吳弭市長簽行政命令 推科技簡化證照申請流程

            (Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）在8月18日簽署「科技現代化」行政命令，簡化可負擔住宅，綠化基礎設施，社區活動等的許可證申請流程，以期市民、企業和市府洽辦公務時，有流暢的無縫銜接體驗。

            波士頓市每年約接獲10萬件許可證申請案件。市民們要蓋新屋，搬進新公寓，開辦生意，或在社區內舉辦活動，都要申請許可。

            波士頓市資訊長Santiago Garcés表示，在正確系統支持下，市府服務可以是沒有摩擦，有幫助。

波士頓市政府表示，在收集居民和市府員工意見後，已找出可以大幅改善的地方，也在過去這幾年間，以擴大數位服務，加快批准可負擔房屋，更快回應樓宇建築計劃等處理這些問題。

市府的改善指導原則是，藉由資訊分享系統，預防累贅申請，加快效率，提供清晰可見的申請許可流程，讓市民無論從哪個點開始，都會得到正確支持。

迄今波士頓市府做了的改善包括，許可證申請在網上付費增加了75%，藉由允許繳交供應商火焰檢測報告簡化了消防安全認證， 線上申請稽查服務部門 (ISD) 建築許可證檢驗，取消許多地下水保護覆蓋區計畫中區域規劃上訴委員會的不必要步驟， 簡化市中心空間翻新流程，取消冗長的內部裝修審查，取消某些容納少於50 人且不提供酒精服務場所的年度續約和定期檢查要求，為小型企業節省時間和費用，《區域規劃法規》第80 條做了 30 年來的首次實質修訂，提高了開發審查的可預測性。

在科技現代化上，波士頓市的成就包括透過波士頓學院的流程改善計劃，為 40 個市政府部門節省了220 萬美元和 804,334 小時；登記部門的等待時間縮短了近 60%（從 12 分鐘縮短至 5 分鐘）； 開發了內部床墊回收應用程序，將取件等待時間從 14 天縮短至 1-3 天，節省了超過 25 萬美元； 將波士頓的免費 Wi-Fi 網路擴展到 300 多個存取點，並將公共圖書館和學校升級到高速網路；為波士頓家庭日創建了自動註冊工具，為超過 10,764 名學生提供了博物館免費通行證；透過“綠燈計劃”，將超過 114 個交叉路口的交通延誤減少了33%；在 boston.gov 上推出了測試版人工智慧搜尋。

波士頓市府表示，將持續現代化樓宇建築，特別活動，企業證照，路權等的許可申請流程。

MAYOR WU SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER AND ORDINANCE TO ENABLE STRONGER COORDINATION BETWEEN CITY DEPARTMENTS, MAKING PERMITTING EASIER AND SAVING RESIDENTS TIME AND MONEY

Boston removes barriers and streamlines technology, making it easier for people to do business with the city - driving reforms for a more vibrant city. 

BOSTON – Monday, August 18, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu today signed the Technology Modernization Executive Order, addressing issues residents have historically faced when interacting with the City. This executive order aims to create an overall internal technology plan capable of maintaining large initiatives on the scope of citywide permitting reform. Mayor Wu also shared  progress on the city’s ongoing permitting reform efforts to improve the experience and save time and money for businesses and residents. 

 "We’re making City processes simpler and smarter for all our residents and businesses, for faster and easier ways to create affordable housing, green infrastructure, and vibrant communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These permitting improvements ensure that all City departments are working together to create a seamless experience for residents, businesses and stakeholders. By laying a strong foundation and getting the basics of City services right – we can make sure Boston is open for business and home for everyone."

The City receives more than 100,000 permit applications each year, supporting residents constructing new homes, moving to new apartments, operating businesses, or hosting events in neighborhoods across Boston. Input collected from residents and City workers have identified major improvement areas, and the City has made significant changes in the last few years to address these including expanding digital services, expediting affordable housing approvals, and providing quicker feedback on building construction plans. The City looks to continue improving these processes to ensure that the permitting experience becomes easier to navigate. 

"Government services are capable of being frictionless and helpful, if powered by the right systems," said Santiago Garcés, Chief Information Officer. "When processes are intentionally designed to deliver great experiences for both residents and employees, we can deliver on big things by doing the small things well. A strong technological foundation enables us to improve coordination across City departments."

Over the past few years, the City has laid the foundation to transform the overall permitting experience – learning alongside constituents to understand what is and isn't working, reviewing processes to identify redundancies, implementing technologies, and assembling the leadership and technical expertise needed to overhaul the current citywide permitting system. This effort relies on the following guiding principles:

1. No wrong door, only great service: City Hall connections are not needed to access support. Any starting point will lead in the right direction. 
2. Tell us once: Saving residents from repeating the same information to different parts of city government. Shared information systems will increase City department efficiency and prevent redundant requests.
3. Real-time status updates: Easily understand the permitting journey, see what's coming next, and get your questions answered before you have them.

