Massachusetts Senate Passes Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

 Massachusetts Senate Passes Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

to Safeguard Financial Health and Protect the State’s Most Vulnerable

Senate upholds ongoing fiscal responsibility, protects core services, and reinforces

the state’s economic foundation in the face of federal uncertainty

 

(BOSTON—5/22/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today approved a $61.4 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Over three full days of debate, the Chamber adopted 493 amendments, adding a total of $81.1 million in spending for statewide initiatives and local priorities for communities throughout the Commonwealth to the Senate Ways and Means Committee’s originally proposed budget.  

 

The final budget—which safeguards the state’s financial health, protects the state’s most vulnerable residents, and makes investments that reinforce the Commonwealth’s economic vitality in the face of mounting federal threats—was passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 38-2. It neither raises taxes nor spends dollars from the state’s stabilization fund—also known as the ‘Rainy Day Fund’—which currently stands at a historic $8.1 billion.

 

“This budget reflects the Senate’s commitment to a Commonwealth that carefully balances investing in our people with responsible money management so we can protect our residents, communities and economy for years to come,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate’s statewide approach to investment delivers resources to every part of the state and protects our most vulnerable residents, while our continued focus on education and mental health ensures that residents have they keys to unlock the doors of opportunity. I am profoundly grateful to each member for their contributions to this budget, to Chair Rodrigues and his staff for their tireless and inclusive work, as well as Vice Chair Comerford, Assistant Vice Chair Feeney, and each of the committee members for their commitment to shaping the state’s investments in our collective future.”

 

“The Fiscal Year 2026 $61.4 billion budget overwhelmingly passed by the Senate makes highly impactful and transformative investments in education, transportation, local aid, health and human services, housing, public safety, and other vital areas. This budget is centered on the principle of fiscal responsibility, never more important with the continuing economic uncertainty at the federal level,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The budget reflects the Senate’s deep and steadfast commitment towards achieving long-term sustainability while protecting core services for our most vulnerable populations. Thank you to all my Senate colleagues, especially members of the committee, whose thoughtful input, advocacy, and collaboration helped to develop and shape this comprehensive budget plan. Thank you to the committee staff, whose tireless work was largely responsible for producing this budget. Lastly, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Senate President Spilka for placing her trust in me, and for her compassionate and resolute leadership as we work together to rebuild our economy and grow our state’s long-term economic health.”

 

“This budget is a testament to the Senate's collective values and our shared responsibility to invest in every community and every person in the Commonwealth—from the Connecticut River Valley to Cape Cod. By prioritizing education, transportation, health care, and support for municipalities, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and resilient Commonwealth amid a time of great national turbulence and strife," said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and their teams for leading this responsive, steadfast, and compassionate budget. Our work is far from over, but today, we move forward with the goal of ensuring that all Massachusetts residents have the opportunity to thrive.”

 

“The Fiscal Year 2026 Senate budget represents a common sense, pragmatic spending approach ahead of imminent economic headwinds and federal uncertainty," said Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “It is a balanced, spend-within-our-means budget that uses the revenue we have available today, without increasing taxes, to invest in the most pressing needs of the Commonwealth. With smart investments in childcare, career and technical education, housing, education, economic development, public safety, and more, the Senate’s budget represents a values driven approach that lifts up the priorities of taxpayers across the Commonwealth, meets the needs of the most vulnerable, and maintains our state’s competitiveness.”

 

The Senate’s final budget increases spending by $3.7 billion over Fiscal Year 2025, with the majority of the increase attributed to MassHealth. Aligned with estimated tax revenue growth, the spending plan is based on a consensus tax revenue estimate of $41.214 billion for the coming fiscal year, a 2.25 per cent increase over the current fiscal year’s benchmark. Based on Fair Share surtax revenue estimates, the Senate’s budget proposal included $1.95 billion in education and transportation investments, an increase of $650 million over the last fiscal year.

 

Fair Share Investments

The Senate’s budget includes $1.95 billion in Fair Share surtax revenues, consistent with the consensus revenue agreement reached with the Administration and House of Representatives.

 

The Senate budget uses these revenues to support quality public education investments and the state’s transportation infrastructure, two cornerstones of the state’s economic foundation. Together with the Senate’s $1.28 billion Fair Share supplemental budget proposal passed earlier this month, total support this year for Fair Share supported statewide transportation and education projects amount to over $3 billion.

 

To brace for potential federal actions, the Senate’s FY26 budget deposits $165 million of surtax revenues into the Education and Transportation Reserve Fund, maintaining the Senate’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing fiscal responsibility in the face of rising uncertainty. By doing so, the budget sets aside a downpayment that will help maintain commitments to public education programming and transportation infrastructure in the event of economic disruption due to potential federal actions.

 

Notable Fair Share Education investments include:

 

• $325 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grant program, which is matched with $150 million in funds from the General Fund and the Early Education and Care Operational Grant Fund, for a total investment of$475 million.
• $265 million for Student Opportunity Act (SOA) expansion, as part of a $460 million increase from FY25 to support the fifth year of the implementation of the Student Opportunity Act and provide $150 in minimum per-pupil aid.
• $170 million for universal free school meals.
• $120 million for universal free community college, including non-credit tuition funding for those seeking to become emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
• $100 million to maintain financial aid programs for in-state students attending state universities through MASSGrant Plus, which is in addition to the$175.8 million for scholarships funded through general revenue.
• $98 million for childcare supports, coupled with a $192.8 million increase in the General Fund to maintain the current capacity and rates of the childcare financial assistance program.
• $50 million for school transportation reimbursement costs.
• $14 million for the State University Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program.
• $10 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), matching $17.6 million in general revenue for a total of $27.6 million, to support a pathway to universal pre-kindergarten expansion, including in Gateway Cities and the Summer Step Up program.
• $20 million for early literacy initiatives and programs.
• $8 million for the Reimagining High School Initiative.
• $5 million for school-based mental health and wraparound services.

