Governor Healey Announces Massachusetts to Become First State to Deploy ChatGPT Across Executive Branch

Governor Healey Announces Massachusetts to Become First State to Deploy ChatGPT Across Executive Branch 

Administration is launching enterprise AI assistant for state workforce  

 
BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced the launch of the ChatGPT-powered Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant for the state’s workforce, with the goal of making government work better and faster for people. The AI Assistant will be implemented as a phased approach across the executive branch and will provide a safe and secure environment that protects state data. Massachusetts will be the first state to adopt the technology for the entire executive branch, which includes nearly 40,000 state employees. 

“This is about making government faster, more efficient, and more effective for the people we serve,” said Governor Healey. “AI has the potential to transform how government works, which is why we’re excited to partner with OpenAI on this AI Assistant, which will ensure a safe and secure environment for employees and improve their ability to deliver better service to the people of Massachusetts. I’m grateful to Secretary Snyder and Secretary Paley for their innovative leadership on this and to the state workers who are eager to embrace this new technology.”  

“By making ChatGPT available to the state workforce, we are empowering our employees with a secure, governed tool that can enhance service delivery while maintaining the highest standards for data privacy, security, and thoughtful, transparent usage of AI,” said Secretary Snyder. “Our focus is not just adopting AI, but doing so in a way that reflects our values, and strengthens trust with the residents we serve.” 

 

“Massachusetts is showing what leadership looks like in the AI era,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “As the first state to launch an enterprise AI assistant across state government, we’re embracing these powerful tools to strengthen our workforce and improve how the Commonwealth serves people. Our hope is that institutions across the state will make the same commitment – to support their talent, move faster, and ensure Massachusetts continues to lead in AI innovation.” 
 

“We’re excited to be working with Massachusetts and grateful to Governor Healey for her leadership in bringing ChatGPT to the state’s workforce,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. “Massachusetts is helping lead a broader shift across government to help public servants spend less of their time on paperwork and more of their time doing what led them to public service in the first place: serving the people of the Commonwealth.” 

Following a competitive procurement process, the state and OpenAI have agreed to a contract to deploy ChatGPT at scale across Massachusetts state government. The rollout will take a phased approach, starting with staff in the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (TSS). Additional secretariats and executive branch agencies will be onboarded over the coming months. In conjunction with the rollout, the state is offering a series of optional training programs designed to provide employees using the Enterprise AI Assistant with a baseline understanding on best practices and strategic use of the tool.  

The rollout of ChatGPT will be within a walled-off, secure environment that protects state data and ensures that employee chat inputs do not train public AI models. Use of the tool is governed by terms and conditions set by the TSS Privacy Office, and regularly updated policies that govern the use and development of AI. While other states have launched limited pilot programs for ChatGPT, Massachusetts will be the first enterprise-wide deployment of the tool. 

More information on the tool, training and other Frequently Asked Questions can be found at mass.gov/ai. 

“The Human Resources Division is excited about this employee-focused resource,” said Melissa Pullin, Chief Human Resources Officer. “This partnership will be able to assist state employees in the course of their work and provides a cutting-edge tool to support the Commonwealth’s workforce.”  

“The AI revolution is only just beginning, and here in Massachusetts we are positioning ourselves to be at the forefront of this paradigm shifting technology,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury), Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. “This first-in-the-nation partnership will help state employees work more efficiently within an AI model that is specifically designed with privacy and security in mind – saving taxpayers money while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information. I look forward to our continued partnership with EOTSS to identify new opportunities for AI-enabled technology.” 

The launch of the Enterprise AI Assistant builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s broader strategy to position Massachusetts as a global leader in applied AI. Through the Massachusetts AI Hub, the Administration is coordinating state support for the AI ecosystem, expanding access to critical infrastructure like compute resources, deepening partnerships with industry and research institutions, and ensuring Massachusetts remains the place where AI is developed, tested, and turned into real-world solutions across sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and health care. 