Permitting progress to date

The City of Boston has begun implementing changes to deliver a more transparent and coordinated permitting process. Initial improvements include:

• No in-person visit needed. Online payment is now available for more permitting applications and renewals, resulting in a 75% increase in businesses choosing to pay online versus in-person transactions over the last five years.
• Making fire safety simpler and easier. Instead of making businesses physically submit all material samples in-person to be tested by the Fire Department, we’re simplifying flameproofing certification. For the majority of materials, businesses can submit flame testing reports directly from their supplier instead of having to submit samples to be tested by the City, saving time and effort for the applicant. The City is also developing a list of trusted suppliers that businesses can purchase from to further expedite the certification process – making it easier to open and operate a business while upholding fire safety.
• Fast and simple inspection requests. Instead of asking applicants to call by phone, you can now request Inspectional Services Department (ISD) building permit inspections online. 
• Removing unnecessary Zoning Board of Appeal steps for many Groundwater Conservation Overlay District projects, saving projects months in the process. This zoning amendment is currently slated for adoption this fall.   
• Streamlined process for renovating downtown spaces – by simplifying procedures for substantial rehabilitation, projects undergoing interior renovations will no longer be required to undergo a lengthy review, making it easier for building owners to reinvest in existing buildings and for institutions to upgrade aging facilities.
• Removing Certificate of Inspection annual renewals and reoccurring inspection requirement for certain establishments with a capacity of less than 50 and no alcohol service, allowing over 1,000 small businesses to collectively save tens of thousands of dollars on fees and countless hours in scheduling and completing these inspections. This update will be effective and communicated to impacted businesses starting in 2026. 
• A new development review process. With the first substantial amendment to Article 80 of the Zoning Code in 30 years, the City is improving development review to make it more predictable and ensure a consistent experience for developers and community members. The first set of changes were approved by the Zoning Commission last week and the City has published an action plan for ongoing improvements to development review which are actively being implemented.  

As progress continues on permitting reform, both a citywide technology and process improvement effort, the City has already been investing in a technology modernization strategy to make city services more efficient for residents and businesses. Over the past few years, the City has already achieved the following:



• Saved $2.2 million and 804,334 hours across 40 City departmentsthrough the Bostonia Academy’s process improvement initiatives, building capacity internally through training 300 city workers, instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on outside consultants.
• Reduced Registry Department wait times by nearly 60% from 12 minutes to five minutes, allowing residents to obtain their marriage licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates easily.
• Built a mattress recycling application in-house, reducing mattress pick-up wait time from 14 days to one to three days and saving over $250,000.
• Expanded Boston’s free Wi-Fi network to include more than 300+ access points, and upgrading public libraries and public schools to high speed internet.
• Created a new automated enrollment tool for Boston Family Days, allowing more than 10,764 students to receive free passes to local museums and cultural institutions.
• Decreased traffic delays for residents at more than 114 intersections, reducing unnecessary stops by 33% through Project Green Light.
• Launched the beta AI-search on boston.gov, connecting Bostonians to resources and information they need with greater ease.

"After operating in the same location for over 50 years, relocating our food business to a new neighborhood in Boston was a significant transition,” said Brian Aitchison, Vice President with Gourmet Caterers. “The online portal served as an invaluable roadmap throughout the process— the online applications and payment features saved us considerable time and streamlined our move. The support and expertise of the staff at the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Inspectional Services Department (ISD), and Boston Fire Department (BFD) were immeasurable."

“The Affordable Housing executive order was immensely helpful as we approached closing our latest affordable housing project in Dorchester,” said Benjie Moll, Principal of Arx Urban. It was the fastest building permit we have received in Boston over the past decade and we are thankful for the City’s hard work to make the process easier”

"Thanks to recent technological improvements, the Registry has significantly reduced wait times, helping all couples—including many in our LGBTQIA2S+ community—secure the legal recognition they need without unnecessary barriers,” said Jullieanne Lee, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for LGBTQ+ Advancement. “It’s not just about saving time—it’s about ensuring families have the protections they deserve. These kinds of updates show what it looks like when government works for everyone, no matter who they are or who they love."

Over the next few years, this comprehensive overhaul will deliver excellent government experiences for Bostonians. The City will continue to modernize processes for building construction, special events, business licensing, and right-of-way. Employees across the City workforce will drive this multi-year effort, incorporating constituent input, community engagement, and policy review. Visit the new Permitting Reform website at boston.gov/permit-transformation to learn more, track progress, and share input to shape the future of this initiative.