Notable Fair Share Transportation investments include:

 

• $350 million, in addition to $150 million from the General Fund, for a total of$500 million to support Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operations, including key initiatives like low-income fare relief, year-round ferry service and the MBTA Academy. Together with the Senate’s recently passed Fair Share supplemental budget, the Committee has proposed dedicating $820 million in operating resources to fully fund MBTA’s operations for FY26.
• $120 million to support Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the state. Together with resources from the General Fund, the bill provides a record $214 million for RTAs.  The Fair Share portion of the funding includes:
• $66 million in direct operating support for RTAs.
• $40 million to support complete fare free fixed-route access across all RTAs.
• $10 million to incentivize connections between regional transit routes and local economic hubs.
• $4 million to support expanded mobility options for the elderly and people with disabilities.
• $78 million for debt service for expanded new bond capacity for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund (CTF) for essential transportation projects across the Commonwealth.
• By committing $600 million annually to the CTF, the Senate will unlock additional bond capacity for critical transportation projects over the next ten years.
• $52 million in operating support for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

Education

The Senate FY26 budget supports students of all ages by maintaining investments in public education at every level. The budget fully funds the fifth year of the Student Opportunity Act, provides a historic funding commitment to the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), and stands with public and private institutions of higher education at a volatile time.

 

With a $1.71 billion total investment in early education and care, the Senate’s budget builds on last year’s passage of the EARLY ED Act, supporting the sector’s workforce, protecting programming, and maintaining access to affordable care for families facing economic pressures.

 

Notable education funding includes:

 

• $517.6 million for income-eligible childcare.
• $448.2 million for Department of Children & Families (DCF) and Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) related childcare, providing critical services for families eligible for subsidized care.
• $475 million for the C3 operational grant program, supporting critical operational and workforce initiatives across the early education sector for the third year in a row.
• $98 million for childcare supports, coupled with a $192.8 million increase from the General Fund to maintain the current capacity and rates of the childcare financial assistance program.
• $44.9 million for EEC Quality Improvement Initiatives.
• $27.6 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative to maintain access to universal pre-kindergarten and preschool opportunities in underserved areas.
• $20 million for Childcare Resource and Referral Centers to support parents, childcare providers, employers, and community groups in navigating the state’s early education and care landscape.
• $20 million for grants to Head Start programs to promote school readiness for young children in low-income households.
• $5 million for grants to early education and care providers for childhood mental health consultation services.
• $2.5 million to continue the successful public–private pilot program with employers to create new childcare seats.

The Senate budget’s public K-12 investments provide crucial support to school districts confronting increased costs and fiscal pressures while delivering high quality public education to Massachusetts’ students.

 

To support schools across the state, the Senate follows through on the commitment to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act by Fiscal Year 2027 and invests$7.3 billion in Chapter 70 state aid to public schools, an increase of $460 million over FY25. Further, the budget increases minimum Chapter 70 aid to $150 per pupil, delivering an additional $39.6 million in resources to school districts across the state.

 

For the second year, the Senate’s budget dedicates $120 million to fully fund MassEducate, the Commonwealth’s universal free community college program that became law in last year’s budget. By again delivering free tuition and fees for residents, the FY26 proposal continues its support for this vital initiative that expands economic opportunity in a regionally equitable manner across the Commonwealth.

 

Other education investments include:

 

• $492 million for the Special Education (SPED) Circuit Breaker, in addition to the $190 million included in the Fair Share supplemental budget recently passed. Together with Fair Share supplemental funding, the Senate’s FY26 budget fulfills the promise of 75 per cent reimbursement for eligible tuition and transportation costs, recommending $682 million in total to reimburse school districts for the cost of educating students with disabilities.
• $183 million for charter school reimbursements.
• $275.8 million for scholarships to students, including $100 million in Fair Share resources to expand MASSGrant Plus financial aid support for students attending public institutions.
• $103.7 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, including $53.7 million in General Fund resources.
• $30 million for higher education wraparound services, including $16 million in General Fund resources, to support services for students attending community colleges through MassEducate, and $14 million in Fair Share resources to support wraparound services for students attending state universities.
• $16 million for rural school aid support.
• $14.2 million for early college programs and $13.1 million for dual enrollment, along with $8 million for Reimagining High School to empower high school students to take college courses prior to graduation.
• $5 million to support continued implementation of the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Higher Education law,  including $3 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment initiative to help high school students with intellectual disabilities aged 18–22 access higher education opportunities; and $2 million for the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Trust Fund.
• $3 million for the Genocide Education Trust Fund to continue the state’s commitment to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide.
• $3 million for the Civics Education Trust Fund to maintain and support a statewide civic infrastructure, provide professional development to teachers, and ensure that every student can access high quality civics education.
• $1 million for Hate Crimes Prevention Grants to support education and prevention of hate crimes and incidences of bias in public schools. 

