Common Cause Massachusetts Launches 2025 Election Protection Program

Common Cause Massachusetts Launches 2025 Election Protection Program 

Boston, MA –  Common Cause Massachusetts today announced the launch of the 2025 Election Program  to help voters make their voices heard on Election Day.  

“Every eligible Bay State voter has the right to make their voice heard this Election Day,” said Geoff Foster, Executive Director of Common Cause Massachusetts. “Our nonpartisan election protection volunteers are ready to assist to ensure all voters can safely, securely, and efficiently cast their ballot, regardless of political affiliation.” 

The election protection program is nonpartisan and not affiliated with any campaign or party. Volunteers will be stationed at poll sites throughout the state, including Boston, Worchester, Brockton, Lawrence, and Springfield. 

Poll monitors submit reports from each voting location they visit, documenting the voter experience including wait times, tech problems, language and disability access, and compliance with state and federal law. Poll monitors can also solve problems on the spot and escalate difficult issues to the toll-free 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, where volunteer operators can assist with more complex problems.  

Voters who encounter any issues can call or text the hotline to be connected to experts who can help. The hotline is available in the following languages:  

• ENGLISH: 866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683   

• SPANISH: 888-VE-Y-VOTA / 888-839-8682   

• ASIAN LANGUAGES: 888-API-VOTE / 888-274-8683   

• ARABIC: 844-YALLA-US / 844-925-5287 

波士頓聖誕節各地亮燈儀式從11月18日開始

         （Boston Orange) 波士頓市公園與娛樂部將從11月18日早上11點，在波士頓公園迎接來自加拿大新斯科細亞省聖誕樹，為慶祝聖誕節的亮燈儀式，拉開序幕。

            加拿大科細亞省聖誕樹抵達波士頓，11月18日，星期二，上午11點，在波士頓公園

           波士頓2025年的官方聖誕樹將由卡車從加拿大新斯科細亞省運抵波士頓公園。這棵具有歷史意義的波士頓聖誕樹是一棵45英尺高的白雲杉，由新斯科細亞省倫嫩堡縣的前業主羅納德和克萊爾費納夫婦提名。歡迎公眾一起迎接聖誕樹的到來，屆時將有糖果棒和聖誕老人亮相。

克里斯多福‧哥倫佈公園花架亮燈儀式

11月24日，星期一，下午5點至6點波士頓大西洋大道110號

位於波士頓歷史悠久的海濱，在克里斯多福哥倫佈公園之友的協助下，公園將搖身一變，成為美麗的節慶景觀。屆時，園區內260英尺長的棚架將被5萬盞藍色彩燈點亮，園區各處還將裝飾一新，點亮14棵聖誕樹。

馬丁公園亮燈儀式

11月29日，星期六，下午4點至6點，南波士頓斯利珀街64號

第五屆馬丁公園亮燈儀式將在史密斯家族海濱舉行，由馬丁公園之友協辦。馬丁公園是一座氣候適應型公園，為紀念波士頓馬拉松爆炸案中最年輕的受害者馬丁·W·理查德而建，為兒童、家庭和所有能力的遊客提供了一個休閒娛樂的場所。公園內有一艘船作為其遊樂設施的中心，將在節日期間亮起燈光。

科普利廣場聖誕樹點燈儀式

12月1日，星期一，下午4點至6點，波約斯頓街（Boylston) 560號，後灣區

波士頓公園及娛樂部門和科普利廣場之友將再次舉辦科普利廣場聖誕樹點燈儀式，迎接節慶的到來。這是自2022年以來首次舉辦該儀式。這項免費的年度活動將有聖誕老人和馴鹿魯道夫亮相，現場還有音樂表演、茶點供應，並慶祝這座經過翻新的公園重新開放。

波士頓公園聖誕樹點燈儀式

12月4日，星期四，下午6點至8點，波士頓公園

來自新斯科細亞省的波士頓官方2025年聖誕樹將在兩小時的慶祝活動結束後點亮。慶祝活動將於下午6點開始，並於晚上7點在WCVB 5頻道進行現場直播。今年是新斯科細亞省第54年捐贈聖誕樹，以紀念與波士頓人民108年的友誼。聖誕樹將於晚上7:55左右點亮。