首屆波士頓華人排球邀請賽28隊參賽 漲潮、颶風校友分奪男女組冠軍

首屆波士頓華人排球邀請賽合影。（阮鴻燦提供）

             （Boston Orange）紐英崙至孝篤親公所隊和波士頓漲潮隊主辦，紐英崙中華公所(CCBA)和Everett市政府贊助的首屆波士頓華人排球邀請賽（Boston Mini），共有男女子28隊參賽。8月16、17較勁兩日後，由「波士頓漲潮隊（Boston Rising Tide）」，「波士頓颶風校友隊（Boston Hurricanes Alumni）」依序獲得男女子組冠軍。

波士頓颶風校友隊（Boston Hurricanes Alumni）」獲得女子組冠軍。

            這場排球賽打得是廣東華僑獨創的9人排球賽，和西方正式的每次6人上場排球賽不同。這種排球在波士頓經黃述沾，阮浩鑾，阮鴻燦等熱心人士的長年支持，如今已傳承，身植到了下一代。

            今年的這場排球賽，由紐英崙至孝篤親公所隊的Fanny Tsoi和波士頓漲潮隊的 Kevin Luke ，以及 Douglas Goon 主辦。共有來自麻州，紐約州，新澤西州等地的28隊參加，並邀得Everett市長Carlo DeMaria親自出席致詞，中華公所英文書記阮鴻燦頒獎。

            28隊參賽隊伍中，有男子組18 隊，女子組10隊。

「波士頓漲潮隊（Boston Rising Tide）」獲得男子組冠軍。（阮鴻燦提供）

            女子組有波士頓龍鯉隊（Boston Dragon Carp），波士頓洪門（Boston Freemason）的青年隊，黑隊，紅隊，紐英崙至孝篤親公所（GHOTNE）的混亂隊（Chaos），浩劫隊（Havoc），波士頓華風隊（Boston Hurricanes）的校友隊（Alumni）、黑隊，藍隊和紐約洪門A隊。

Everett市長Carlo DeMaria（左起）和中華公所英文書記阮鴻燦為球隊打氣。
（阮鴻燦提供）

            男子組有波士頓洪青體育會黑隊，金對，紅隊，波士頓華風會黑隊，藍隊，橘隊，白隊，波士頓低潮隊（Low Tide），夜貓子隊（Nightz），激流隊（Rip Tide），漲潮隊（Rising Tide），漲潮青年隊（Rising Tide Juniors），漲潮豆莢隊（Rising Tide Podz），Boston Fiete Frech Crim501 Tide，紐約NVNL黑龜隊（ Black Tortoise），紐約劍虹隊（NY Knights），ShoYu Boston，新澤西Borgata BetMGM隊。

            Everett市長Carlo DeMaria在開賽這天出席講話。他說自己尊重，知道排球在華裔美國人社區中的重要凝聚力作用。作為市長，他一直努力確保Everett市是一個讓每個人都感到受歡迎的地方。他為該市能夠和CCBA合作，在該市舉辦比賽，讓華人社區中的聯繫持續發展，感到自豪。

CD5 For Palestine and Allies Welcome Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s Acknowledgement of Gaza Genocide

 CD5 For Palestine and Allies Welcome Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s Acknowledgement of Gaza Genocide

Cambridge, MA, August 14th, 2025 – Yesterday, House Minority Whip and Congresswoman for Massachusetts’s 5th District, Katherine Clark, spoke at the Friends Meeting House in Cambridge. Activists from CD5 For Palestine held up photos of children killed in Israel’s Gaza campaign and confronted Clark on her previous denial of the Gaza genocide, her support for arm sales to Israel, and her close relationship with AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby. During the event, she remarked, “And we each have to continue to have an open heart about how we do this, how we do it effectively and how we take action in time to make a difference. Whether that is the starvation and genocide and destruction of Gaza or whether than means we are working together to stop the redistricting that is going on.” (Video clip)

 

Minority Whip Clark’s admission that Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza is significant. She is now the highest-ranking member of Congress to acknowledge the genocide. However, Rep. Clark made it clear that she is unwilling to commit to voting against sending more US weapons to Israel. The majority of the American people do not support Israel’s genocidal destruction of Gaza. Our hope, as CD5 for Palestine, is that Clark’s remarks will push other politicians to speak out and that Clark will change her policy on Gaza. 

 

While constituents of Minority Whip Clark welcome her rhetorical shift, action is needed to stop Israel’s policy. That policy is one of deliberate, forced starvation of the Palestinian people.

 

Sam Levine, a Jewish pro-Palestinian activist and constituent of Clark’s, had the following to say in response to Clark’s remarks: “I appreciate Katherine Clark has finally acknowledged that Israel is committing a genocide. After 22 months of watching this horror, things are finally changing in how our politicians talk about this but a change in policy is needed now. Acknowledging Israel’s genocide is not enough. Representative Clark must now act accordingly. That means a promise to end all military support for this genocidal government.”