Community Support

Highlighting the Senate’s longstanding commitment to a sustainable state–local partnership, this budget provides significant resources to support all Massachusetts cities and towns, ensuring that the state can meet the needs of every region, city, and town—and leave no corner of the Commonwealth behind.

 

The proposal includes $1.337 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), the primary source of direct state aid to Massachusetts towns and cities, an increase of $38.7 million over FY25. UGGA funding supports resources for municipalities as they collectively confront increased fiscal constraints at the local level.

 

The budget establishes a special commission to study how local aid is distributed, evaluate its effectiveness and equity, and make recommendations to maximize the equity of the distribution. In addition to traditional sources of local aid, this budget also increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $54.5 million. PILOT funding is a source of supplemental local aid for cities and towns working to protect and improve access to essential services and programs.

 

To further help communities thrive, the Senate Budget proposal gives communities, not the Legislature, the final say when issuing liquor licenses for restaurants and bars.

 

Other local investments include:

 

• $214 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support regional public transportation systems, including $120 million from Fair Share funds to maintain and continue expansions to regional bus service, sustain systemwide fare free transit service, and support RTA commuter operations.
• $116 million for local housing authorities.
• $54.5 million for payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to cities and towns for state-owned land.
• $52.9 million for libraries, including $19.5 million for regional library local aid,$20 million for municipal libraries and $6.2 million for technology and automated resource networks.
• $29.9 million in grants to Councils on Aging, increasing assistance per elder to$16 from $15 in FY25.
• $26.2 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture, and creative economic initiatives.

 

The FY26 budget codifies fare-free RTA service, which will require all RTAs to eliminate passenger fares for fixed routes and ADA-required paratransit service. With this measure, the Senate continues to prioritize regional equity, support RTAs as an essential public service that connects communities, and provide a crucial connection for commuters, students, seniors, and people with disabilities.

 

Health, Mental Health, and Family Care

The Senate’s FY26 budget funds MassHealth at $22.41 billion, an increase of $2.34 billion over the last fiscal year. As the largest cost driver in the state’s budget, MassHealth alone accounts for 65 per cent of the total spending increase over the FY25 budget.

 

Amid uncertainty in Washington, this budget maintains access to comprehensive health care coverage for over 2 million Massachusetts residents. MassHealth covers affordable, accessible, and comprehensive health care services for more than 1 in 4 residents, nearly half of all children, and 7 out of every 10 nursing facility residents.

 

To help keep healthcare costs down, the Senate Budget proposal includes a provision which will target high cost prescription drugs and ensure that the price for the drugs do not far exceed the value.

 

Other health investments include:

 

• $3.2 billion for a range of services and focused support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including $2 billion for community residential services and $288 million for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Community Day and Work program.
• $1.73 billion to support the Personal Care Attendant program and its historic collective bargaining agreement which raised the wage scale to $25 per hour.
• $694 million for adult support services, including $19 million to support jail diversion initiatives to better serve individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders and connect them with appropriate treatment.
• $582.1 million for nursing facility Medicaid rates, including $112 million in additional base rate payments to maintain competitive wages in the Commonwealth’s nursing facility workforce.
• $386.4 million for Department of Mental Health (DMH) hospital and community-based services, including $4.8 million to fully fund the operation of the Pocasset Mental Health Center.
• $237.7 million for Department of Public Health (DPH) hospital operations, including $31 million to fully fund and maintain operations of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children through the duration of FY26.
• $179.9 million for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS), including$1.5 million in new funding to develop the state’s recovery coach workforce, which will support key initiatives from last session’s Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Coach Licensure Act.
• $132 million for children’s mental health services.
• $102 million for nursing facility enhanced Medicaid rates to begin implementation of the 2024 Long-Term Care Act.
• $79.9 million for domestic violence prevention services.
• $39.3 million for Early Intervention (EI) services, maintaining necessary support and services for infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities.
• $35 million for Family Resource Centers(FRCs) to maintain mental health resources available to families.
• $26.5 million for family and adolescent health, including $11.2 million for comprehensive family planning services and $6.7 million to enhance federal Title X family planning funding.
• $22.6 million for school-based health programming and services.

$20 million to recapitalize the Behavioral Health, Access, Outreach and Support Trust Fund to support targeted behavioral health initiatives.

• $14.3 million for suicide prevention and intervention, with an additional $1.8 million for Samaritans Inc. and $1.1 million for the Call2Talk suicide prevention hotline. This investment protects and fully funds 9-8-8, the 24/7 suicide and crisis lifeline.
• $14.7 million for maternal and child health, including $10.8 million for pediatric palliative care services for terminally ill children and a policy adjustment to ensure that children up to age 22 can continue to be served through the program.
• $12.7 million for Meals on Wheels and other nutrition programs for seniors.
• $6 million for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) grants to bolster social emotional learning support for K-12 students.
• $5.5 million for children advocacy centers to maintain critical support available to children that have been neglected or sexually abused.
• $5 million for workforce support for community health centers, including loan forgiveness.
• $5.2 million for the Office of the Child Advocate.
• $3.8 million for the Massachusetts Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma.
• $2.5 million for veterans’ mental and behavioral health services through the Home Base program.
• $2 million for grants for improvements in reproductive health access, infrastructure, and safety.