聯邦大道步行街和查爾斯蓋特公園的聖誕樹點燈儀式

12月4日，星期四，晚上8:15，後灣區，阿靈頓街和聯邦大道

波士頓公園聖誕樹點燈儀式結束後，由公共花園之友協會贊助的聯邦大道步行街也將立即亮燈。聯邦大道步行街的燈光將從阿靈頓街一直亮到查爾斯蓋特。

查詢細節可上網，boston.gov/holidaylights。查波士頓公園的最新消息、活動和改進情況，請訪問 boston.gov/parks，致電 (617) 635-4505，加入電子郵件表單，並在 X、Facebook、Instagram 和 Bluesky 上關注其社交媒體帳號 @bostonparksdept。

 PARKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES 2025 HOLIDAY LIGHTINGS

Boston, MA - November 3, 2025 - Mark your calendars and prepare to join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the holiday season with their schedule of annual lighting celebrations in City of Boston parks. 

The Nova Scotia Tree for Boston Arrives

Tuesday, November 18, 11 a.m.

Boston Common

Boston’s official 2025 tree arrives to fanfare on Boston Common by flatbed truck from Nova Scotia. This year’s historic Tree for Boston is a  45-foot-tall white spruce was nominated by former property owners  Ronald and Claire Feener of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. The public is welcome to cheer the tree’s arrival with candy canes and an appearance by Santa.

Lighting of the Trellis at Christopher Columbus Park

Monday, November 24, 5–6 p.m.

110 Atlantic Avenue, Boston

Located on Boston’s historic waterfront and stewarded with help from the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park, the site will be transformed into a beautiful holiday display when the park’s 260 feet of trellis are illuminated with 50,000 blue lights along with 14 decorated trees throughout the park.

Lighting of the Ship at Martin’s Park

Saturday, November 29, 4–6 p.m. 

64 Sleeper Street, South Boston

The fifth annual lighting of the ship at Martin’s Park celebration will be held at the Smith Family Waterfront with the Friends of Martin’s Park. Martin’s Park is a climate-resilient park built in memory of Martin W. Richard—the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings—that provides a space for children, families, and visitors of all abilities. The park includes a ship as the centerpiece of its play structures that will be lit for the holidays. 

Copley Square Tree Lighting

Monday, December 1, 4–6 p.m. 

560 Boylston Street, Back Bay

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Copley Square welcome the holidays back with the return of the Copley Square Tree Lighting, happening for the first time since 2022. This free annual event will feature Santa Claus and Rudolph, live music, light refreshments, and celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated park.

Boston Common Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 4, 6–8 p.m. 

Boston Common 

Boston’s official 2025 Christmas tree from Nova Scotia will be lit at the close of a two-hour celebration beginning at 6 p.m. and broadcast live on WCVB Channel 5 starting at 7 p.m. This is the 54th year that a tree has been donated by Nova Scotia and commemorates 108 years of friendship with the people of Boston. The tree will be lit at approximately 7:55 p.m.

 

Lighting of the Trees on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and Charlesgate Park

Thursday, December 4, 8:15 p.m. 

Arlington Street and Commonwealth Avenue, Back Bay

The Boston Common Tree Lighting will be followed immediately by the lighting of Commonwealth Avenue Mall, courtesy of the Friends of the Public Garden. The lights on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall will be lit from Arlington Street to Charlesgate.

Visit boston.gov/holidaylights for more information about the season’s festivities. 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.

Executive Director Michael J. Bobbitt to Depart Mass Cultural Council at Year’s End