絲路全球音樂工作室刻在波士頓演出 吳蠻將帶隊8/26轉往杭州

吳蠻（左三）、Mike Block (右三）感謝紐約中領館大使陳立（中）
等人支持絲路的全球音樂工作室。（周菊子攝）

          (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)絲路（Silk Road）麾下的環球音樂工作室（GMW）項目，今年和新英格蘭音樂學院合作，刻正於8月10日至16日在波士頓舉行，接著將和浙江音樂學院合作，於8月26日至31日在中國杭州舉行。 

琵琶演奏家吳蠻感謝各界贊助。（周菊子攝）

“絲路”是著名大提琴家馬友友為促進世界音樂交流， 1998年創立的一個樂團，如今馬友友不再參與營運，但“絲路“已擴大成為麾下有 “美國鐵路”，“表演和巡迴演出”，“教育及社會影響” 等3大板塊的組織。

 

本身是杭州人的紐約中領館大使陳立，也為「絲路』專程從紐約趕來波士頓。
（周菊子攝）

“環球音樂工作室”是教育及社會影響類下，已舉辦7年的一個項目，每年一次，接受世界各地音樂家申請，約錄取70人，齊聚一地的接受大師培訓，鑽研精進，並輪流表演，藉以啟發彼此的音樂創作與演奏。今年安排的教授在波士頓有9人，包括本身是大提琴家的GMW波士頓主任Mike Block，琵琶名家，也是GMW杭州共主任的吳蠻，薩克斯風手Eddie Barbash，小提琴家Hanneke Cassel，烏德琴（Oud）家Ara Dinkjian，打擊樂器家Jamey Haddad，巴拉風（Balafon）木琴家Balla Kouyate，低音大提琴家Edward Perez，聲樂家Veronica Robles。

 

中國銀行美國區行長胡威致詞。（周菊子攝）

在杭州則有5名教授，吳蠻，Mike Block之外，還有塔布拉鼓的Bivakar Choudhury，吉他演奏家Ricardo Vogt，以及吉他演奏家及聲樂家組成北京獨立民謠樂隊的小娟和黎強（Xiao Juan & Xiao Qiang）。

 

海南航空美國辦事處總經理梁璞玢致詞。（周菊子攝）

絲路董事會主席Boris Dolgonos和新英格蘭音樂學院董事會主席Thomas Blumenthal，8月12日晚，在新英格蘭音樂學院Williams廳，舉辦了一場接待會，慶祝“絲路”的環球音樂工作室項目，今年不但和浙江音樂學院跨入合作第二年度，還獲得中國銀行，海南航空，中國國家旅遊局等贊助，支持音樂家們遠赴杭州，參加由琵琶名家吳蠻和Mike Block主持的環球音樂工作室。

 

本身是杭州人的中國駐紐約大使陳立，以及文化參贊尚繼媛，旅遊辦事處主任馬雲飛，中國銀行美國區行長胡威，海南航空美國辦事處總經理梁璞玢也都應邀出席並致詞。

 

中國旅遊局駐紐約辦事處主任馬雲飛在現場放映影片，推廣旅遊。

一年半前接任主席的Boris Dolgonos去年曾赴杭州，參加ＧＭＷ的杭州首演，今年的他們錄取了來自22個國家，演奏30種樂器的80名音樂家。

 

出席者甄碧鳳（右）促請陳立大使促進廚藝交流。（周菊子攝）

            陳立指出，絲路GMW是在第14屆中美旅遊領袖高峰會上簽下了合作協議。目前中美關係處在歷史上的一個重要時刻，中國一向嚴守互相尊重，和平共存，促進雙邊關係的原則，相信中美合作能夠成就重大，實際有用，對兩國及世界都好的事。就像GMW中的藝術家，需要聆聽彼此的旋律，異中求同的來一起創造和諧音樂。人類的未來要看青年，他希望中美及世界的青年會把GMW當作一個交換想法，加深了解，結交朋友的好機會。

 

正在主持中華表演藝術基金會夏日音樂會系列的譚嘉陵（右）撥冗到會場，
和吳蠻等音樂家打招呼。（周菊子攝）

            吳蠻以中英文簡短的感謝一眾贊助者，支持世界音樂的交流，尤其要感謝馬雲飛的中國旅遊局贊助這場開幕招待會。

會場擺放的熊貓玩偶，被受人喜愛。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Opening of FY2026 Seaport Economic Council Grant Program

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Opening of FY2026 Seaport Economic Council Grant Program

BOSTON - The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the opening of the FY2026 round of the Seaport Economic Council Grant Program, which is administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development and provides funding to support working waterfronts, local tourism, coastal resiliency, and maritime innovation across Massachusetts’ coastal region.   

“In Massachusetts, our coastal communities are economic engines and cultural treasures,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through the Seaport Economic Council, we’re investing in infrastructure, innovation and resiliency to help these communities succeed for generations to come. This year, we’re especially encouraging proposals that leverage advanced technologies to drive economic growth and protect our coastal assets.” 

The Seaport Economic Council serves all 78 of Massachusetts’ coastal communities by making strategic investments in projects that grow and sustain the maritime economy. EOED updated the grant categories for this round to focus investment on projects that leverage local and regional economic opportunities and support innovation. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that incorporate the deployment, testing and development of advanced technologies. 

“From small fishing towns to deep-water ports, each of our coastal communities plays a vital role in the state’s economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, chair of the Seaport Economic Council. “With the new funding categories and an emphasis on innovation, this round of grants will help communities take bold steps to modernize their infrastructure, support maritime industries, and prepare for the challenges of a changing climate.” 