Expanding and Protecting Opportunities

The Senate is committed to expanding opportunity and supporting the state’s most vulnerable residents. This budget therefore maintains the annual child’s clothing allowance, providing $500 per child for eligible families to buy clothes for the upcoming school year. The budget also fully annualizes the FY25 10 per cent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefit levels to help families move out of deep poverty. Additionally, an amendment adopted during debate ensures that pregnant women can access TAFDC, regardless of where they are in their pregnancy.

 

In addition, the Senate’s budget dedicates $82 million to support food security and child nutrition initiatives, including $42 million for Emergency Food Assistance to assist residents in navigating the historical levels of food insecurity, and $25.4 million for theHealthy Incentives Program (HIP) to ensure access to healthy food options.

 

Economic opportunity investments include:

 

• $467 million for Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and $209 million for Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) to provide the necessary support as caseloads increase, which annualizes the deep poverty increases implemented in the FY25 budget.
• $142.9 million for DTA caseworkers to protect access to crucial financial assistance, food support, and employment and training programs for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
• $59.4 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce.
• $42 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program.
• $25.4 million for the Healthy Incentives Program to support healthy food access for households in need.
• $20.6 million for employment services programs to help people with lower incomes move toward economic independence through pathways of self-sufficiency.
• $15.5 million for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program.
• $9.2 million for career technical institutes to increase the state’s skilled worker population and provide residents with access to career technical training opportunities, which will combine with $12.3 million in remaining American Rescue Plan funding for the program.
• $5 million for the Secure Jobs Connect Program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals.
• $4.8 million for the Innovation Pathways program to continue to connect students to training and post-secondary opportunities with a focus on STEM fields.
• $1 million for employment programs for young adults with disabilities.

Housing

As the state envisions a more fiscally sustainable path for its future, increasing affordable housing opportunities and addressing housing challenges remain at the forefront of the Senate’s agenda. This budget therefore invests more than $1.16 billion in housing initiatives, dedicating resources for housing stability, residential assistance, emergency shelter services, and homelessness assistance programs.  The Senate’s FY26 budget deploys a humane, responsible, and sustainable approach to support families and individuals in need with affordable, safe, and secure housing options.

 

Housing investments include:

 

• $253 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP).
• $116 million for local housing authorities.
• $110.7 million for assistance for homeless individual shelters.
• $57.3 million for the HomeBASE program to support sustainable exits from shelter.
• $27.7 million for homeless program administration to move people from the Emergency Assistance shelter system.
• $19.5 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), providing rental assistance to people with disabilities.
• $15.8 million for the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
• $10.5 million for assistance for unaccompanied homeless youth.
• $10 million for sponsor-based supportive permanent housing to support 16 new housing units and case management services for vulnerable individuals.
• $8.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including funding to support homeless LGBTQ youth.
• $6.5 million in continued support for resident service coordinators to help residents maintain stable tenancies at local housing authorities, which are required to provide households with the services they need.

In addition to these investments in housing, the Committee’s budget includes a provision—on which the Senate has consistently led—requiring that residential rental broker’s fees must be paid by the contracting agent, often the landlord of an apartment, ensuring that renters are not burdened with unexpected and extraordinary costs. The Senate first passed this proposal last session.

 

During debate, the Senate approved an amendment exploring opportunities to remove the sales tax for multifamily housing construction projects.

 

With both chambers of the Legislature having approved different versions of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, they will now reconcile their versions before sending a final FY26 budget to the Governor for her signature.

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO TITUS SPARROW PARK

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO TITUS SPARROW PARK

BOSTON – Thursday, May 22, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu yesterday joined Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett, the Friends of Titus Sparrow Park, elected officials, and South End residents during the South End Neighborhood Coffee Hour to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Titus Sparrow Park. The celebration marks a $2.4 million investment in the park, including colorful new play equipment, updated sport courts, improved lighting, and enhanced site drainage.  “The renovations to Titus Sparrow Park will make this beloved green space accessible for residents of all ages and introduce new play equipment for our youngest park-goers,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are excited to see these enhancements to keep Boston’s parks family-friendly and boost the community’s climate readiness.” Titus Sparrow Park is a treasured green space in the South End, just steps from the Southwest Corridor. The renovation preserves the park’s familiar charm while introducing a range of new features including updated play equipment for children ages 0–5 and 5–12, along with a new swing set and spinner. Sports amenities were enhanced with a resurfaced tennis court and a more accessible basketball court. Below the surface of the park, sustainable stormwater infrastructure was added using Stormtech infiltration chambers to improve drainage across the site. Additional upgrades include on-demand court lighting from dusk to 9:00 p.m. between April 1 and November 30, as well as new game tables for chess and dominoes. “Titus Sparrow Park has long been a vibrant community gathering space for the South End and these improvements ensure it will remain a welcoming, resilient space for generations to come,” said Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett. “With updated play areas, enhanced sports courts, and sustainable infrastructure, this project reflects our commitment to building parks that support community connection, equity, and climate readiness. We’re grateful to the Friends of Titus Sparrow Park and local residents whose voices shaped this project every step of the way.” “As a nearby resident and state representative, I am very grateful to the City of Boston and the Friends of Titus Sparrow Park for an outstanding end product that will further enable our magical South End community for years to come," said State Representative John Moran (D-South End).  The $2.4 million project included $255,000 for design and over $2.1 million for construction as part of the City’s five-year Capital Plan. Design work was completed by Halvorson Tighe & Bond Studio, and construction was carried out by ANJ Construction.  The design and development of Titus Sparrow Park were shaped by extensive community feedback collected during a series of public meetings beginning in May 2021. The Friends of Titus Sparrow Park were deeply involved in identifying neighborhood priorities and helping to address concerns.  “We are extremely happy the park and lawn are now fully open to the neighborhood and grateful to the Parks Department for their dedication and continued partnership,” said Shayna Keshian, President of The Friends of Titus Sparrow Park. “This isn’t just a park—it’s our backyard, where lifelong memories are made, children have taken their first steps, and even WNBA and NBA careers have taken root. Our mission has always been to bring neighbors together through free events, and we’re proud to continue that tradition in this beloved space.” For more information, please visit Boston.gov/titus-sparrow. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