川普限制39國移民簽證 麻州長幕僚受波及面臨失業困境

Valentina Amaro Bowser日前在州政府大樓內主持MA250相關會議。（檔案照，周菊子攝）

          （Boston Orange綜合報導）川普總統頒佈「限制與約束外國國民入境以保護美國安全」公告後，麻州不但於1月份出現「197 名合法移民對抗國土安全部」集體訟案，連麻州州長也有一名委內瑞拉籍幕僚受波及，刻正控告川普政府，訴請法官准她繼續工作。

            川普總統是在2025年12月16日時簽署了前述這份公告，從今年1月1日起生效後，美國國土安全局針對該公告點名的39國人民，開始“暫停並限制以下國籍人士的移民或非移民入境”。

            這些簽證包括了B-1、B-2（觀光/商務）、F（學生）、M（職業學生）與 J（交換訪問）非移民簽證。

            由於該公告還有USCIS 政策備忘錄（PM-602-0194）的配套規定，於是已在美國境內，來自前述39個人民的所有待決福利申請（Pending Benefit Requests），都被行政擱置（Hold）。備忘錄甚至還要求美國國土安全局重新審查從2021年1月20日起，已批准的案件。

            麻州州長室的多元文化媒體總監、委內瑞拉籍的鮑瑟（Valentina Amaro Bowser），就因為所持 H-1B 工作簽證將於2月14日達到六年法定上限，儘管她已和美國公民結婚，還在一年前就遞交了永久居留（綠卡）申請，但是美國公民及移民服務局（USCIS）卻以川普政府 2026 年初針對委內瑞拉等 39 個國家人民實施的暫停令，拒絕核准其案件。

            鮑瑟是在2013年時來美深造，2018年從愛默生學院畢業，2019年首度取得H-1B簽證，2023年加入奚莉州長的幕僚團隊，2024年11月和美國公民結婚，2025年1月遞交綠卡申請文件，2026年1月到USCIC面試時，移民官還說過程順利，沒想到後來竟收到通知，由於聯邦政府對39國人民的禁令，她的申請案擱置了。

            換言之，如果USCIS在2月14日時，還不批准鮑瑟的綠卡申請，她將喪失在美工作資格，也就失去了收入。

            鮑瑟的代表律師德拉戈（Anthony Drago Jr.）已向法院申請緊急動議，要求聯邦政府立即核發獨立的工作授權卡（EAD），讓她可以保住年薪 $94,738 美元的職位。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）為支持屬下，已宣佈鮑瑟將從14日起放兩週無薪假，以等待法律裁決。

            奚莉州長為此批評聯邦政府「剝奪麻州居民與州政府的聯繫」。她強調鮑瑟「做對了每一件事」，卻因國籍問題面臨生計威脅。

            川普政府原本簽發的是針對39國人民，實施入境限制的“旅行禁令”。鮑瑟的代表律師正在挑戰該禁令延伸出來，凍結已在美國境內這些國家人民的移民福利是否合法，而1月14日時，美國國務欽魯比歐（Marco Rubio）宣佈，為了防止公共負擔（public charge），將無限期暫停核發75國人民的移民簽證。

            這涵蓋了將近全球40%的75國，主要有阿富汗、阿爾巴尼亞、阿爾及利亞、安地卡及巴布達、亞美尼亞、亞塞拜然、巴哈馬、孟加拉、巴貝多、白俄羅斯、貝里斯、不丹、波士尼亞與赫塞哥維納、巴西、緬甸、柬埔寨、喀麥隆、維德角、哥倫比亞、象牙海岸、古巴、剛果民主共和國、多米尼克、埃及、厄利垂亞、衣索比亞、斐濟、甘比亞、喬治亞、迦納、格瑞那達、瓜地馬拉、幾內亞、海地、伊朗、伊拉克、牙買加、約旦、哈薩克、科索沃、科威特、吉爾吉斯、寮國、黎巴嫩、賴比瑞亞、利比亞、摩爾多瓦、蒙古、蒙特內哥羅、摩洛哥、尼泊爾、尼加拉瓜、尼日利亞、北馬其頓、巴基斯坦、剛果共和國、俄羅斯、盧安達、聖克里斯多福及尼維斯、聖露西亞、聖文森及格瑞那丁、塞內加爾、獅子山、索馬利亞、南蘇丹、蘇丹、敘利亞、坦尚尼亞、泰國、多哥、突尼西亞、烏干達、烏拉圭、烏茲別克、葉門。

麻州長Healey呼籲新罕布夏州長反對設立ICE羈押中心

Governor Healey Calls on Governor Ayotte to Oppose New ICE Detention Center in New Hampshire 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey has issued the following statement opposing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency detention center in Merrimack, New Hampshire: 

 

“This is outrageous and absolutely the wrong move for New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and our entire region. 

ICE is shooting people dead on the street. Mothers have been ripped from cars and separated from children. U.S. Citizens have been stopped, detained and even killed. Peaceful protestors have been assaulted. Parents are afraid to send kids to school, to go to church, to seek health care and report crimes. None of this makes people safer – it makes us all less safe. 