“Our maritime economy is a critical driver of regional prosperity, and the Seaport Economic Council is one of our most important tools for strengthening it,” said Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba. “By supporting projects that enhance infrastructure, boost tourism, and integrate cutting-edge technologies, we’re helping our coastal communities compete and thrive.” 

EOED will accept applications through the Seaport Economic Council website for coastal infrastructure projects that are ready to begin in FY26. Applications are due by  Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. 

第15屆亞美節訂9月6日在波士頓廣場舉行

司儀薛夢菲（左起）、甘渴為請亞美會創辦人甄雲龍致詞。
（周菊子攝）

             (Boston Orange波士頓報導) 波士顿亞美聯誼會（AAAB）8月12日近午時分，在麻州政府大樓大堂舉辦接待會，預告第15屆亞美節將於9月6日在波士頓廣場（Boston Common）舉行，有近百人出席觀禮，場面十分熱絡。

亞美聯誼會會長潘菲強調該會集結眾力，為社區服務。（周菊子攝）

                  活動開場前，有穿著青花瓷旗袍的10人禮儀隊做接待，4271樂隊演奏，陳煦涵拉小提琴，東方之聲合唱團的吳皓、李照原等團員演唱美國國歌。

右起，郭凌、方柳君，王仲麗是本屆亞美節的節目統籌。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓亞美聯誼會創辦人兼董事長甄雲龍，會長潘飛，以及亞美節組委會聯合主席曹悅吉，表演節目籌辦團隊的郭凌，方柳君，王仲麗，和出席嘉賓麻州參議員Michael D Brady，眾議員Lisa Field，中國駐紐約總領事館領保處副主任李德等人，接著在司儀甘渴為、薛夢菲介紹中一一致詞。

波士頓市議員愛德華費連也特地在開場前趕到現場致詞，送上表揚狀。

甄雲龍侃談2011年，他72歲時創立亞美聯誼會，抱著「融合亞美族裔，美化社區家園」這初衷，要以謙卑，大愛之心，促進文化交流，族裔溝通，推動進步，遵循法律。經各方熱心人士支持，他們建立了一個讓亞裔展現各自文化，藝術，美食的平台。15年後的今天，他87歲，希望社區大眾能繼續支持，讓這平台走過20年，跨越25年。

郭凌指揮東方合唱團部分團員演唱美國國歌。（周菊子攝）

潘飛一一稱呼嘉賓，感謝團隊及旗袍會為該會第2次在州政府大樓舉辦接待會所做的努力，也感謝前會長，現任廣州聯誼會會長的柏志剛，強調該會宗旨是融合社區，慶祝亞裔的多元文化，協助亞裔企業互通資源。

中國駐紐約總領事館領保處副主任李德致詞。（周菊子攝）

 中國駐紐約總領事館領保處副主任李德稱許亞美聯誼會是一個很棒的平台，讓不同族裔、背景的人，展示各自如何生活。他也指出中領館駐紐約大使陳立，不久前才和麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）晤面，深化兩邊的科技文化及商務的互惠合作，而華裔美人社區在促進中美交流上可以扮演更重要的角色。

            亞美聯誼會透露，該會為促進文化交流，創辦人甄雲龍和董事們還在8月8日拜會日本駐波士頓領事館，晤見了副總領事Minoya Surugu。

             潘飛指出，將為本屆亞美節擔任幕後工作人員的導演張紀中，特地撰詩一首，送上祝賀。甄雲龍的影帝兒子甄子丹，也專程發函給亞美會，表達了祝賀之意。

麻州眾議員Lisa Field。（周菊子攝）

麻州參議員Michael D Brady。（周菊子攝）

            當天的出席者，來自四面八方，有澤遠南方總裁譚浩鏗，商務顧問李建生，華悅音樂創辦人朱鴻，大同房地產創辦人周樹昂，廣州聯誼會歌舞團團長周佩貞，亞美聯誼會理事王天齊，盛雄莊老闆曹品慈，轄區包括牛頓市的麻州眾議員Greg Schwartz，紐約中領館理事陳學軍等等。

            在宣佈會儀式結束後，亞美聯誼會還安排了小提琴演奏，印度古典舞，潘潔聲樂工作室學生演唱，趙漢黎獨舞「見自己」，陳明華演出京劇選段「四郎探母」，陈璵晋演奏二胡，4271樂隊演奏等的文藝演出。

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO HARAMBEE PARK CRICKET FIELDS

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO HARAMBEE PARK CRICKET FIELDS