2以色列大使館華府員工遇槍襲身亡。麻州長發聲明力保麻州以色列人安全

          (Boston Orange 編譯) 華府5月21日發生槍擊案，2名以色列大使館員工在華府以色列博物館前遇襲身亡。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）22日發表聲明，稱此事令人感震驚，向麻州以色列人強調，目前麻州沒有危險。

          奚莉州長表示，「我對昨晚Yaron Lischinsky和Sarah Milgrim在華盛頓特區美國猶太委員會活動場所門外被謀殺感到震驚和憤慨。這是一起毫無意義、仇恨驅使的暴力行為。在我們的國家首都或任何其他地方，反猶太主義或暴力行為都是沒有任何理由的。我的心與Yaron和Sarah的家人、朋友和同事同在，我向猶太社區致以愛與支持。我感謝迅速趕到現場的第一線應變人員和執法部門，他們正在全國各地的社區中努力確保人們的安全。」

麻州州警與聯邦、州和地方合作夥伴保持密切合作，監控新資訊並確保麻州社區的安全。聯邦融合中心（Commonwealth Fusion Center），麻州的主要情報職能部門，今天上午向Nobel上校匯報了情況，並將隨時向奚莉州長和公共安全與保障執行辦公室通報任何進展。

目前，沒有已知與麻薩諸塞州有關聯或任何直接威脅。

奚莉州長請民眾保持警惕，並報告任何可疑或異常情況。遇有緊急情況或立即性的威脅，應立即撥打911電話。若要報告可疑活動或行為，可致電麻州州警融合中心：1-888-872-5458，或發送電子郵件至：fusion@pol.state.ma.us。

Governor Healey Issues Statement on Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement on the shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington D.C. last night. 

“I'm horrified and outraged by the murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim outside of an American Jewish Committee event in Washington D.C. last night. This was a senseless, hate-fueled act of violence,” said Governor Healey. “There is no justification for antisemitism or violence – in our nation’s capital or anywhere else. My thoughts are with Yaron and Sarah’s families, friends and colleagues, and I’m sending love and support to the Jewish community. I’m grateful to the first responders and law enforcement who responded quickly to the scene and are working in communities across the country to keep people safe.” 

The Massachusetts State Police remain in close collaboration with federal, state and local partners to monitor new information and ensure the safety of Massachusetts communities. The Commonwealth Fusion Center, the state’s primary intelligence function, briefed Colonel Noble this morning and will keep Governor Healey and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security apprised of any developments. 

At this time, there is no known connection or any direct threat to Massachusetts. 

As always, members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. Please call 911 for emergencies or immediate threats. To report suspicious activity or behaviors, call the Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center at 1-888-872-5458 or email fusion@pol.state.ma.us. 

波士頓市街區派對迷你補助款開放申請

(Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 與社區參與辦公室 (Community Engagement Cabinet’s Office of Civic Organizing) 今日攜手宣布，最高750美元的第三屆街區派對迷你補助款現已開放申請。

這一補助計劃旨在藉由市府資助，鼓勵社區民眾在鄰里街巷舉辦活動，加強鄰居們的彼此聯繫。最高750美元的補助款，可用於購買食物、派對用品、舉辦草坪遊戲等。

吳弭市長表示：「街區派對是團結波士頓多元社區並鞏固鄰里關係的絕佳機會。這些街區派對補助金將幫助社區成員在今年夏天，讓我們的街道充滿精彩、安全、適合家庭的樂趣。」

補助計畫詳情與申請須知：

波士頓市政府的社區參與辦公室 (OCO)去年共撥發52筆街區派對補助金給居民和社區團體，總計超過30,000美元。

有意申請補助金的居民需留意以下重點：

申請封街許可： 凡在公共街道上舉辦街區派對，皆需申請「遊戲街道封閉許可證」(Play Street Closing Permit)。此許可證可在 boston.gov/blockparty 線上申請。

