MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES CITY’S STUDENT MOVE-IN PREPARATIONS AND WELCOMES COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO BOSTON

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES CITY’S STUDENT MOVE-IN PREPARATIONS AND WELCOMES COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO BOSTON

City departments share preparations across Boston neighborhoods ahead of student move-in period

 

BOSTON - Friday, August 29, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced an update on the City's preparations and existing services as college and university students move in across Boston to ensure they have a smooth transition into their new homes and communities. A cross-departmental effort, Boston is sharing information on how to access City services, including 311, mattress pick up, inspections, BlueBikes, parking restrictions, proper disposal of waste and furniture to prevent rodents, and unique student perks. These City resources will help make Boston an accessible home for all students and new residents.

 

“The City of Boston is home to world-class colleges, universities, and institutions, made up by students who bring so much life to our City,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am thankful for the comprehensive collaboration between all of the City workers and departments who came together to ensure access to safe housing and city services for Boston’s students as they enter a new school year. I am proud to make Boston a home for all of our students.”

 

“The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services is excited to welcome new residents to Boston and engage with current constituents,” said Community Engagement Cabinet Chief Brianna Millor. “Our neighborhood liaisons will be distributing resident guides packed with information about city resources. We encourage all constituents to reach out to their neighborhood liaisons to help them navigate city services.”

 

New and current residents are encouraged to connect with Boston 311, the City’s 24-hour Constituent Service Center, to report non-emergency issues and get information. Boston 311 is free and available every day of the year by calling 3-1-1 (or 617-635-4500 from outside the city), visiting boston.gov/311, or downloading the BOS:311 app. The app, available in the IOS App Store and Google Play, allows users to report issues, upload photos, and track cases in real time. During student move-in, it also features a dedicated section to make reporting trash, recycling and street concerns easier.

 

The City’s Inspectional Services, Transportation, Office of Neighborhood Services, Fire, Police, and Public Works departments are conducting housing inspections upon request, trash inspections, and distributing informational brochures in neighborhoods with large student populations.

 

The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will deploy over 50 inspectors throughout the neighborhoods heavily populated with students. Inspectors will conduct walkthroughs of areas heavily populated with students including but not limited to: Allston, Brighton, Back Bay, Fenway, Mission Hill, and Beacon Hill. While canvassing these areas, inspectors will distribute informational flyers, offer on the spot inspections, and answer questions related to city services.  

The City encourages students to avoid used furniture and to notify their landlord immediately in the event of a suspected infestation. In addition, information pertaining to rodent control can be found here and questions regarding the housing code can be found here. 

 

“On behalf of the City of Boston, I extend a warm welcome to all students joining our community. As you embark on this exciting chapter, we encourage you to be considerate neighbors by properly disposing of trash and maintaining a clean environment,” said Jessica Thomas, Inspectional Services Department Assistant Commissioner. “The Inspectional Services Department remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every neighborhood is safe, sanitary, and code compliant. Together, through shared responsibility and respect for our communities, we can continue to make Boston a vibrant and welcoming city for all.”

 

The Boston Transportation Department will be implementing on-street parking restrictions on streets in Allston, Fenway, Mission Hill, and Roxbury to help provide parking spaces for vehicles being used by new residents and students moving into those areas. In these areas, ISD is not granting permits for construction from Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1 in order to alleviate traffic and parking concerns and promote safety. In addition to the neighborhood-specific restrictions, BTD has issued over 4500 moving truck permits across the City in the month of August with over 2500 issued for August 29 - September 1. The City encourages residents, students, and families to pay attention to posted signs. For more information on street restrictions, visit boston.gov/moving.

 

“Temporary parking restrictions help keep our streets safe and moving during this busy time,” said Nick Gove, Deputy Chief of Streets for Transportation and BTD Commissioner. “We ask everyone to follow the posted signs and keep fire lanes and hydrants clear. If we work together, we can have a successful, less stressful move-in week.” 

 

The City also encourages residents and visitors to maintain an accessible path of travel on sidewalks and at intersections. Additionally, the City urges residents and visitors not to block accessible parking spaces designated for people with disabilities while moving in or out. 

 

“This is always a busy weekend in Boston,” said Boston Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh. ”We are eager to welcome new residents moving into the city, and we ask everyone to make sure that sidewalks and curb ramps are not blocked by furniture or other items. It is also important to pay attention to HP-DV parking spaces in the neighborhoods, not just this weekend, but always. These parking spaces are reserved for residents and others with disabilities. Only vehicles with a disability license plate or placard are allowed to park in these spaces.”