BOSTON – Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu joined Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse, Caricom and Conway Cricket Clubs, elected officials, and residents to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Harambee Park cricket fields. The celebration marks a $2.4 million investment including two cricket fields—one competition field with lighting, one practice field—bleacher seating, pathways and pedestrian lighting. “Transforming our city parks into engaging, community spaces has been a powerful driver in creating vibrant connections and welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Harambee Park has long been a space for all communities to come together and I'm grateful to continue to witness it thrive.” The new cricket competition and practice fields mark the completion of Phase 4 improvements at Harambee Park, a major milestone in the City of Boston’s decade-long investment in this multi-use community space. Since 2018, the City has committed more than $13 million to phased upgrades at the park, including a $4.1 million project for a new playground, basketball courts, lighting, and pathways; $3.9 million for multipurpose fields, an amphitheater space, and additional lighting in 2020; and $3.15 million in 2022 to enhance the football field, add fitness equipment, improve lighting, and more. "When we create spaces like this for our city's cricket players, it shows we're committed to ensuring all of our Boston athletes - no matter the sport - have a place to play in the city," said City Councilor, Brian Worrell. "Our Caribbean community's talents are on display daily in Boston, but their strength knows no boundaries on the cricket pitch in Harambee Park." Harambee Park, formerly called Franklin Field, is an active recreation park with 45 acres of fields for a variety of sports. Originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1889 to provide dedicated space for recreation, cricket has been a mainstay of Harambee Park for over a hundred years.

Playing cricket at Franklin Field [ca. 1905]. Photo: Boston Pictorial Archive “Harambee Park has been home to cricket for over a century, and today we’re proud to carry that tradition forward with the completion of these brand-new competition and practice fields,” said Cathy Baker-Eclipse. “We’re grateful to our community partners, especially the Conway Cricket Club and Caricom Cricket Club, for their advocacy and guidance throughout this project.”  The $2.4 million project included $170,000 for design and $2,230,000 for construction, funded through the City’s five-year Capital Plan. Design work was led by Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., and construction was completed by Fleming Brothers, Inc. The design and development of Harambee Park cricket fields were driven by community feedback collected during several public meetings beginning in the fall of 2022. In partnership with local cricket teams – including the Caricom and Conway Cricket Clubs – sight screens, a concrete warm-up area, scoreboards, and a cricket boundary rope were incorporated into the final design.   "Cricket is more than a game;” said Kevin Fagan of Caricom Cricket Club, “It's a classroom where young minds learn discipline, patience, and the courage to rise after every fall.

麻州海港經濟協會獎助項目9/10前接受申請

             （Boston Orange編譯）麻州經濟發展廳（EOED）今（14）日宣佈，2026年度的海港經濟協會獎助金項目，即日起在海港經濟協會網站（https://www.mass.gov/info-details/seaport-economic-council-grant-program）上接受申請，截止日期為至9月10日。

            海港經濟協會已在海港區投資了9300萬美元，這項目藉由策略性投資進長長並維持海事經濟的項目，服務麻州沿海78個社區。該廳鼓勵申請者提出整合部署，測試，以及發展先進科技來促進經濟增長和保護沿海的項目。

            麻州副州長Kim Driscoll是海港經濟協會主席，她說，從小漁鎮到身海港，每一個海岸社區都在麻州經濟中有著重要角色。

            麻州經濟發展廳代理廳長Ashley Stolba表示，麻州的海事經濟是區域繁榮的驅動力，對麻州經濟很重要。

            申請截止日期為2025 年 9 月 10 日晚上 11:59分。

麻州長Healey提案追加預算24.5億美元 2026初選日改在9月1日

            （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）提案，追加2025會計年度預算24.5 億美元，以期在全國經濟不穩定之中，穩定麻州的財務狀況，該法案還提議把2026年的全州初選日訂為9月1日，以確保州務卿能因應所有州和聯邦的投票截止日期。

            追加的預算包括向穩定基金（Stabilization Fund）注入 1.25 億美元，把超額的「公平份額附加稅（Fair Share surtax）」用於支持學生機會法案（Student Opportunity Act），並以2025會計年度超額資本利得收入為種子金，成立一個新的「學生機會法」，以確保麻州財政具有韌性，能夠對抗聯邦預算及政策決定帶來的負面影響。

這一追加預算在扣除收入抵消後，州政府的淨成本將為 9.47 億美元。

            這法案旨在彌補2025會計年度預算中用於州政府服務的缺口，例如統一免費學校餐和公立醫院的醫療服務。法案還提議增加有限的支出，包括撥款2000萬美元給麻州生命科學中心，2000萬元用於在2026年世界足球盃期間推動麻州旅遊經濟，撥款500萬美元給包括MassHealth成員在內的生育保健機構，以確保人們獲得醫療服務。

在2025會計年度中，麻州經由選民通過的公平份額附加稅法案，得到29.8億美元收入，超過了麻州支出門檻的17億美元。該法案提議將把公平份額附加稅超收部分中的1.5億美元轉給“學生機會法案”，以在麻州各社區支持學生和教育工作者。

麻州政府還提議在該法案中增加幾個外部條款，其中包括恢復「工作與家庭流動法案（WFMA）」頒布之前的歷史做法，即允許汽車監理局（RMV）公開機動車違規歷史的詳細駕駛記錄，以及保護隱私，禁止針對非特定駕駛人的廣泛請求這新措施。