提前申請： 居民必須在其建議活動日期前至少四周申請補助金。

資格要求： 所有街區派對必須免費、向公眾開放並在公共街道上舉行。

滾動式審批： 補助金申請將採滾動式審批，申請截止日期直至2025年7月11日，以支持整個夏季的街區派對活動。

            2025年5月28日 (週三) 的晚上6:00至7:00： 社區參與辦公室將為有意舉辦社區派對者舉辦一場資訊說明會。

            補助金申請的截止日期為2025年7月11日 (週五)下午5:00。

補助款申請表單及「遊戲街道封閉許可證」申請連結，皆可boston.gov/blockparty grant 網站上找到。

BOSTON- Thursday, May 22, 2025 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Community Engagement Cabinet’s Office of Civic Organizing announced applications are now open for the third year of block party grants. This funding effort encourages residents to connect with their neighbors and experience the joy of building a stronger community. Residents and community groups who apply for the mini-grants can receive up to $750 to purchase food, party supplies, lawn games, and other items for summer block parties to make it easier and more affordable for neighborhoods to hold community gatherings.  “Block parties are a great opportunity to unite Boston’s diverse communities and strengthen our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These Block Party Grants help community members fill our streets with exciting, safe, family-friendly fun this summer.” “Boston’s block parties are where our streets are returned to communities, and with every block party, neighbors become friends, and streets become neighborhoods. I can't wait to see you all,” said City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. “Summer block parties are a fun way to get neighbors to form new connections and strengthen our community, and these mini grants make it easier and more affordable for every neighborhood to offer food, drinks, games, and activities that bring together residents from youth to seniors and every generation in between,” said City Councilor Henry Santana. “As an At-Large Councilor representing all of Boston, I see firsthand that block parties are more than just celebrations, they help solidify the stability, resiliency, and safety of our neighborhoods and city.” The block party grant builds on the Mayor's commitment to fostering a fun, safe, and healthy summer in Boston. Last year, the Office of Civic Organizing (OCO) provided 52 grants to residents and community groups hosting block parties totalling more than $30,000 across Boston.  "Block parties are more than just events—they are moments of connection, joy, and community building,” said Director of the Office of Civic Organizing Nathalia Benitez-Perez. “This grant program is about providing our residents with the resources they need to create lasting memories with their neighbors while strengthening the fabric of our city."  What do residents need to know before applying to the grant? Anyone hosting a block party on a public street needs to apply for a Play Street Closing Permit. Applying for this permit can be done online at boston.gov/blockparty. Residents must apply for grant funding at least four weeks prior to their proposed event.  To be eligible, all block parties must be free, open to the public and take place on public streets.  Grant applications will be approved on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025 to support block parties all summer. “Boston knows how to host a joyful block party like no other city,” said Community Engagement Cabinet Chief Brianna Millor. “From the summer to the fall, our streets are activated with the sounds of children’s laughter and the voices of our elders making connections with their neighbors. We are so excited to continue to support residents through this funding effort to make each block party bigger and better every year.”  “OCO’s Block Party Grant implores a community-centered approach to building safer and more healthier civically-involved communities across Boston,” said Senior Advisor for Community Safety Isaac Yablo. “This grant opportunity not only serves to provide safe spaces for neighbors to connect and socialize during the summer, but also creates opportunities to build social cohesion across communities that will last long past the end of summer.” The Office of Civic Organizing will host an information session for community members interested in applying on Wednesday, May 28 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Register here to attend. Applications will be reviewed and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply for the grant is Friday, July 11 at 5:00 p.m. The application can be found here along with the necessary application for a Play Street Closing Permit, and residents and community groups can visit boston.gov/blockparty grant to learn more.   “To the best of the neighbors' knowledge, our street has never hosted a block party before. However, last summer, we had great attendance at both our summer and Halloween block parties,” said Jessica Connors Brown, Charlestown resident. “The block party grant provided funding for us to purchase outdoor games like cornhole and giant Jenga and Connect Four, which we can use for years to come. We also bought snacks, bubbles, and chalk for the kids. I am very grateful to the city for funding these grants, which helped us build community and connect with our neighbors.” “The Block Party is a wonderful opportunity to welcome new neighbors and meet those who have lived in the neighborhood for many years. It has fostered a strong sense of community and encouraged us to look out for one another,” said East Boston resident Carrie Van Horn. “For the past four years, we have come together as neighbors to host a Block Party in East Boston. Thanks to our Block Party Grant, we were able to hire Jenny the Juggler for kids' entertainment and provide supplies for face painting and sidewalk chalk.”

波士頓市府員工慶祝亞裔傳統月。市長表揚陳孔恩等3人

波士頓消防局副局長黃瑞瑜（中）和亞裔警察們恭喜陳孔恩獲表揚。（周局子攝）

            (Boston Orange) 波士頓市政府亞裔員工5月21日在波士頓市府廣場，又一年的以歌舞、美食，慶祝亞裔傳統月。

周美桃率領的紐英崙養生舞協會應邀表演。（周菊子攝）

           在波士頓市政府的逾萬員工中，約有100餘人加入了亞裔員工資源小組，其中10人負責籌辦今年的亞裔傳統月慶祝活動，華裔有消防局副局長黃瑞瑜，在鄰里服務局工作的湯瑞雲，以及Michael Huang ，Sheila Lee， Shawn He， William Wong，越南裔有Anthony Nguyen， Harry Dam等人。

        司儀Anthony Nguyen表示，亞裔傳統月不僅是一個慶祝亞裔的多元文化，更反映了亞裔的韌性與團結。他感謝人們的出席活動，增加亞裔聲量。

        這天獲得表揚的有3人，分別是服務31年，致力維護公共安全，加強社區與市府關係的波士頓警察局總監陳孔恩，在波士頓市稽核及薪資中央部門服務40年，2024年退休的Ming Su，以及在波士頓市府服務37