Now ICE wants to build a new 400-bed facility in Southern New Hampshire to supercharge their horrific deportation tactics in our communities. This will impact people in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and across our region. Enough is enough. 

We should be opposing ICE’s tactics, not allowing them to expand. We certainly should not be allowing ICE to build new human warehouses when they can’t be trusted to keep people safe and protect due process. I oppose this in the strongest possible terms, and I am demanding that Governor Ayotte do everything in her power to block a new ICE facility in Southern New Hampshire.” 

藝術愛默生今春以8場影片活動展現亞美經驗 5/16重映「愛，唐人街」

「愛，唐人街（Love, Chinatown）」導演Luckas Dong(右三）
和波士頓亞美電影節創辦人甄翠嬿（左起），影片主角余麗馨，觀眾
黃周麗桃、黃瑞瑜，以及BAAFF副執行長陳曉瑩等人去年在影片放映後合影。
（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

           (Boston Orange編譯整理) 「藝術愛默生（ArtsEmerson）」今春將藉「共有的故事（Shared Stories）」和「投射連結：華裔美人經驗（Projecting Connections: Chinese American Experiences）」這2個主題，在2月至5月間放映8部影片，探討身份認同、歷史、文化交流等議題，以及跨社區講述故事力量。

Lukas Dong和余麗馨去年在活動現場回答觀眾提問。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

在影片放映的同時，「藝術愛默生」將同步舉辦與電影製片，學者，藝術家和社區領袖對話等活動。其中一場活動，移至科學博物館舉行。

「投射連結：華裔美人經驗」系列，有4場活動。

梅雪嫻（右）和司徒玉貞（左）在影片放映會中敘舊。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

2月6日是張致嘉（Jeff Chang）的專題講座和簽書會。開場前先放映阮鮑（譯音，Bao Nguyen）製作的紀錄片「若水（Be Water）」精華片段，接著再請2025年9月出版，入選該年度十大好書的「水鏡迴響：李小龍與亞裔美國人的誕生（Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee & the Making of Asian America）」一書作者張致嘉（Jeff Chang），藉由李小龍的一生，闡述亞裔在美國社會中如何有了新的定義。

3月7日下午3點，放映Jonah Ray Rodrigues執導，探討種族與代表性，展示「Chris Grace：飾演史嘉蕾·喬韓森（Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson）」這場舞台表演的紀錄片，藉由亞裔飾演西方最著名白人女演員Scarlett Johansson

黃國麟（左）和王英健（中）在「愛，中國城」放映會中不期而遇。
（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

，來反諷早年老萊塢用西方人來飾演亞裔的情況。

4月4日晚7點，和波士頓台灣影展協會（TFFB）合作，放映潘客印（Ke-yin Pan）執導，贏得第62屆金馬獎最佳改編劇本獎及最佳男配角獎，探討家族世代間關係的「我家的事（Family Matters）」一片。

5月16日下午3點，將放映曾在波士頓亞美電影節中放映，備受好評，由Lukas Dong執導，請出波士頓本地余麗馨為主角，藝術波士頓華埠歷史的紀錄片，「愛，唐人街（Love, Chinatown）」。同晚還將放映由黃亞倫執導的短片「鴻發樓（Hong Far Low）」。

「共有的故事」系列，共有3場放映會。

2月11日和新英格蘭日裔美國公民聯盟合作，已放映了中村正（Tadashi Nakamura）執導，展現藝術家Robert A. Nakamura 的生命歷程的「第三幕（Ｔhird Act）」。

3月6日放映蒲生由里子（Vuriko Gamo romer）執導，探討棒球如何跨越太平洋，成為每日文化連結的「鑽石外交（Diamond Diplomacy）」。

4月3日放映知名導演Raoul Peck的最新力作「奧威爾：2+2-5(Ｏrwell:2+2-5)」，引領觀眾反思喬治奧威爾預言在今日政治環境中的深遠意義。

特別放映會將是5月15日下午6點半，在波士頓科學博物館放映 Timour Gregory 與 Sasha Schneider 聯合執導，紀錄在「星際大戰」中飾演蘇魯（Sulu）的喬治·武井（George Takei）的傳奇一生，以及他發揮影響力，在流行文化中推動包容性的「把我傳送上去，蘇魯（Beam Me Up, Sulu）」，