 

The City has launched the Furniture Pickup Pilot that allows residents to properly discard or donate furniture that is no longer needed. This program reduces the amount of furniture going into landfills, establishes a sustainable city-wide furniture recycling practice, and provides needed furniture to service providers who work to transition unhoused individuals to stable housing. 

 

The City has also partnered with Household Goods, a non-profit organization that provides a full range of donated furniture at no cost to individuals referred by Massachusetts-based social service agencies. Eligible households in Brighton can arrange for a free furniture pickup through this partnership. For more information on this partnership, visit boston.gov/calendar/free-furniture-pick-pilot. 

 

Bluebikes is Boston’s public bike share system. With more than 400 stations and 4000 bikes, it's a fast and convenient way to get around the Greater Boston area. Many of Boston's colleges and universities provide discounts on annual passes for students, faculty, and staff. Students are encouraged to check with their university's transportation office to see if they are eligible. More information is available at boston.gov/bluebikes. Bluebikes also offers students 55% off an annual pass with Boston Bikes Pass. For more information on biking safely in Boston, visit boston.gov/boston-by-bike. For more information about street safety for pedestrians with disabilities, visit boston.gov/boston-brakes.

 

This year, MBTA is extending Late Night T Service on the subway and select bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights, and, for a limited time, all rides will be free after 9 p.m. on five Fridays and Saturdays this fall. 

 

The Public Works Code Enforcement Division will be issuing citations for the improper storage of household trash. Residents are asked to place their trash and recycling on the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day, or set it out the night before after 5:00 p.m. The City also continues to take action against rodents and keep Boston neighborhoods clean. In 2024, the City introduced the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), a coordinated, multi-agency initiative to mitigate the rodent population and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Proper waste storage and disposal is essential to limiting access to food, water, and shelter where rodents thrive. 

 

“As thousands of new residents arrive in Boston for the annual move-in period, our goal is to ensure that our streets and sidewalks remain clean, safe, and accessible for everyone,” said Mike Brohel, Superintendent of Basic City Services. “City departments will be deployed throughout the weekend to assist residents, monitor compliance, and ensure any issues are addressed promptly and effectively.”

 

Due to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ban, mattresses and box springs are no longer collected curbside as part of routine trash collection. Residents are required to make an appointment for a free curbside pick-up at: Boston.gov/mattress. The residential mattress program does not service buildings with seven units or more. Those residents should consult with their property manager to learn the proper protocol to recycle their mattress. Roughly 75 percent of all mattresses and box springs components can be disassembled and recycled. The recovered materials are used to manufacture a variety of new products including foam padding, fabric, steel springs and wooden frames. 

 

While household furniture can be left curbside on your scheduled pick-up day, we strongly encourage residents to donate the items to a charity or organization that can pass them along to others in need. Items such as televisions, air conditioners and refrigerators require a special pick-up. To schedule an appointment, contact 311. Residents are reminded not to block sidewalks with trash or household furniture set out for pick up. Items should be placed along the curb, leaving room for pedestrians, including people with disabilities or those pushing strollers, to get by. New residents are strongly encouraged to download the City’s free Trash Day app at: boston.gov/trash-day, available on Google Play or the IOS app store. Residents can view their collection schedules, set reminders, and search a directory of hundreds of household items to find out the right way to dispose of them. 

 

As students settle into their new homes, they will have access to several perks. The City of Boston has been working to launch new programs and partnerships that allow students to live, learn, and explore Boston’s extensive art and cultural services.

 

Students will have access to the following discounted student tickets:

· Cheer on the Boston Red Sox with $9 tickets

· Free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Institute of Contemporary Art

· Dive into marine life at the New England Aquarium

· Explore history at the JFK Library and Museum, Paul Revere House, or Museum of African American History

· Catch a show at the Boston Ballet, Huntington Theatre, or Boston Symphony Orchestra for as little as $20

 

Students are encouraged to visit boston.gov/moving for more information regarding parking restrictions and permits, trash removal and restrictions, and rental requirements. For more information on discounts and resources for students in Boston, visit boston.gov/news/discounts-and-resources-students-boston

Governor Healey Responds to Trump Administration’s Cancellation of $34 Million for Salem Offshore Wind Terminal

Governor Healey Responds to Trump Administration’s Cancellation of $34 Million for Salem Offshore Wind Terminal 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey released a statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to cancel funding for port infrastructure projects, including a nearly $34 million investment to the City of Salem to redevelop a vacant industrial facility into an offshore wind terminal. 