Mass Cultural Council today announces the departure of Executive Director Michael J. Bobbitt, effective December 31, 2025. Bobbitt has accepted the position of President & CEO of OPERA America and will begin this new role on January 1, 2026. “Leading Mass Cultural Council has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Bobbitt. “Together with the Council, staff, and our partners across the Commonwealth, we’ve worked to build a more equitable, creative, and connected cultural sector in Massachusetts. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished, especially the ways we’ve centered artists and cultural organizations in the state’s economic growth. While I’m excited for this next chapter with OPERA America, Massachusetts will always have a piece of my heart.” Bobbitt has led the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency since February 1, 2021. During his nearly five-year tenure as state government’s most senior official for arts and culture, Mass Cultural Council has been consistently recognized nationally as a leader in innovation, equity, and service on behalf of the cultural sector. Under Bobbitt’s leadership, which began amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mass Cultural Council has: Centered equity and access in all programmatic and policy decision-making. Developed a suite of equity plans and a new strategic plan. Reviewed and refined all grants and programs to ensure they are accessible, applicant friendly, and most impactful. Secured and distributed more than $60 million in one-time pandemic relief funding to the cultural sector. Effectively advocated and obtained historic levels of annual state budget support for arts and culture through the Agency’s line-item. Launched the nation’s first statewide social prescribing solution. Released the 2024 Cultural Asset Inventory, a new dataset quantifying the size, scope, economic impact, and needs of individual creative generators and cultural organizations across Massachusetts. Partnered with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish the Governor’s Cultural Policy Development Policy Council and the Commonwealth’s first official Poet Laureate. Expanded the Agency’s scope of work beyond equitable grantmaking to include advancement and cross-sector partnerships, establishing new economic opportunities for those working in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Brokered cross-sector and inter-state agency relationships to increase awareness and inclusion of the cultural sector as a valued thought partner to creatively solve and address challenges faced by education, health care, transportation, tourism, and economic development officials. Mass Cultural Council is governed by a 19-member Council appointed by the Governor. Upon Bobbitt’s departure, it is the intention of the Chair to name Deputy Director David T. Slatery as Acting Executive Director until the Council names a permanent successor. “Michael’s innovation, energy, and commitment to equity have transformed this Agency,” said Marc Carroll, Chair, Mass Cultural Council. “He led us through an unprecedented period for the cultural sector and emerged with stronger programs, deeper partnerships, and renewed public investment in the arts and culture of Massachusetts. On behalf of the governing Council, I thank him for his extraordinary leadership and wish him every success in his new role.” “It has been an honor to work alongside Michael during his tenure,” said Slatery. “His vision and leadership have positioned the Mass Cultural Council and the sector it serves for a strong future. As we move through this transition, our dedicated staff remains focused on advancing the mission of supporting the creative people and cultural organizations that make Massachusetts thrive.”

Healey-Driscoll Administration Partners with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for July 4 Massachusetts 250 Signature Event

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Partners with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for July 4 Massachusetts 250 Signature Event 

Statewide celebration to unite communities, visitors, and partners in honoring Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy 

BOSTON –The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced that the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, produced by the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), will headline the Massachusetts celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The free public performance on the Charles River Esplanade, officially designated as the state’s MA250 Signature Event, will anchor a multi-year, statewide commemoration highlighting Massachusetts’ leadership in shaping the nation’s founding and future. The 2026 event will feature high-profile talent, expanded viewing opportunities, and an enhanced fireworks display that will illuminate the Charles River, celebrating Massachusetts’ creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. 

“Massachusetts is where the American story began, and in 2026, we will once again take center stage in celebrating the ideals that continue to define our nation – freedom, democracy and innovation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular has been a proud and beloved Fourth of July tradition for decades, and this partnership with the Boston Symphony Orchestra will make the 250th anniversary celebration bigger and more inspiring than ever. This milestone is about honoring our past while shaping a future where Massachusetts leads with creativity, courage and unity.” 

“Massachusetts is a place for everyone, where people come together to make history, to innovate, and to celebrate community,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Through the MA250 initiative, we’re working with partners like the BSO, Eastern Bank, the MA250 Executive Committee, and the MA250 Commission to ensure that every region, every community, and every resident feels part of this once-in-a-generation celebration.” 

“There’s no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in the cradle of liberty, where it all started. For the last 250 years and counting, Boston’s spirit of revolution and innovation continues to shape our country’s history and make a difference for all Americans,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with the world-class Boston Symphony Orchestra, showcasing the very best as we continue an important tradition with the Boston Pops on the Esplanade and mark a pivotal milestone for our entire country.” 

As part of this effort, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has invested more than $6 million in statewide engagement initiatives to bring the 250th anniversary to life across Massachusetts. This includes $2.5 million in support for the BSO’s production of the July 4th signature event and $3.5 million in MA250 grants awarded to 96 cultural organizations, municipalities, and nonprofits to create community-based programs and events that highlight Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy. 

Chad Smith, President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and his team have been key partners in establishing the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular as the centerpiece of the MA250 celebration. The event will feature top national and local talent, an expanded fireworks display, and storytelling that captures Massachusetts’ enduring spirit of revolution through the people, places, and ideas that shaped the nation.  

"As an organization dedicated to serving the diverse communities across Massachusetts, the BSO has been presenting Boston's free July 4th celebration for over five decades. We are honored to partner with the Commonwealth in making this year's Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular an event that all Massachusetts residents can be proud of,” said Chad Smith, President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. “The state's generous funding, along with broad support from corporate sponsors, our national media partner CNN, and our regional media partner WHDH, will ensure that this year's event is the biggest ever, shining a light on what continues to make Massachusetts one of the most dynamic and innovative places in the world."   

The Administration also announced the formation of the MA250 Executive Committee, chaired by Bob Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors at Eastern Bank. Comprised of business, civic, and cultural leaders from across Massachusetts, the Executive Committee is working closely with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) and the MA250 Commission to drive engagement among organizations, businesses, and communities. 

With support from the Executive Committee, nearly $5 million has been raised to date from leading Massachusetts companies who have stepped up to support the year-long celebration including Amazon, Bank of America, Biogen, Eastern Bank, Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual Insurance, M&T Bank, New Balance, Optum, Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. These investments are helping to build momentum toward 2026 and ensure that celebrations and programs reflect the strength and creativity of the Massachusetts business community. 

“It’s an honor to chair the MA250 Executive Committee, working alongside business, nonprofit, and community leaders from across the state. Since our nation’s founding, Massachusetts has been a place of innovation, and that continues today in how we lead across many sectors and industries, from higher education, life sciences, and manufacturing to financial services, technology, professional sports, the arts, and more,” said Bob Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board at Eastern Bank. “We’re excited to collaborate and showcase Massachusetts as a center of new ideas, creativity and progress as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday.” 

“Our investment in the MA250 Celebration reflects not just our deep roots in the Commonwealth, but our belief in the power of partnership to create lasting impact for patients, people and the planet,” said Rhonda Pacheco, President of Takeda’s U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head. “From our anchor in Cambridge to communities across the state, we’re proud to help fuel a celebration that carries forward Massachusetts’ legacy of revolutionary innovation.”   

Together, the Executive Committee and MOTT are developing the MA250 Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to help communities and organizations plan and promote programs under a unified statewide brand. The toolkit will include visual assets, templates, and engagement guidance to support events, storytelling, and local tourism campaigns that connect directly to the MA250 theme. 

“The 250th anniversary gives us a chance to translate our history into real economic opportunity, driving travel, supporting small businesses, and investing in the places that make Massachusetts special,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “Each visit generates revenue that strengthens our communities, and through MA250, we’re ensuring those dollars stay local and create lasting impact well beyond 2026.” 

This announcement is not only about the 2026 celebration but about bringing together the partners and communities who are shaping the entire commemorative period. The signature event will unite members of the MA250 Special Commission, grant awardees, Regional Tourism Councils, and community stakeholders who have been working well before the 2024 MA250 launch to make Massachusetts the place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Together, they are fostering local pride in the state’s revolutionary history and its culture of innovation and “firsts.” 

As the commemoration continues, the Administration and MA250 partners are highlighting key milestones that honor Massachusetts’ Revolutionary history, from the 2025 observances of Patriots’ Day, the Battles of Bunker Hill, Menotomy, and Chelsea Creek, to upcoming anniversaries such as Knox 250, Evacuation Day 250, and the culminating July 4, 2026 Signature Event with the BSO. 

Revolutionary stories from across Massachusetts, its people, places, and moments of firsts, will continue to be celebrated throughout 2025 and 2026 as part of an expanded statewide marketing and storytelling campaign. 

“From Boston to the Berkshires, every region has a story to tell,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of MOTT. “Through the MA250 toolkit, we’re helping communities showcase their local pride and connect their celebrations under one united banner. This is for visitors, for residents, and for everyone who wants to experience the spirit of Massachusetts, past, present, and future. Our marketing and storytelling campaign, and these celebratory events, will continue to lift up the voices and places that make our state revolutionary in every sense.” 

For more information about MA250 events and partnerships, visit massachusetts250.org.  