周美桃率領的紐英崙養生舞協會應邀表演扇舞。（周菊子攝）

年，原本在公園局服務，如今在街道內閣工作的Vineet Gupta。

        MIT Bhangra舞者，紐英崙養生舞協會，廣教學校小朋友跳舞，朗讀詩，菲律賓舞蹈團等這天應邀表演，龍鳳酒樓等多家食肆贊助美食。

  MIT Bhangra舞者表演。（周菊子攝）

出席民眾排隊領取美食。（周菊子攝）

龍鳳酒樓等食肆贊助美食。（周菊子攝）

波士頓計劃局批准Roslindale廣場加街道區域規劃條例

ZONING COMMISSION APPROVES NEW SQUARES + STREETS ZONING IN ROSLINDALE SQUARE

BOSTON - May 21, 2025 - The City of Boston’s Zoning Commission today approved new Squares + Streets zoning in Roslindale Square, following a year-long community process. The new Squares + Streets zoning districts are aimed at creating a more mixed-use neighborhood center and connecting streets that support walkability, small businesses, outdoor gathering spaces, and new housing growth.  "Transforming Roslindale Square into a robust, family-friendly neighborhood center is critical in our work to make Boston a home for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to every community member who helped shape this process and to the Planning Department for ensuring that this new zoning truly reflects community input, supports the neighborhood's small businesses, and enables more housing to be built for residents and families.” “This zoning will finally expand opportunities for multi-family housing and businesses in Roslindale Square, supporting a bustling and vibrant neighborhood center,” said Chief of Planning Kairos Shen. “I want to thank those in the community who gave their time and input to this process, and I look forward to seeing this zoning enable more residents to call Roslindale home, support small businesses with new foot traffic, and promote  new arts and culture opportunities in the Square.” This new zoning directly responds to community needs advocated for through the Roslindale Square Small Area Plan, specifically the need to expand areas in Roslindale that allow and welcome more housing opportunity and small business activity. Each Squares + Streets district allows for mixed-use development and the creation of multifamily housing, which the plan identifies as appropriate along the major streets of the area, near the Roslindale Village MBTA Commuter Rail Station, and along nearby connecting streets.  “I’m excited to see this vision become a reality, taking a big step toward building a more dynamic and inclusive neighborhood,” said District 5 City Councilor Enrique Pepen. “This new zoning is designed to support more housing, foster small business growth, and enhance the overall vibrancy of Roslindale. I’m grateful to the Squares + Streets team for their thoughtful engagement and dedication throughout this process.” The six districts range in height and density and were mapped onto certain areas of the plan area based on a year of community process and feedback from Roslindale residents on the small area plan, and an additional two months of engagement on the proposed zoning map. This is the second area of the city where Squares + Streets zoning districts are now implemented. The first location to be mapped with Squares + Streets zoning was Mattapan Square, following the completion of PLAN: Mattapan.  "As a resident of Roslindale and father of two children at the Sumner School, I strongly support the proposed Roslindale Square zoning updates while encouraging even bolder steps toward addressing our housing needs," said Ben Bruno of WalkUP Roslindale. "Our family has built much of our life around the Square, and I've witnessed firsthand how critical it is to foster the vitality of this neighborhood through thoughtful development." "The proposed zoning changes under the Squares + Streets plan are a step in the right direction. Creating more density and encouraging a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood will help small businesses like mine not only survive but grow," said Owner of Russ & Mimi's Kelly Walsh. "A busier, more active square means we can invest more in our offerings, improve our services, and contribute to the local economy in a more meaningful way. Roslindale has so much potential, and I strongly believe that thoughtful, people-focused development will help our neighborhood flourish." "We desperately need more housing in order to slow the current rates of displacement and skyrocketing rent in the neighborhood, and what better place to put it than close to transit and shops," said resident Kathryn Ostrofsky. "I look forward to welcoming new neighbors who, like me, want to live within walking distance of everything they need. I also look forward to the decreased commercial vacancy and turnover of shops and amenities that this increased density will allow." The new zoning districts support creating more transit-oriented housing in the plan area. In addition, new zoning will make it easier to: build more housing in the area, make modifications to existing housing that will help preserve the existing supply and build generational wealth, create a backdrop for community development by allowing new cultural anchors in the plan area, and allow new growth and opportunities for small businesses.

波士頓市長吳弭為博愛樓剪綵

             (Boston Orange 波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）等政要，5 月 21 日為6層樓高，有85個單位，由紐英崙中華公所和Beacon社區公司合作建造的「博愛樓」剪綵，慶祝波士頓市在可負擔住宅數量上又邁一步。

                這棟大樓由紐英崙中華公所前任主席陳家驊發起、推動，在現任中華公所主席雷國輝手中竣工。中華公所和Beacon 社區公司合作，組成「夏利臣可負擔公司（Harrison Affordable, LLC），建造了這棟分別有1, 2, 3間睡房等不同組合的公寓，供年收入在地區平均收入中位30% 到 80%的家庭承租，其中9個單位保留給無家可歸人士。

大樓居民享有中央空調、設備齊全廚房和免費的供暖和熱水等基本設施，樓內還設有洗衣房，自行車存放處和供住戶聚會的公共空間。居民可攜帶寵物入住。

博愛樓座落在中華公所大同村原有的停車場上，隔著麻州收費公路(Mass Turnpike) 就是南端的「墨水塊 （Ink Block）」。設計團隊顧及華埠居民擔心麻州收費公路對地方上空氣品質的影響，特地和塔芙茨大學的CAFEH 計劃合作，採用特殊窗戶以顯著降低噪音，還配備了高性能的通風和過濾系統。