“By cancelling this funding, 800 construction workers will lose their jobs, and jobs that would’ve been created in the future won’t happen,” said Governor Healey. “There is nothing wasteful about this project, which has been supported by both a Democratic and Republican Governor. The real waste here is the Trump Administration canceling tens of millions of dollars for a project that is already underway to increase our energy supply and support hundreds of workers and their families. As we head into Labor Day weekend, this action is a slap in the face to the hardworking men and women who keep our nation moving and deserve better than what they’re getting from their federal government.”  

“President Trump just laid off over 800 construction workers on Labor Day weekend by revoking the grant for the expansion of the Port of Salem,” said Frank Callahan Jr, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions. “This is a bad deal for our members and for future energy production in Massachusetts.” 

“President Trump said he was a job creator – he has turned into the biggest job destroyer of any President this country has seen,” said Rodrigo Badaro, President of the North Shore Building Trades Council. “It’s clear ‘Make America Great Again’ doesn’t include construction workers on the Norh Shore.” 

“The construction industry already has enough uncertainty right now. Cancelling federal investment for a significant project like the one in Salem is alarming,” said Joe Byrne, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “It will cost local workers good jobs and good paychecks, which are not easy to replace. It puts at risk the additional development that always follows infrastructure projects. Federal investments in infrastructure have always been reliable backstops and stimulants for the economy. We worry that may no longer be the case.” 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Observes Overdose Awareness Day and Upcoming Recovery and Prevention Months

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Observes Overdose Awareness Day and Upcoming Recovery and Prevention Months 

BOSTON (August 29, 2025) – Family members and friends of those who have died from overdoses gathered today on Boston Common with public officials and community members from across Massachusetts to observe Overdose Awareness Day, an annual international event held in remembrance of lives lost to overdose. More than 22,000 purple flags were planted in memory of Massachusetts residents who have lost their lives from overdoses over the past decade.

 

“Overdose Awareness Day is a somber reminder of the hope and resilience that exists alongside the grief of losing a loved one to overdose,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Just one loss to overdose is too many, and Massachusetts remains committed to investing in evidence-based approaches to promote harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and prevention.”

 

“Today, we remember the lives lost and the families forever changed as a result of drug overdose,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Overdoses are preventable, and in honoring those we have lost, we also reaffirm our commitment to supporting proven strategies that aim to reduce stigma and help save lives.”

 

A collaborative effort of the Department of Public Health (DPH), Boston Public Health Commission, and Boston Medical Center, the event, now in its fourth year, joins others across the state and the nation in raising awareness of the sweeping impacts of overdose deaths on individuals, families, and communities.

 

Following a moment of silence in memory of those lost, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, State Representative Kate Donaghue, Commissioner of Public Health Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, Boston Public Health Commissioner Bisola Ojikutu, MD, MPH, and Director of DPH’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) Deirdre Calvert, MSW, LICSW, participated in a poignant ceremony, and pointed to the recent encouraging downward trends in overdose deaths in the state as both a source of hope and a call for continued efforts to prevent overdoses.

 

According to CDC data released in May, opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts decreased by 36.3 percent in 2024, falling to the lowest levels since 2013.

 

“This encouraging news is a testament to the tireless dedication of the providers, programs, peers, and community members who do this work each and every day,” said Secretary Mahaniah. “And while a source of hope, these trends are also a call to action to the state to reaffirm its commitment to supporting and expanding access to the resources that we know work to prevent overdose, reduce harm, and promote dignity for those who use substances.”

 

August 31 has been officially proclaimed as Overdose Awareness Day in the Commonwealth since 2022. Secretary Mahaniah presented this year’s proclamation to Michelle and David Dunn, who, following the 2013 opioid overdose death of their daughter, Alyssa, established Alyssa’s Place, a volunteer-driven peer recovery and resource center in Gardner.

 

The commemorative flags, along with resource tables offering harm reduction, substance use prevention, and recovery support resources, will remain in place on the Common through September 2.