奚莉州長還提議公開州立機構75年以上的記錄，以在尊重病人隱私的同時，方便親人和歷史學家查閱機構記錄。這提議和州立機構特別委員會的建議一樣。

由於目前聯邦許可和稅收抵免的不確定性，該法案還提議給麻州離岸風電更靈活的採購時間表，把麻州簽訂5,600兆瓦離岸風電合約的截止日期從2027年延長至2029年，取消每24個月辦一次招標的要求，以應對市場條件的不斷變化。

該法案的另一個外部條款是擴大麻州公共衛生廳的權力，在聯邦政府未能維持強有力的疫苗接種建議時間表時，容許麻州公共衛生廳制定麻州獨有的標準。

追加預算案中的最大筆支出是「麻州健康(Mass Health)」在2025會計年度中所提供的服務。這法案給「麻州健康」總額20.5億元的經費，扣除聯邦補償款後，麻州政府的淨支出為5.397億元。

追加預算案中的其他撥款包括，7,500 萬美元用於住房保護和穩定，6,070 萬美元用於除雪除冰，以及680 萬美元用於清潔水信託基金。

Governor Healey Files $2.45 Billion Supplemental Budget to Close Fiscal Year 2025 

Bill Funds Health Care, Education, Life Sciences, Public Safety, and Builds Massachusetts’s Financial Reserves  

Boston — Today, Governor Maura Healey filed a supplemental budget bill to strengthen Massachusetts’ financial standing amid national economic uncertainty and end Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) with a balanced budget. The legislation appropriates $2.45 billion in gross spending, at a net cost to the state of $947 million after revenue offsets, to address deficiencies and meet time-sensitive budget needs as Massachusetts closes the books on FY25.  

This bill invests in the state’s future by depositing $125 million into the Stabilization Fund and deploying excess FY25 Fair Share surtax to support implementation of the Student Opportunity Act. In addition, the bill creates a new Economic Resiliency and Federal Response Fund, seeded with FY25 excess capital gains revenues, to ensure that the state remains fiscally resilient against the negative impacts of federal budgetary and policy decisions. 

“With this legislation, we are controlling spending and ensuring that our state budget remains responsible, while also strengthening our ability to weather economic unpredictability coming from Washington,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The funds in our supplemental budget bill will help Massachusetts improve our competitive edge in life sciences, support our world-class education system, and maintain safety in our communities. I appreciate the Legislature’s consideration of this bill and our ongoing partnership in making Massachusetts more affordable and growing our economy.”  

"Now more than ever, Massachusetts communities need to know that they can count on our administration to protect the state resources that fund our schools, our transportation networks, our hospitals and so much more,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This closeout budget bill makes sure that the state meets our financial commitments to our residents, cities and towns, while responsibly shoring up our savings accounts and building our reserves.”  

"Alongside the FY26 supplemental budget bill we filed in early July, this closeout puts Massachusetts in the strongest possible financial position to enter a new fiscal year at a time of high economic uncertainty,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “By proposing a new, flexible funding source that draws on excess FY25 capital gains, and by investing in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, this legislation prepares Massachusetts to better manage potential volatility on the horizon. I want to thank our partners in the Legislature for their ongoing, shared commitment to supporting Massachusetts’s preparedness and fiscal stability.”  

This bill closes gaps in the FY25 budget for state services such as universal free school meals and care at public health hospitals. It also proposes a limited amount of new spending, including $20 million for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, $20 million to drive the state’s tourism economy during the 2026 World Cup, and $5 million in grants to reproductive health care providers to help ensure access to care, including for MassHealth members. 

In FY25, Massachusetts collected $2.98 billion in revenues from the voter-approved Fair Share surtax, which exceeds our spending threshold by $1.7 billion. This bill proposes transferring $150 million in excess Fair Share to the Student Opportunity Act Investment Fund, supporting implementation of the SOA in Massachusetts communities to continue supporting students and educators.  

The administration is also proposing several outside sections in this legislation, including a provision that would return to the historical practice in place prior to enactment of the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA) of allowing the RMV to make public its driving records that detail history of motor vehicle violations, with new guardrails included to protect privacy and prohibit broad non-driver specific requests. 

Governor Healey also filed language that aligns with recommendations made by the Special Commission on State Institutions, including a proposal to make state institutional records over 75 years of age public. The goal of these provisions is to make institutional records easier for loved ones and historians to access while respecting patient privacy concerns.     

Due to uncertainty surrounding federal permitting and tax credits, the bill also proposes more flexibility in the state’s timeline for offshore wind procurements in response to changing market conditions. The supplemental budget extends the deadline for the state to contract for 5,600 MW of offshore wind from 2027 to 2029. Additionally, the budget removes the requirement that a solicitation be conducted every 24 months.  

Another outside section in this bill will expand the state’s Department of Public Health authority to decouple immunization recommendations and requirements in Massachusetts from federal standards if necessary to preserve public health. Under this language, if the federal government fails to maintain a robust schedule of vaccine recommendations, DPH can set independent standards for Massachusetts. 