波士頓市府指出，博愛樓獲得波士頓市鄰里住房信託基金和社區保護法案，麻州和聯邦政府低收入住房稅收抵免的支持，由麻州住房合作夥伴關係、RBC 社區投資、公民銀行、麻州發展金融機構、藍樞資本和住房及宜居社區執行辦公室攜手資助。

吳弭市長在剪綵儀式的致詞中強調，這開發項目在維持華埠活力和可負擔性房屋上的重要性。麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz)，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，副組長許欽琮，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富等嘉賓也都應邀到賀。

波士頓市政府指出，博愛樓的設計注重永續性，以獲得LEED 金級和被動式房屋認證為目標，有效率地使用能源，最大限度地減少建築物對環境的影響。

            波士頓市政府表示，博愛樓彰顯了吳弭市長在增加波士頓市內可負擔住宅的努力，上任3年，已建造17,000戶以上可負擔住宅，其中近三分之一為有收入限制的住房單位，創下歷史新高。波士頓市目前還有 12,000 戶可負擔住宅正在規劃中。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF POK OI RESIDENCES IN CHINATOWN 

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined Harrison Affordable, LLC (a joint venture of Beacon Communities LLC and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) of New England), the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, local elected officials, community organizations, and Chinatown residents to celebrate the grand opening of the Pok Oi Residences a new affordable housing development located at 288 Harrison Avenue. “Boston’s Chinatown is an anchor for our residents and communities across the region. The opening of the Pok Oi Residences marks an important milestone in preserving affordability and community in this historic neighborhood,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re proud to partner with Beacon Communities, CCBA, and many other partners to deliver homes that ensure families can remain and thrive in Chinatown for generations to come.” All 85 apartments reflect a mix of incomes at 30%, 50%, 60% and 80% of the area’s median income (AMI). The homes include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Nine apartments are set aside for people who previously experienced homelessness. Each home has central air, a full kitchen, and free heat and hot water. The building is pet-friendly and has laundry rooms, bike storage, and a community room. The project site was a surface parking lot for Tai Tung Village, an affordable housing community built in 1973 and owned by a subsidiary of CCBA. It is located at the gateway to Chinatown at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Hudson Street, directly across the bridge from the Ink Block development in the SoWa neighborhood of the South End. The building’s exterior and massing are designed intentionally to fit with the surrounding neighborhood, honor the Chinese history of the area, and welcome people into the Chinatown neighborhood. The ground floor facing Harrison Avenue will have a residential lobby, amenity space, and property management offices, adding to the active street life of Chinatown. The Chinatown community has in recent years expressed concern about the impact of air pollution from the Massachusetts Turnpike and other urban factors on residents. The project team endeavored to use design features that would help minimize the impact of this air pollution on 288 Harrison residents, working directly with the Community Assessment of Freeway Exposure and Health (“CAFEH”) of Tufts University. Noise pollution from the Turnpike is mitigated for residents with the use of special windows that greatly reduce the sound of traffic. High-performance ventilation and filtration systems will ensure a constant supply of clean, comfortable indoor air for all. “Building affordable housing is critical to preserving the character of Chinatown. I am thrilled that the Pok Oi project is completed and that 85 new affordable units will become available in the neighborhood,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank the City of Boston and Mayor Wu for their commitment to this project and for their dedication to the needs of Chinatown as a whole.” “These 85 new homes will help Chinatown remain accessible to the families and residents who have worked hard to preserve this important neighborhood," said Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon. “This project demonstrates Boston’s commitment to supporting the conversion of underutilized land into housing that our neighborhoods need and our residents can afford.   “Community Preservation Act funding is a powerful tool to help make affordable housing like Pok Oi a reality,” said Thadine Brown, Director of the Community Preservation Program. “We are proud to invest in projects like this that not only create homes but also strengthen communities and honor the character of our neighborhoods.” The project was funded by the City of Boston’s Neighborhood Housing Trust and Community Preservation Act, along with state and federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Project partners include the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, RBC Communities Investments, Citizens Bank, MassDevelopment, BlueHub Capital, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “In a neighborhood that has experienced substantial gentrification, Pok Oi joins Beacon’s other Chinatown affordable properties supporting the diversity and culture of the community,” said Beacon Communities CEO Dara Kovel. “We are immensely grateful to CCBA, the City of Boston, and our partners for their vision in ensuring the provision of affordable housing so families and seniors can live comfortably in Chinatown for generations to come.” “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone,” said CCBA President Felix Lui. “Pok Oi transforms a parking lot into a lasting asset for Chinatown residents, rooted in community and culture. Thank you to Mayor Wu and all our partners who helped create this new housing.” The building will be LEED Gold and Passive House certified, minimizing energy use thanks to design and construction practices that make it highly energy-efficient, which also ensures high levels of comfort for residents. High-efficiency systems, a roof that reflects sunlight, and other features will help reduce pollution and carbon emissions. Its location makes it easy to get to buses, trains, Bluebikes, and nearby amenities in Chinatown and Downtown. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone. Mayor Wu’s commitment to expanding income-restricted housing in Boston is demonstrated by the creation of developments like the Pok Oi Residences. In the first three years of her administration, more than 17,000 housing units have been created. Nearly one-third of these units are income-restricted, setting a record for the highest level of affordable housing in more than two decades. An additional 12,000 units are currently in the pipeline.