 

“Recent trends show us that when we invest in harm reduction and in approaches that promote the health and safety of those who have substance use disorders, it works,” said Commissioner Goldstein. “The flags planted here today are a reminder of the loss we have experienced and of the work that must continue. We need more harm reduction services, not less. More safe places for people to live. More supportive peer communities that invest in treatment options. These proven and compassionate services can spare more Massachusetts families the heartbreak of losing someone to overdose.”

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to supporting public health strategies and resources to address substance use and substance use disorders. The Administration has invested more than $1 billion in substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs across the state.

 

Since January 2023, this commitment has included funding six comprehensive mobile addiction treatment programs, over 450,000 naloxone kits for community organizations, 40,000 naloxone kits for first responders, and 905,000 fentanyl test strips for community use. Additional supports include funding SafeSpot, a virtual spotting hotline that as of July 2025 has detected 23 overdoses. Other investments include supporting access to residential, outpatient, and other forms of treatment through the licensing and regulation of approximately 500 treatment programs, and supporting and funding access to low-threshold housing, as well as 39 peer-recovery support centers.

 

“It is impossible to capture the uniqueness of each individual represented by these flags – or the grief that we feel at their loss,” said BSAS Director Calvert. “Overdose Awareness Day represents a time when communities can come together to look to each other for comfort and strength and to draw resilience for the work that lies ahead.”

 

Learn more about Massachusetts’ efforts to address substance use disorders and reduce stigma.

 

International Overdose Awareness Day ushers in a series of related observances throughout the fall. This includes Recovery Month in September, which celebrates stories and strategies of recovery and healing, as well as Prevention Month, which is held in October, with the aim of bringing communities together to highlight the positive effects of prevention efforts and inspire related action. 

 

Learn more about Recovery Month celebrations and events in the state. Prevention Month events information will be available soon.

 

If you are struggling with substance use, or have a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a colleague who may need help and support, please call the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at 800-327-5050, or visit www.helplinema.org.

波士頓警察局長Michael Cox進華埠 邀居民喝咖啡

波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox走進華埠，和民眾晤談。（周菊子攝）

                  (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓警察局局長Michel Cox率同約20名警察，來到波士頓華埠，在夏利臣街（Harrisson Ave.）77號樂嚐軒烘培店，擺出印有警徽的保溫杯，拿出麵包和咖啡，邀華埠居民話家常。

來到波士頓華埠的警察們和民眾合影。（周菊子攝）

陳文珊（右二）協助波士頓警察局安排了這場
「和警察喝咖啡」活動。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華埠現有（左起）Steve Chan，黃天輝，周子等至少3名華裔警察巡邏。
（周菊子攝）

                  這是波士頓警察局在每年8月初舉辦的警民聯歡日（National Night Out）之外，和社區民眾拉近關係的「和警察喝咖啡（Coffee with a Cop）」活動，在波士頓警察局的12個分區不定期舉行，又或者是只要有商家或社團願意主辦，警察們就很樂意出來和民眾聊聊天。

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，波士頓華商會財政余麗瑛等人和
波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox合影。（周菊子攝）

                  波士頓警察局局長Michel Cox說，「和警察喝咖啡」是警察和居民見面，聊天，談合作方式，一起確保社區安全的活動，也給居民機會和巡邏警員，以及更高階警官，甚至警察局局長直接談話，表達各人的關切或憂慮，也可以告訴警察們，他們哪裡做得好，哪裡做得不好。

                  Michael Cox說，這天和他聊天的居民們告訴他，華埠出現過有人吃霸王餐，有人在華埠牌樓附近販賣贓貨等。他很高興居民們告訴他這些情況，這樣警察才能更清楚華埠都面對什麼樣的問題。

          這天來到樂嚐軒烘培店的人，有紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍，前主席陳文珊，波士頓華埠商會財政余麗瑛，中文書記翁偉健，理事譚達兒，波士頓華埠社區議會共同主席梅伍銀寬，吳氏思能工程公司的Jack Ng等。

          華埠治安巡邏隊成員，也有曾任中華公所主席的黃兆祥，剛進麻州大學波士頓分校就讀的陳向榮，特地穿著巡邏隊背心來到現場。

包括波士頓警察局社區參與總監，也是紐英崙至孝篤親公所共同主席的陳孔恩，從波士頓警察局借調到波士頓市政府工作的鄺劍峰之外，這天來到現場的華裔警察還有A-1區的黃天輝（Frank Wong），周子（Zi Zou），以及Steven Chan。

銀行分行經理（中）也特地趕來和波士頓警察們合影。（周菊子攝）

中華耆英會主任梅伍銀寬（中）向波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox
介紹她的而子Daniel Moy。

黃兆祥（左）和陳向榮穿上華埠治安巡邏隊的背心出席活動。（周菊子攝）

波士頓經文處教育組組長黃薳玉（右起）和波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox，
波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩。（周菊子攝）

CITY OF BOSTON RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

 CITY OF BOSTON RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

BPHC and partners to celebrate the importance of recovery and highlight the resources available to residents throughout September to mark National Recovery Month.  

BOSTON - Friday, August 29, 2025 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) are remembering those who lost their lives as a result of the opioid epidemic as they mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday, August 31. The City of Boston extends sincere condolences to the neighbors who have experienced the tragedy of losing a loved one to a fatal overdose. Mayor Wu and BPHC are also highlighting their ongoing efforts to expand access to lifesaving care and crucial harm reduction services through events and programming centered around National Recovery Month, which begins on September 1.

Throughout National Recovery Month, BPHC is reminding all Boston residents that the overdose-reversing drug naloxone is safe, easy to use, and widely available. Data analyzed by BPHC found a 38% decrease in fatal overdoses in Boston in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, the city also recorded the lowest number of deadly overdoses since 2015.

To mark International Overdose Awareness Day and the start of National Recovery Month, Boston City Hall will be lit in purple on the night of August 31. BPHC and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department are also supporting volunteers and our State and local partners in planting more than 20,000 purple flags on Boston Common. These flags memorialize the lives lost to overdoses in the past decade across our State.  

“Today we are honoring the lives lost to fatal overdoses that have touched every corner of Boston’s communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful for the life-saving work the Boston Public Health Commission and departments across the city are doing to reduce stigma and boost services and treatment. These resources will support individuals living with substance-use disorder as they receive the help they need to lead long and healthy lives.”

“Opioid overdose deaths are tragic, and avoidable,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing fatal overdoses in our city, and the best way we can honor the lives tragically cut short by the opioid crisis is by continuing to increase access to harm reduction services and treatment for those living with substance use disorder.”  

Over the last year, as part of Boston's Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program, BPHC has worked to set up public health vending machines and naloxone distribution kiosks at existing harm reduction, homeless services, and medical program facilities across the city. BPHC deployed two new public health vending machines this month, one outside NeighborHealth in East Boston and another embedded in the Bridge Over Troubled Waters youth shelter program. East Boston now features Boston’s first outdoor public health vending machine.

Late last year, BPHC also announced $1 million in grants to five community organizations to prevent overdose deaths and provide outreach in neighborhoods with the highest overdose rates. These organizations have worked to connect people to substance use treatment and other services, raise public awareness about overdose prevention, and distribute and train people in how to use naloxone. From January through June 2025, Community Opioid Response agencies reported more than 1,200 client engagements and distributed over 2,100 doses of naloxone. 

Uplifting and celebrating individuals in recovery during National Recovery Month is an important part of Boston’s response to the opioid crisis. The City of Boston and the Boston Public Health Commissioner are partnering with organizations on several activities this September: 

• On September 19, recovery centers from the Boston region will hold a cookout at the Shattuck Picnic area in Franklin Park, featuring music, food, tabling and raffles.

• Nubian Square Recovery Day is September 25 at the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library (BPL). The event is a collaboration between the BPHC, the Nubian Square Task Force, BPL, and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and will feature live arts, food and entertainment, and health resources. 

• Recovery Month Celebration Day is September 26 at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common. BPHC and the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) partner for this event, which uplifts recovery stories and vital services. 

• A calendar of additional Recovery Month events sponsored by BPHC Community Partners can be found here.

The Health Commission has been steadily increasing prevention services throughout Boston by expanding community outreach, housing and mental health services, harm reduction, and support groups. Harm reduction and treatment referrals are available through BPHC’s AHOPE and PAATHS programs. AHOPE offers lifesaving harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, drug checking to identify the presence of fentanyl and xylazine, naloxone distribution, and screening for HIV, hepatitis, and other bloodborne illnesses that can be spread through intravenous drug use. The PAATHS program connects people to a variety of treatment services, including detox, medication for opioid use disorder, and outpatient treatment programs. For support with substance use disorders, contact the PAATHS program at 1-855-494-4057 or 3-1-1. For more information, visit boston.gov/recovery.