The bill would also set Sept. 1, 2026 as the statewide primary election day, ensuring that the Secretary of State can meet all state and federal ballot deadlines. 

The largest cost addressed in this supplemental budget is for services provided by MassHealth in FY25. This legislation provides $2.05 billion gross for MassHealth at a net cost to the state of $539.7 million after federal reimbursements.  

This closeout supplemental bill also appropriates:  

• $162.7 million for a reserve to cover costs accrued by Massachusetts Sheriffs 

• $75 million for housing preservation and stabilization  

• $60.7 million for snow and ice removal  

• $18.5 million for public health hospital operations  

• $12 million for Universal School Meals  

• $7.2 million for Department of Correction (DOC) Facilities operations 

• $6.8 million for the Clean Water Trust Fund 

• $3.5 million for State Police operations 

• $700,000 for the Suffolk County District Attorney 

• $20 million for the Massachusetts Life Science Center  

• $20 million to support costs associated with hosting the 2026 World Cup 

• $6.8 million for the Clean Water Trust Fund 

• $5 million for direct supports to reproductive health providers at risk of losing federal funding 

麻州公共衛生廳警告居民注意防範感染弧菌

          （Boston Orange編譯）麻州公共衛生廳 (DPH)發現一宗罕見的創傷弧菌感染病例，患者可能是在Buzzards Bay海灘接觸沿海水域後感染的，警告居民和遊客，注意沿海水域中可能存在弧菌（Vibrio bacteria）危害。

過去幾年來，麻州居民有7宗創傷弧菌病例，其中四宗可能是在麻州境內感染。

麻州公共衛生部說明，弧菌通常生長在溫暖的鹹水或半鹹水中，主要分布在大西洋沿岸。高溫和高於平均水溫的條件有利弧菌生長，因此每年五月到十月是弧菌活躍高峰期。

人們可能透過皮膚接觸，食用污染海鮮，特別是牡蠣，而感染弧菌，本身患有肝病、癌症、糖尿病、愛滋病、地中海貧血，以及正在接受免疫抑制治療的人，一旦感染更容易發展成重症。

如需了解更多關於弧菌感染的資訊，可參閱美國疾病管制與預防中心 (CDC) 的弧菌網站。

Boch中心Shubert劇院今晚由青少年演出『築夢之地』

             (Boston Orange編譯) 博克中心2025 年城市焦點領袖計畫（Boch Center City Spotlights Leadership Program）將於8 月 13 日（週三）下午 5點30，在博克中心舒伯（Shubert）劇院（265 Tremont Street, Boston）推出「築夢之地（A Place to Dream）」的原創藝術展演。

這場表演將由來自波士頓12個社區和21所不同學校，參加“城市焦點領袖計畫”的青少年們創作，演出原創歌曲、舞蹈編排和詩歌，為他們的學習做成果展示。

“城市焦點領袖計畫”是一個有償暑期培訓項目，只在尊重移民歷史，提升人類共同價值，讓青少年深入探討移民議題的複雜性，倡導保護、支持並尊重所有移民，如何處理仇恨情緒，並透過藝術來學習，培養領導技能。

劇場大門將於下午 5點開放，活動免費，可預約入場，表演5點半開始。

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts Endorses Mayor Michelle Wu for Reelection

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts Endorses Mayor Michelle Wu for Reelection

Boston, August 13 – Today, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund (PPAF) of Massachusetts, the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM), announced that it has endorsed Mayor Michelle Wu for reelection as Mayor of Boston. 

 “Planned Parenthood is on the frontlines of ensuring Bostonians have access to affordable, dignified, life-saving healthcare,” said Mayor Wu. “The Trump administration continues to attack healthcare providers and advocates, but in Boston we stand with organizations like Planned Parenthood, which are so vital to the health and safety of everyone in our communities. I was proud to receive PPAF’s endorsement during my first run for Mayor in 2021, and I’m grateful and proud to receive their endorsement of my reelection campaign.”

“As we work to fortify reproductive freedom in Massachusetts against increasing federal attacks, we need elected leaders at every level of government who will fight for their constituents’ right to bodily autonomy and access to quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care,” said Dominique Lee, President of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “Mayor Wu is no stranger to this fight - she has infused her deep personal commitment to reproductive freedom in her work throughout her entire career. PPAF is proud to endorse Michelle Wu for re-election for Mayor of Boston."

PPLM is the largest freestanding reproductive health care provider and advocate in the Commonwealth, providing sexual and reproductive health care to more than 30,000 patients a year at its four health centers across the state and via telehealth. PPLM provides birth control, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, lifesaving cancer screenings, abortion care, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and other critical health services. Every Massachusetts resident can turn to PPLM for compassionate, nonjudgmental care – no matter their race, sexual orientation, gender identity, insurance status, or immigration status.

PPAF joins dozens of other advocacy organizations, labor unions, and elected officials who have endorsed Mayor Wu for reelection. For a full list, please visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements.