences, and mentoring. The program will equip participants with job-readiness and soft skills essential for the workforce. Participants will seek employment and gain hands-on work experience with PYD’s business partners in construction, customer service, and hospitality. Professional mentors will offer ongoing support and guidance to help participants succeed in employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.

Massachusetts Celebrates First Official Rosa Parks Day

 Massachusetts Celebrates First Official Rosa Parks Day  

BOSTON – For the first time in Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey officially designated February 4 as Rosa Parks Day, in celebration of Rosa Parks’ birthday and in honor of her enduring legacy advocating for racial equality and inspiring change.  

“In a courageous act of protest 70 years ago, Rosa Parks made a choice that changed the course of our nation’s history and inspired a movement that coined her ‘Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,’” said Governor Maura Healey. “Her bravery set us on a path toward a more equitable and just country. We are proud to officially recognize Rosa Parks Day in Massachusetts to honor her legacy and remind ourselves of the obligation we have to protect the rights and freedoms on all of our residents.” 

“Today would have been Rosa Parks’ 112th birthday, and this year marks 70 years since she made the choice to sit at the front of the bus. Her actions sparked a revolution that put a long-overdue end to segregation in our country,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Every day, we work to honor Rosa Parks’ legacy and in recognizing her birthday as Rosa Parks Day, we will make sure that her contributions are honored through generations to come.” 

“We are in a time where so much of our rich history is under attack. I am so grateful to the Governor for her dedication to celebrate, honor, and to never forget the people who stood up for human dignity,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D – Boston). “Rosa Parks personifies resistance and strength. She reminds us that everyday people can do their part for justice." 

"I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in the legislature, particularly Representative Kip Diggs and Senator Lydia Edwards to sponsor and pass, an act relative to Rosa Parks Day,” said Representative Michael Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg). “This day will bring greater awareness to the heroic actions of Rosa Parks during the Civil Rights Movement. It will also serve as both an inspiration and reminder that during some of our nation’s darkest hours, she and many of her fellow civil rights leaders found hope and optimism for more prosperous and inclusive future.” 

“Rosa Parks’ courage wasn’t only historic—it set a standard for us today,” said Representative Kip Diggs (D-Barnstable). “Her bravery reminds us that standing up for what’s right isn’t easy - it is as important right now as it ever was then.”  

“There is only so much one person can do to affect social transformation in the world,” said Rev. Wil Darcangelo, Minister of the First Church of Lancaster, Unitarian Universalist, who was instrumental in advocating for the bill. “So few of us are truly in a position to cultivate major change on our own. But each of us is capable of at least some act of kindness and honor that might work in favor of the world we wish to see. This annual state recognition will not save the world, but it will have its energetic impact nonetheless. And hopefully the annual recognition of this woman, who has personally inspired me so much, will create at least a small social impact in service of racial justice and awareness of civil rights history in the United States. My calling as a Unitarian minister compels me to seek out ways in which I can do that, especially now when we need it so much.” 

Last year, Governor Healey signed An Act Designating February 4 as Rosa Parks Day into law and today, she issued the state’s first official proclamation recognizing the day. 

This action follows additional efforts by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to address and promote racial equity, including establishing the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment, signing maternal health bill and wage transparency bill into law, and establishing historic clemency guidelines to center fairness and equity in the criminal justice system.  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New Early Education and Child Care Mental Health Resources

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New Early Education and Child Care Mental Health Resources 

Trauma responsive early educator trainings to support behavioral health and social-emotional learning for children 

WORCESTER — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today a new partnership between the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) that aims to strengthen early childhood educators' skills in social-emotional learning as an essential part of a child’s development. The partnership’s initiative, Strategies for Trauma Responsive Early Educator Training (STREET), provides new virtual and in-person trainings intentionally designed for the early education and care workforce in Massachusetts. 

This is the first initiative informed by the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s early education through higher education mental health framework. 

“We have a youth mental health crisis that was only made worse by the pandemic. That’s why we’ve prioritized developing an education mental health framework and expanding mental and behavioral health supports for students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re proud to roll out these new trainings that provide early education and care programs with the tools and resources needed to help educators identify kids struggling, support them and create safe and positive learning environments.” 

“Early education and care programs play a vital role in supporting the foundation for infant and child mental health that will serve our students throughout their lives. These new resources will provide our educators with the tools they need to understand the impact trauma can have on student behavior and equip them with the knowledge on how to create positive and supportive environments for children to learn, grow, and play,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.   

Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, and Director of the OCA Maria Mossaides launched this new initiative today in Worcester with 45 early education and care leaders and educators from across the state. There they highlighted how these trainings will empower educators and leaders with the tools to help create positive, resilient early education settings throughout the state’s mixed-delivery system. Addressing the youth mental health crisis remains a priority for the administration and Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2026 budget includes over $21 million to support student behavioral and mental health.  

“We continue to hear from programs and caregivers of the social-emotional needs of young children and the impact this is having on staff,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This new initiative is an example of state government at its best – bringing together the expertise of both agencies to support students, educators and communities. These trainings will help educators become more trauma-informed and responsive, enabling them to better support the healthy development of all children.” 

“The social-emotional needs and well-being of children, as well as educators and directors, have been a priority area of focus for us at EEC. We are grateful to our partners at the Office of the Child Advocate for helping us support the professionals working in early education and care programs by providing them with new tools and resources, to meet the needs of the children in their classrooms, and to take care of themselves and their colleagues,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. 

"When children experience trauma without the right support, it can affect their development, behavior, and academic success. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and by providing professionals these tools, we can create environments that foster resilience and ensure that all children have the foundation they need to succeed. I am so grateful to partner with the Department of Early Education and Care because this collaboration represents a huge opportunity to ensure that early childhood professionals have the skills they need to truly be trauma-responsive," said Maria Mossaides, Director of the Office of the Child Advocate.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches

Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show

 

Education Secretary Tutwiler and higher education officials visiting high schools across Massachusetts to raise awareness of historic financial aid opportunities

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today it is holding a Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show at high schools across Massachusetts to encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for the nearly $200 million available in state financial aid.  

 

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega and other state and local education leaders will meet with students at eight Massachusetts high schools throughout February and March to promote the state’s many financial aid programs and grants.  

 

“We want to spread the word and let students know there’s a historic level of financial aid available right now in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Higher education is about opportunity and socio-economic upward mobility, breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty. Post-secondary education not only leads students to fulfilling and rewarding careers, but it also helps build a talented workforce and improve the overall economy.” 

    

The Higher Education Financial Road Show aims to increase exposure and access to higher education for K-12 students. This administration remains committed to providing Massachusetts colleges and universities with resources to enhance access into the state’s higher education system and provide a high-quality experience to all students regardless of background. One of the key areas of recommendations the administration released in partnership with their Advisory Council to Advance Representation in Education (ACARE) in the fall focused on students having consistent and equal access to the information, tools, guidance, and resources that they need to pursue all types of postsecondary opportunities.  

 

“In two years, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and state legislature haves more than doubled state financial aid, launching one of the most comprehensive free community college programs in the country and making our public universities tuition and fee free for Pell Grant-eligible students,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “Getting more students to enroll in college and succeed helps these students, their families, and our communities, which then have educated and skilled teachers, nurses, mental health providers, innovators, and leaders.”  

 

“We have amazing students in Massachusetts, and we want all of them to know that college is within their reach and an important part of their path to a better future,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston.  “The state has made huge investments in financial aid, and we’re happy to help spread the news about college opportunities.” 

 

Governor Maura Healey’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget maintains the significant investments that have made Massachusetts’ higher education system more equitable, accessible and affordable. This includes $80 million for MASSGrant Plus, $118 million for free community college, and $28.67 million for SUCCESS funding at public community colleges and universities.  

 

Students can learn more about state financial aid by visiting Mass.gov/StudentAid.  

 

Financial Aid Road Show schedule:  

 

Date	Location	Time
Tuesday, February 4	Lynn Classical High School	1pm-1:45pm
Monday, February 10	Athol High School	11am-11:45am
Monday, February 10	Lawrence High School	1:30pm-2:15pm
Monday, February 24	Springfield Central High School	1:30pm -2:15pm
Monday, March 3	Monomoy Regional High School (Harwich)	11am- 11:45am
Thursday, March 6	Monument Mountain Regional High School (Great Barrington)	12pm-12:45pm
Monday, March 10	New Bedford High School	10:30 am- 11:15am
Monday, March 10	Brockton High School	1 pm- 1:45 pm

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW ROAD SAFETY ORDINANCE TO INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THIRD PARTY DELIVERY PROVIDERS

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW ROAD SAFETY ORDINANCE TO INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THIRD PARTY DELIVERY PROVIDERS

New legislation addresses street safety concerns regarding food delivery apps

BOSTON - Monday, February 3, 2025 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced she has filed an ordinance with the Boston City Council today to require food delivery apps such as DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub to obtain a permit to operate within the City of Boston. The permit would require the companies to have liability insurance coverage for all drivers using their platform, including those using motorcycles, mopeds, and electric scooters, and to share aggregate data on delivery trips. The City first sent a letter to DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub in June of 2024, calling for more accountability in response to growing resident complaints around public safety on Boston’s streets. This new ordinance will further address street safety concerns in an emerging industry that currently lacks regulation. 

To obtain a permit, delivery companies must submit to the City proof of adequate insurance coverage for operators and share data pertaining deliveries, including data on unsafe and illegal vehicle operations on city streets. This carefully tailored ordinance is focused on the largest third-party delivery providers, which concentrate large volumes of traffic in certain areas of the City, particularly at certain times of day. The ordinance does not apply to small businesses with a small number of delivery drivers or other types of deliveries, such as those made by FedEx, UPS, or Amazon. By establishing this new permit process, this ordinance will establish rules and regulations governing the oversight of third-party delivery services within the City of Boston in furtherance of the public interest, safety, and convenience.

“This ordinance is an important step toward making app deliveries safer for our city’s pedestrians and drivers on our streets, and toward ensuring delivery app drivers have insurance coverage from the large, national companies they work for,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As this new technology continues to develop, we want to make sure Boston is leading the way in safe and efficient regulation.”

Under this ordinance, coverage would be required for liability, personal injury, collision, and medical payment if any uninsured or underinsured driver is involved in a crash and would need to cover drivers using all modes of transportation. Currently, delivery companies are not required to hold insurance to protect uninsured or underinsured drivers. 

“We hope to create an incentive for these companies to encourage safer driving instead of the current incentive–speed at all costs,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. “The data we collect will allow us to plan for the impacts of food delivery, rather than just reacting to double parking, unsafe operation, or congestion made worse by a high volume of deliveries. These common-sense requirements, along with data-informed curb regulations and targeted enforcement, will contribute to a safer environment for residents and drivers.” 

This ordinance follows a concerning uptick in complaints regarding the impact of third-party food delivery on City streets. Residents made 105 reports through 311 about increased traffic and congestion, illegal double parking, as well as reckless and unsafe delivery drivers on scooters, mopeds, motorbikes, and e-bikes in 2024. The City of Boston, and in particular the Boston Police Department, remain focused on enforcing the traffic violations across Boston. This new ordinance will complement existing enforcement efforts by providing new data. In 2024, at least 475 mopeds were towed, impounded, or seized. 

In June of 2024, Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge and Police Commissioner Michael Cox sent a joint letter to the leadership of DoorDash, GrubHub, and UberEats. The letter detailed a major increase in dangerous and unlawful behavior by delivery drivers in Boston and alerted the companies of increased enforcement actions by BPD in the interest of serious public safety concerns. The enforcement is occurring in neighborhoods across the City, including Copley Square, Washington Street in Downtown, and in the Fenway. Since then the City has issued traffic violations and impounded hundreds of mopeds. BPD will continue to enforce state and local laws, and encourages the companies operating these delivery services to partner with the City to discourage reckless driving and ensure public safety. 

"As a City, we are safer and stronger when we work together, and that includes our partners in the business community. Each of us has a role in ensuring public safety and we are asking these corporations to do their part in helping us keep pedestrians and drivers in our City safe," said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department.

Additionally the data submitted by delivery companies required by this new ordinance will help inform the City about the types of vehicles used to complete deliveries in Boston, which restaurants experience the highest number of orders, and where and how quickly trips are completed, including routes that drivers make using illegal turns. This information will give the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) a more accurate understanding of how third-party delivery is affecting Boston’s streets. Currently, third-party delivery apps do not have to share information with the city detailing common delivery routes or how fast delivery drivers are operating. Access to this information would allow the City to better design roadway configurations, tailor enforcement, and better manage the safe operations of our streets.

"For too long, third-party delivery platforms have ignored the rules, prioritizing profit over safety and putting residents, pedestrians, and their own drivers at risk. When I called on them to use their own data to curb their impact, they refused. This ordinance ends their indifference by requiring transparency, permitting, and insurance. Boston has no obligation to cater to tech giants who won’t play by the rules—especially when their reckless behavior endangers our streets,” said Councilor Sharon Durkan, Chair of Planning, Development, and Transportation on the Boston City Council.

“I appreciate the Mayor's leadership on this issue. We need to work together to make the city's streets safer for everyone,” said State Sen. William Brownsberger.

"I'm pleased that Mayor Wu is taking this important step to help make our streets and sidewalks safer and I look forward to continuing to work with her and her administration to realize this important goal,” said State Rep. Jay Livingstone. 

“On behalf of residents and businesses in the Back Bay, I am grateful to see Mayor Wu and the Boston Police Department take on unsafe and illegal mopeds and work to hold delivery companies accountable for safety in our neighborhood,” said Meg Mainzer-Cohen, President of the Back Bay Association.

In addition to communications with the delivery companies, the City continues to reach out to delivery workers directly to educate them about traffic safety. BPD and the Office of Neighborhood Services have distributed flyers in eleven languages to delivery workers across the City.