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH BOSTON POLICE PATROLMEN’S ASSOCIATION

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH BOSTON POLICE PATROLMEN’S ASSOCIATION  The new contract will deepen trust between police and communities, further the wellbeing of officers, make adjustments to reduce overtime, and better streamline and prioritize details

BOSTON - Monday, November 3, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that a one-year contract extension has been ratified by the membership of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association (BPPA), the union representing the majority of Boston Police officers. This contract embodies further transparency and reform while also ensuring the wellbeing of officers, building on the landmark 2023 police reform contract. The ratification vote took place on October 29, 2025. This is the second police reform contract reached between the City of Boston and the BPPA under the leadership of Mayor Wu.   “Every day, our police officers sacrifice so much to serve our communities. Boston wouldn’t be the safest major city in the country without the dedication of our incredible officers,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This contract represents our constant efforts to deepen trust between our police officers and our communities, while also ensuring they are supported to be their very best. I’m so grateful to serve alongside Commissioner Michael Cox every day as he advances a strong vision for the department, and I’m thankful to President Calderone for his partnership with the City of Boston.” “Our officers do a difficult job. It is important for them to know their work is valued, and for them to continue to embrace their role in building trust and fulfilling our mission of Community Policing,” said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department. “The Mayor has repeatedly shown that the City values our officers and their families. This contract contributes to improving officer wellbeing, while also heightening standards for accountability and professionalism. This will continue to make our Department better and our City safer. We are grateful to the Mayor for her ongoing support.” “This contract represents the shared vision between Mayor Wu and myself: a police department with the necessary supports and resources for our officers and a commitment to the highest standards of policing,” said President of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association Larry Calderone. “I’m so grateful to Mayor Wu for her unwavering support for our police officers and for her administration for bargaining in good faith to deliver this contract for my members.” The new agreement covers the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, at a total one-year estimated cost of $6.7 million. Under the contract, every officer will receive a 2% wage increase and 1% will be added to the hazardous duty differential.  For the first time, requiring patrol officers to wear nametags Underlining the City’s work to further transparency, the new contract will guarantee that all BPPA officers will now wear nametags, similar to the Superior Officers’ Federation. At a time when federal agents are seen on American streets with masks shielding their identity, Boston Police officers will now wear their names as a part of their uniform humanizing who they are when interacting with and serving residents and deepening trust with communities.  Ensuring officer wellbeing All BPPA officers will now have free access to the gyms in Boston Police facilities, including facilities at each police district, headquarters, and the Police Academy. Prior to this contract, officers were required to pay a monthly fee to access the department’s gyms, and the fees would help cover costs associated with equipment and cleaning supplies. Additionally, this contract allows officers to workout 30 minutes per shift at the Department gyms. Supervisors will only approve workout time when there is an operational ability based on the normal staffing levels. If it is a busy shift and police operations would be affected, supervisors will deny the workout time. This change is important for officers’ physical and mental health, and representative of the City’s investment into officers’ wellbeing. Overhauling evaluations to create the highest standards for our officers This contract overhauls the process of evaluating performance of patrol officers. The City has completed its bargaining obligations, which will allow it to roll out a more detailed and thorough system of evaluations. This is a key reform in pursuing accreditation of the Boston Police Department by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the leading national authority on recognized standards for professionalism, performance, and accountability in policing.  Increasing the Field Training Officers program pay Under this new contract, the Boston Police Academy has revised the Field Training Officer (FTO) program to provide for better training and accountability of new recruits. Beginning August 1, 2025, designated Field Training Officers will receive $40 per week in addition to their regular compensation for the duration of each Field Training Officer program, which will run for a minimum of 12 weeks per academy class. Raising this pay from $10 to $40 will help to recruit experienced officers to participate in the program, bettering the training for recruits.  Furthering changes to the detail system  Further reforming the detail system for police officers, this new contract makes additional changes to streamline the process and better align detail shifts with regular department shifts. It also further clarifies additional detail types that will now be prioritized for staffing.   Shifting clerical functions of assigning details This contract shifts the clerical functions of distributing and assigning overtime away from patrol officers. This change is in alignment with the department's work to shift non-police functions to civilians and use electronic platforms to free up officers so they’re able to perform more traditional policing functions.  Standardizing the start and end of details The agreement makes changes to the paid detail system by allowing a minimal amount of overlap between an officer’s regularly scheduled shift and a detail.  Five new parking garages will be added to priority details  To ensure public safety around the most dangerous or most trafficked details, the contract adds five new parking garages to highest priority details, or Type 1 Details, as outlined in the 2023 contract. These include garages Downtown and in the Back Bay that can often cause traffic issues, either on the street or in the garage. Highest priority details, or Type 1 Details, are defined as events and activities that pose a substantial risk to public safety, including major events with anticipated attendance over 5,000 people; utility or construction details at major arteries, in busy intersections, or in areas with heavy traffic; or areas due to an emergency. These types of details are filled first to prioritize public safety of road users, under the 2023 contract. Creating changes to the summer vacation period Each year, officers are allowed to schedule two weeks of vacation throughout the summer months during a specific 14 weeks, creating seven two-week vacation periods for officers. The new contract adds an additional two-week vacation period, so that the summer vacation time runs for a total of 16 weeks, broken down into eight two-week periods. Adding another period reduces the number of officers off on any given two week period, increasing staffing levels during the summer months and reducing the need for overtime by other officers.   Increasing sick time buyback This contract extension allows patrol officers to buy back an additional 20 days of sick time at retirement. Prior to this extension, patrol officers could sell back the equivalent of 80 days of sick time, but can now sell back 100 days.  Now that the agreement has been ratified by the BPPA membership, Mayor Wu will soon file an appropriation order with the Boston City Council to allocate the funding for the contract. This one-year contract extension between the City of Boston and the BPPA builds on the major reform contract that was signed, ratified and announced in December 2023. That five-year contract included cost of living adjustments and significant reforms in discipline, paid details, medical leave, union release, officer retention, and educational incentives. Since the beginning of her administration, Mayor Wu has made it a priority to achieve reform within the Boston Police Department (BPD) through contract negotiations, delivering the highest standards of community policing to keep our residents safe and ensuring resources for the health and well-being of police officers and their families.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND REGIONAL CITY LEADERS JOINED THE BOSTON FOUNDATION AND OTHER PARTNERS IN SHARING LOCAL RESPONSE TO LOOMING LAPSE IN SNAP BENEFITS

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND REGIONAL CITY LEADERS JOINED THE BOSTON FOUNDATION AND OTHER PARTNERS IN SHARING LOCAL RESPONSE TO LOOMING LAPSE IN SNAP BENEFITS More than 140,000 Boston residents, or 89,000 households, are expected to be impacted by the SNAP freeze.

BOSTON - Friday, October 31, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined municipal leaders and partner organizations in updating the public about the local response in cities around the region to the potential lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the Trump Administration’s decision to withhold SNAP benefits starting on November 1. Mayor Wu announced a new partnership with The Boston Foundation and non-profit organizations that serve low-income Bostonians to support families in need. Together, with funds from the City of Boston and The Boston Foundation, more than $1 million has been raised so far for these efforts. Mayor Wu also announced a citywide outreach effort to ensure impacted residents have every possible resource to afford food and necessities. Boston residents are encouraged to visit Boston.gov/SNAP or call Boston 311 to learn more about the City resources that are available for support.  More than 140,000 Boston residents (1 in 5 residents), or 89,000 households, participated in SNAP in September 2025. Statewide, just over 30 percent of SNAP recipients are children, 28 percent are people with disabilities and 23 percent are people aged 60 years or older. The average monthly benefit is $323 per household. SNAP is also critical to the local food economy. An average of $30 million per month in SNAP dollars were spent at Boston grocery stores, farmers markets and other food retailers last year, and over half of the city’s SNAP spending is in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan and Hyde Park––risking disproportionate economic impact in these neighborhoods.  “While the President plays politics with hunger, Boston is determined to protect our residents with every possible resource and stand with every community fighting back against these illegal and immoral actions,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “SNAP benefits provide a core lifeline for millions of Americans across the country, including our Boston children, seniors, and families. I’m so grateful to The Boston Foundation and our many partner organizations joining us in stepping up to coordinate all resources available to support our residents.” Mayor Wu is partnering with The Boston Foundation to support non-profit organizations that serve low-income Bostonians and  families in need. The City of Boston is joining The Boston Foundation to raise funds to provide financial resources to trusted community-based organizations that serve low-income residents, including through gift cards or other forms of direct assistance. This allows SNAP participants to continue shopping in grocery stores and small food retailers, preserving their dignity and autonomy while also supporting Boston’s small businesses, without putting additional strain on the emergency food system.  This effort is designed to be emergency support for residents on a short-term basis, and will not fill the gap left by the Trump Administration’s suspension of SNAP benefits. Together, with funds from the City of Boston and The Boston Foundation, more than $1 million has been raised so far. Boston residents who are able to contribute to the fund are encouraged to donate at tbf.org/SNAP.  “The measure of a community is how we respond in moments of great human need. This is a humanitarian crisis. The Boston Foundation and our donor partners are very proud to partner with the Mayor and the City to meet this moment with compassion and hope,” said  Lee Pelton, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “I applaud and support Mayor Wu and her team for their bold and courageous leadership in acting swiftly to come to the aid of the already struggling families, children, seniors, and individuals who will now lose access to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This cutoff threatens to deepen a growing hunger crisis across Boston and beyond." “At the Y, we appreciate this collective action across sectors to bring all we can to bear to support our neighbors. It defines who are at the neighborhood, community, city, and regional level. No one should face the stress and uncertainty of not having adequate nutritious food. Its ripple effects weaken our communities whether it’s the healthy development of kids, parents’ reliability at work, or seniors aging with health and dignity.  We are sounding our voices and expanding our actions in the face of mounting economic pressure as the Administration changes eligibility and ceases SNAP benefits due to the shutdown. As the largest distributor for the Greater Boston Food Bank, the YMCA of Greater Boston provides over 3.2 million meals each year through grocery distributions, our Mobile Market, nutrition education, and youth meal programs. We’ve also expanded our efforts with a new Food Access Hub in Roxbury, increasing fresh food recovery and availability with the help of community partners. Proud to stand together on the frontlines in supporting our neighbors and mobilizing collective resources at this and all times of uncertainty,” said David Shapiro, CEO, YMCA of Greater Boston. “We all know that if nothing changes, November is going to be a challenging month for many of our neighbors. We are very grateful for Mayor Wu and the City’s support of our mission. Amid all this uncertainty, one thing is clear, food is a basic human right, hunger is a non-partisan issue, and we will be here every day for our neighbors in need, until hunger no longer exists,” said Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank. “Every day, the frontline teams in the Human Services Cabinet connect residents to the programs and services that help them keep their households going,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “We remain committed to working with our nonprofit partners to support Boston residents through this challenging time.”  “Access to fresh and healthy food has a direct impact on life expectancy and other health outcomes,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “Allowing SNAP benefits to lapse will have dire consequences for thousands of our neighbors. I applaud the steps being taken by Mayor Wu and our community partners to help fill the gaps created by the federal administration’s reckless and irresponsible actions.” “We know that SNAP is critical to many disabled residents’ ability to live independent and self-directed lives,” said Disability Commissioner and ADA Title II Coordinator Kristen McCosh. “We are grateful to food pantries, non-profit organizations, and other community groups who are working to ensure Bostonians with disabilities continue to have access to the food that is best for them.” The City of Boston is launching a citywide outreach effort to ensure impacted residents have every possible resource to afford food and necessities.   Recognizing the urgency to ensure residents are informed about food resources that are available, the City of Boston has trained its 311 call takers to triage food-related calls and launched Boston.gov/SNAP for a list of available resources for Boston residents facing food insecurity. Food resources still available include continued free meals served to all students in Boston Public Schools, as well as local, state and federal programs like WIC, the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) and Double Up Food Bucks. Through HIP, SNAP participants can leverage 1 cent or more on their EBT card to receive $40-80 for the month at farmers markets, farmstands and mobile markets. Residents can also find answers to frequently asked questions, including clarifying which state and federal programs are impacted by the federal government shutdown. The City’s website ensures residents know where to go and how to access supports throughout this quickly evolving situation. Additionally, the City of Boston will be launching direct outreach efforts to seniors, families with children, and other residents and small businesses with flyers about resources that are available. The City will also phone bank and door knock to meet residents where they are, as well as set up open house information sessions. Through these efforts Mayor Wu announced today, the City is mitigating some of the negative economic impact of the sudden loss of SNAP sales revenue for food retailers and workers and ripple effects to the local economy, in addition to supporting recipients who are at risk of losing their benefits. In September, Mayor Wu announced the expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks program to two new grocery stores in Dorchester and Roxbury, increasing families’ access to fresh, affordable, and healthy food: Nubian Markets in Roxbury and the Dorchester Food Co-op in Dorchester. The DUFB program provides customers paying with SNAP a 50% discount on fresh fruits and vegetables. The other grocery store participants are East Boston’s La Union Market and Butchery, Bella’s Market, and El Valle de la Sultana, and Davey’s Super Market of Roxbury. SNAP recipients can continue to receive the Double Up discount if they use any remaining SNAP benefits on their EBT card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at these stores.