購票可上網，ArtsEmerson.org ，或致電 617-824-8400。位於 559 Washington Street 的 Paramount Center 售票處，週四至週六提供現場服務。

MassDEP and DPH Joint Statement on the Trump Administration's Decision to Eliminate the Endangerment Finding

 

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) release the following joint statement responding to the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate the endangerment finding — the rule that says greenhouse gases are harmful to public health and the environment:

“By rolling back the endangerment finding, the Trump Administration is dismantling one of the most important tools we have to protect public health. We cannot ignore the simple fact that vehicle pollution is bad for people, bad for our environment and bad for our economy. Massachusetts communities are grappling with devastating floods, our farms are struggling with unpredictable weather, and our cities are burdened by scorching hot summers. Massachusetts has strong environmental protections, and we have made significant progress in improving our air quality. The Trump Administration’s decision will disrupt and challenge our progress to address climate change and protect our communities. Seniors, children, and those with asthma will bear the brunt of increased pollution. Here in Massachusetts, we remain committed to reducing asthma and improving air quality across the state. We will continue to follow science, fight for cleaner air, and make sure all Massachusetts residents are safe and healthy.”   Bonnie Heiple Commissioner of Environmental Protection Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD  Commissioner of Public Health

波士頓台灣龍舟隊邱偉哲，王斌掌舵 2026再出發

BTBC和台灣代表隊2024年到義大利參賽時合影。（BTBC提供）

              (Boston Orange整理報導）波士頓台灣龍舟隊 (BTBC)日前在大西洋碼頭（Atlantic Wharf）舉辦2026年第一次招新聚會，以船隊介紹，龍舟文化分享，豐富美食，為本年度龍舟賽季打底。

孫育民教練介紹台灣社團活動。（BTBC提供）

波士頓台灣龍舟隊是一個在2018年由盧信瑋、趙家立等一群喜愛水上運動的年輕人籌辦出來的船隊。他們把練習划船，當作強健身心的體育運動，彼此志趣相投，相處得十分愉快，然後，他們組隊參加龍舟比賽，竟然一再告捷，不僅曾在羅德島台灣龍舟賽中封王，還在2024年贏得資格，成為代表美國到義大利參加第14屆國際龍舟聯合會世界龍舟俱樂部錦標賽（CCWC）的船隊之一，船隊也一度擴大到能組成4組船隊。

陳昱安教練親自示範划船機並且帶領大家體驗。（BTBC提供）

跨入2026新年度，波士頓台灣龍舟隊在有6名教練，有隊員60人左右，有2大1小船隻的基礎上，招募新血，重新整隊，為新年的龍舟賽季做準備。

                  波士頓台灣龍舟隊隊長邱偉哲說，很感謝大波士頓許多僑團、贊助商一直以來給該對的支持，讓他們期許自己不只是划龍舟，滿足個人對體育及水上活動的愛好，還能夠發揮同儕互助，服務社區，凝聚起台灣僑胞、留學生，為「台灣能幫助 (Taiwan Can Help)」出一分力，讓世界看見台灣。

                  2月7日這天，波士頓台灣龍舟隊的新任教練孫育民（Alex Sun）介紹了龍舟的種類。他指出，國際競技的龍舟賽，一般使用香港規格龍舟。羅德島州每年舉辦的的龍舟賽，則是採用中華民國政府及台灣僑團所捐贈船隻，體積較大，重量紮實，而且還有必須搶旗多標的規定。

                  孫育民還介紹了波士頓台灣龍舟隊每年舉辦、參加的活動，說明台灣龍舟隊有心走進社區，推廣龍舟運動及台灣文化的心願。

            教練陳昱安這天負責示範，協助新人體驗划龍舟的動作。他說，其實划龍舟沒有大家想象得那麼難，重要的事和隊員們培養默契，才能夠力上加力的在比賽時衝刺出好成績。

活動後大合影。（BTBC提供）

                  波士頓台灣龍舟隊創隊成員之一的趙家立，這天擔任招新活動總召，他鼓勵有興趣划龍舟的人和該隊聯繫，關注該隊的臉書，IG等社交媒體帳號，以獲取訊息，報名參加後續的Cross-fit，使用划船機等體驗練習。

會長邱偉哲（右四），副會長王斌（左二）與活動團隊合影。（BTBC提供）

CITY OF BOSTON AND WENTWORTH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCE NEW FIVE YEAR PILOT AGREEMENT AND NEW AMENDMENT TO TEN YEAR INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLAN THAT MORE THAN DOUBLES PLANNED RESIDENT HALL STUDENT HOUSING

CITY OF BOSTON AND WENTWORTH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCE NEW FIVE YEAR PILOT AGREEMENT AND NEW AMENDMENT TO TEN YEAR INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLAN THAT MORE THAN DOUBLES PLANNED RESIDENT HALL STUDENT HOUSING

BOSTON - Thursday, February 12, 2026 - The City of Boston and Wentworth Institute of Technology today announced major agreements on Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) and an amendment to their Institutional Master Plan (IMP). The new PILOT agreement includes a commitment of more than $5.6 million in cash and community benefits over the next five years. The agreement is the first written PILOT agreement between the City and Wentworth in more than 20 years, creating a predictable and reliable schedule of valuable partnership benefits for the City. The IMP amendment, which passed the BPDA Board today, will deliver more student housing sooner than initially planned, increase public open space, and continue investments in college and career pathways for Boston Public Schools students. 

"Boston thrives when our anchor institutions bring their many resources together to invest in our communities. Through these agreements, Wentworth Institute of Technology will deliver a reimagined, larger on-campus residence hall able to house their entire first year class, two new public courtyards, enhanced community benefits and continued investments into college and career pathways for our Boston Public Schools students. This five-year PILOT agreement builds on our new approach to work with institutions to establish a predictable schedule boosting annual cash payments and community benefits at a time when our Boston taxpayers need relief. Even with threats to higher education and research under this federal administration, our anchor institutions continue to engage and partner with us to support our communities and move Boston forward,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

 

New PILOT Agreement

Wentworth has agreed to a new five-year PILOT agreement with the City, which includes cash and community benefits of more than $5.6 million over this period.

 

Wentworth has been a longstanding partner with the City of Boston through Boston’s nation-leading PILOT program, a system launched in 2012 that governs annual voluntary cash and community benefit contributions from the City’s largest private, non-profit, and tax-exempt institutions. This partnership is based on the mutual understanding that a welcoming, safe, and financially stable City which delivers high-quality essential services is critical to the continued success and financial health of Boston’s large nonprofit institutions. 

 

Under the new five-year agreement, Wentworth will resume annual PILOT cash payments to the City from $50,000 in FY26 to $125,000 in FY30. Wentworth paused PILOT cash contributions to the City over the last several years due to financial challenges brought about by the pandemic. This agreement coincides with Wentworth’s strengthening operating position and belief in the importance of the PILOT program.

 

Additionally, Wentworth commits to contributing annual PILOT community benefits valued at a total of $5.2 million over the term of the five-year agreement, benefits that will be reported annually to the City and subject to annual review to align with city and community needs.  Wentworth’s commitment to delivering community benefits in close partnership with community needs predates the PILOT program. The new agreement reflects Wentworth’s continued work to sustain and grow its baseline community benefit commitments to support public education, access to public and institutional spaces, and a mutually agreed list of other shared City and institutional priorities. Community benefits eligible to be counted toward this goal are quantifiable, directly benefit City of Boston residents, and are not part of the core mission and services of the institution.  

 

Wentworth and the City will focus on renewing a mutually agreeable voluntary PILOT agreement before expiration of the proposed five-year agreement on June 30, 2030.  

 

Accelerated and expanded investment in student housing

Compared to the original IMP approval advanced by Planning in 2024, this 2026 amendment will enable Wentworth to deliver 572 more beds than was originally envisioned for the Pike Residence Hall project, in a larger and reimagined dorm building, and much earlier than previously expected. The new 972 bed Pike Residence Hall will house its entire freshmen class. The construction of this new dorm will also allow other, existing dorms to be renovated or redeveloped. The reimagined Pike Residence Hall brings Wentworth closer to its ten-year goal of adding 1,814 net new student housing beds, ultimately housing more than 75 percent of students seeking on-campus housing. This sustained investment in campus housing will continue to reduce the number of students living off campus, easing pressure on the existing housing stock in Fenway and Mission Hill and supporting long-term residents, seniors, and families in those neighborhoods. Planning will continue to work with Wentworth to monitor off-campus student housing impacts through the University Accountability Ordinance report. 

 

"This amendment to the Wentworth IMP to move forward with the delivery of a larger, reimagined Pike Residence Hall is vital not only to the well-being of its students, but also to the Mission Hill community as a whole," said Chief of Planning Kairos Shen. "I want to thank the University for their continued partnership with the City to ensure its student population is appropriately housed, and for their commitments to enhancing the public realm with new connections to the larger neighborhood and transportation network over the next ten years."

 

“The approval of the amendment to the Institutional Master Plan is a milestone that reflects far more than campus growth,” said Mark Thompson, President of Wentworth Institute of Technology. “It reflects the deep, collaborative relationship we have built with Boston over many years. From dual-enrollment partnerships with Boston Public Schools students through Beacon Pathways, to STRIVE’s 100% job placement rate for graduates with diverse learning needs, Wentworth has always believed that a stronger institution means a stronger city. This plan paves the way for meaningful investments in our campus and our community, and we are proud to move forward together.”

 

“We welcome the new PILOT Agreement between Wentworth Institute of Technology and the City of Boston," said Enid Eckstein of the PILOT Action Group. "We believe Wentworth’s written five year commitment to resume PILOT cash payments after a multi-year hiatus is an important step, good for the community and provides predictability for the City.  The agreement also expands Wentworth’s community benefit investment in alignment with the need for investment in Boston public schools and long term vocational programs."

 

"I applaud Mayor Wu and Wentworth for advancing this new dorm building," said Executive Director of Mission Hill NHS Patricia Flaherty. "This IMP Amendment represents an important step in the evolution of Wentworth, as well as a win for Mission Hill. By building sufficient student housing, it will lessen the burden on existing neighborhood housing, and allow more longtime residents, seniors, and families to remain and maintain our vibrant and diverse community."

 

Significant new public realm and transportation improvements

The IMP amendment also includes improvements to the overall public realm including two new courtyards and improvements to the current pedestrian path known as the People’s Pike, improving pedestrian access to and through the Wentworth campus. The University will build a new connection to Ruggles Street as an extension of the People’s Pike, which will strengthen access to public transportation, with a new north-south path alongside the new Pike Residence Hall. In addition, Wentworth will add new bikeshare stations on campus, and contribute $133,650 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. 

 

Continuing community benefits

Wentworth has been a long-standing partner to the City of Boston and Mission Hill. The University’s STRIVE program has supported nearly 6,000 Boston Public Schools students since its founding, serving approximately 100 students per year and achieving a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates with diverse learning needs. In collaboration with several surrounding BPS high schools, Wentworth has also provided dual enrollment opportunities for BPS high school seniors, enabling students to earn transferable college credits in STEM fields while completing their high school diplomas. 

 

These programs, along with Wentworth’s annual contributions to community organizations and neighborhood development, have been a feature of Wentworth’s ongoing partnership with the City of Boston. 

 

In addition, the University is contributing approximately $40,000 annually towards community organizations and community development. Altogether, the IMP represents a total of six new development projects over the term of the next ten years, in addition to more than $3 million in anticipated linkage towards affordable housing, and more than $600,000 in anticipated linkage towards jobs training

3月1日起拒絕綠卡持有者 SBA貸款將只有美國公民才能申請

             （Boston Orange綜合編譯）美國小企業行政局（SBA）日前發佈編號5000-876441的政策通知，提醒美國民眾，從3月1日起，只有美國公民，以及股權100%由美國人持有，在美國本土經營的公司，才有資格申請SBA貸款。

            這公告同時撤銷了2025年底才公佈的，允許外資佔比5%的早前規定。

            美國小企業行政局最受歡迎，每年金額達數百億元的7(a) 營運資金貸款和 504 不動產/固定資產貸款，都將大受影響。許多由美國公民和綠卡持有人攜手創辦的企業，將必須調整企業結構，否則無法取得新的，由政府擔保的低息貸款。

            這是美國小企業行政局局長Kelly Loeffler為響應川普總統在2025年1月所簽署的「保護美國人民免受侵略（Protecting the American People Against Invasion）行政命令，以行政裁量權自行作出的決定。她公開表示，SBA的每一分錢都應該用於支持美國公民創業者，而不是外國公民。她把綠卡持有者都當作了外國人。

            由於以往美國政府機構實施新措施，通常都會給予民眾90天的適應期，以及回饋意見期，但SBA的這一新決定，卻是2月2日公佈，3月1日就要生效，亞裔美國人法律辯護基金會等組織，正在以SBA未給予充分徵詢民意期，政策內容有「任意且反復無常」嫌疑為由，認為SBA違反了行政程序法。法律專家們也在研議，以公民身份來區分是否有資格申請SBA貸款的做法，是否違法了美國憲法中的「正當法律程序」，以及「平等保護」精神，是否涉嫌歧視。

波士頓市訂2/21舉辦青少年峰會 14到19歲可索取免費票參加

            （Boston Orange摘譯）波士頓市政府青少年發展辦公室（OYEA）將於2月21日下午 3點至 6點，在南波士頓的藝術家為人類中心（Artists For Humanity EpiCenter），以14至19歲青少年為對象，舉辦「青少年峰會（Youth Summit）」，歡迎有意參加者索取免費入場券。

            波士頓市早年曾舉辦青少年峰會，但因故中斷了20年，2024年才恢復辦理，今年是第3年復辦，估計會有600人參加，將有來自克服逆境（Beat the Odds）, 波士頓音樂計畫（Boston Music Project）、負能青少年（ Teen Empowerment）、波士頓社區音樂中心（Community Music Center of Boston）等組織的青少年才藝現場表演，新獲選的波士頓青年桂冠詩人將朗誦詩歌，波士頓市長吳弭（Ｍichelle Wu）將為峰會做主講人。Amanda Shea將出任主持DJ WhySham提供音樂。 

這場峰會是慶祝波士頓青少年的創意、領導力與文化貢獻，並提供平台讓年輕人與城市領導人交流的活動，會中還將頒發「青年領袖獎」與「青年組織獎」。

今年參加峰會的人將可收到一個有品牌的手提袋，貼紙，T恤，以及贏得Sprayground背包，波士頓紅襪隊門票的機會。在峰會中青少年們可以得到噴繪紋身，一起創作壁畫，為今年的「青年領導改變」參與預算項目提供意見。

查詢2026峰會詳情，預留免費門票，可上網boston.gov/youth-summit。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND OFFICE OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND ADVANCEMENT ANNOUNCE 2026 MAYOR’S YOUTH SUMMIT The City of Boston will host the 2026 Mayor’s Youth Summit on February 21, featuring entertainment, food, celebration, and youth performances for teens ages 14-19.

BOSTON – Thursday, February 12, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA) today announced free tickets are now available for the 2026 Mayor’s Youth Summit (MYS), an annual citywide celebration of the contributions of young people to Boston’s culture. The 2026 Summit will be held on Saturday, February 21 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Artists For Humanity EpiCenter, a vibrant arts center for youth, located in South Boston. This event is hosted with the support of City departments, Boston Children’s Hospital, and other local, youth-serving partner organizations. “Boston’s youth shape the culture and energy of our city, and the Mayor’s Youth Summit is an opportunity to celebrate all they contribute,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This year’s summit will offer opportunities for our young people to showcase talents, connect with City leaders and have fun with peers. Join us in celebrating young Bostonians and the partnerships that make this summit such a special citywide event!” The City is anticipating 600 attendees at this year’s Summit with free tickets available for both youth and youth-serving community partners. In planning the 2026 Summit, the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement hosted a series of feedback sessions with youth programs across Boston. OYEA gathered youth input on event timing, designs, performances, and food to ensure the Summit continues its legacy of centering youth voices and reflecting the interests of Boston’s teens. “The Mayor’s Youth Summit is a powerful celebration of the creativity, leadership, and voice of young people across Boston,” said Pedro Cruz, Executive Director of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement. “This event gives young people a stage to perform and share their art while building meaningful connections with peers from every neighborhood. We are proud to create a space where youth are seen, heard, and empowered to shape the cultural and civic life of our city.” The 2025 Mayor's Youth Summit marked the second time this event has been held since being re-established as an annual occurrence in 2024 following a 20-year hiatus. Nearly 500 attendees gathered to celebrate young people in Boston with food, games, and music. This year’s Summit will continue the tradition of live performances that showcase the talents of youth from Beat the Odds, Boston Music Project, Teen Empowerment, Community Music Center of Boston, and other local organizations. The newly-named Youth Poet Laureate will deliver spoken word. Mayor Wu will serve as keynote speaker, Amanda Shea will return as host, and music will be brought by DJ WhySham.  “Young people contribute so much to the culture and civic life of our City,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “I am grateful to be part of a team that creates this space to celebrate the incredible talent, skills and brilliance of Boston’s youth and look forward to another fun, exciting Youth Summit.” The City will also present the two awards, the Youth Leader Award and Youth Organization Award, at the 2026 Summit. The Youth Leader Award will honor two Boston residents between the ages of 14 and 19 years old who demonstrate high levels of leadership among their peers and/or a commitment to civic engagement. The Youth Organization Award will be given to an organization that demonstrates exceptional dedication to empowering and supporting Boston's youth. “Boston Children’s Hospital is proud to collaborate with the City and invest in our young people,” said Shari Nethersole, MD, Vice President for Community Health and Engagement at Boston Children’s Hospital. “We support the Mayor’s Youth Summit because it puts youth at the center of its platform, which encourages civic engagement and creates opportunities for youth to thrive in Boston.” This year’s attendees will receive branded tote bags, stickers, and sweatshirts, and have the opportunity to win backpacks from Sprayground and tickets to see the Boston Red Sox. At the summit, youth will be able to receive airbrush tattoos, contribute to a collaborative mural, and submit ideas for this year’s Youth Lead the Change participatory budgeting program.  To learn more about and reserve free tickets for the 2026 Mayor’s Youth Summit, please visit boston.gov/youth-summit. To stay informed about all initiatives from the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement, visit boston.gov/oyea, and follow our social channels @oyeaboston on Facebook and Instagram, and @oyea.boston.gov on Bluesky.

Governor Healey Signs Executive Order to Explore Single Stair Construction to Boost Housing Production, Lower Costs

Governor Healey Signs Executive Order to Explore Single Stair Construction to Boost Housing Production, Lower Costs 

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Maura Healey signed a new executive order to study allowing single stair construction in some residential buildings in an effort to increase housing production and lower costs. Currently, Massachusetts building code requires two exit stairs for buildings above three stories or with long interior corridors, which makes it harder to build mid-rise development on smaller parcels. The Governor is establishing a technical advisory group to explore the possibility of allowing single stair construction in residential buildings higher than three stories to make it easier to build more housing while ensuring safety. 

 

“We’re all about making it easier to build more housing across our state to drive down costs for everyone,” said Governor Healey. “While the double stair requirement plays an important role in ensuring safety, it’s also holding us back from the type of housing construction we need to meet demand. This group will include the best subject matter experts and fire safety officials to explore how we can make it easier to build housing by allowing single stair construction, while continuing to protect our residents and first responders.” 

 

"Building new housing that prioritizes affordability, enhancing the livability of our communities and keeping people safe couldn’t be more important as we respond to our housing shortage," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Our administration is spurring all kinds of housing production to meets the range of needs facing Massachusetts residents, so I'm eager for the advisory group to get started and study the feasibility of single stair construction while considering all possible safety risks."    

 

This executive order builds on the 2025 recommendations made by the Unlocking Housing Production Commission, which was tasked with examining how state and local laws, regulations, and practices could be revised to increase the supply of housing.  

 

The advisory group, which will include fire services, building officials, national architectural experts, accessibility advocates, and public-safety professionals, will be tasked with developing a process to evaluate whether, and under what conditions, single stair multifamily residential buildings above three stories can be safely permitted in Massachusetts as a tool to expand mid-rise housing production. The group's charge will involve comparing single stair and multi-stair buildings, identifying necessary fire- and life-safety precautions, and recommending targeted updates to the State Building Code.  

 

"Every safe, evidence-based strategy to build more homes is needed to meet the housing demands we're facing, and single-stair multifamily residential buildings could offer us a new way to increase our housing supply," said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. "This executive order will bring together the right people - from fire safety officials to architects, accessibility experts and more - who will help us explore the possibilities and find the best path forward." 

 

Current Massachusetts building code generally requires two exit stairs for buildings above three stories or with long interior corridors, limiting the feasibility of mid-rise development on smaller parcels. With appropriate fire safety requirements, updating the code to allow the construction of single stairway residential buildings higher than three stories could significantly unlock housing production by boosting unit yield in typical mid-rise building designs, reducing per-unit construction costs and making projects on smaller lots more feasible.   

  

Massachusetts would not be the first state to adopt a single stair standard for residential buildings higher than three stories and would be following a longstanding approach used in numerous U.S. states, as well as in many other countries. For example, New York City and Seattle have permitted single stair buildings up to six stories for decades, and Honolulu legalized them in 2012. More recently, Tennessee, Montana, and Connecticut have enacted legislation allowing single stair buildings up to six stories under specified safety conditions. Across most of Europe, double-stair requirements were never adopted. 

 

The impact could be especially impactful because of the nature of Greater Boston’s available land. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) identified 4,955 underutilized parcels, such as parking lots or vacant, single story retail, located within ¾ mile of rapid transit that could host a mid-rise building. If these housing projects became economically feasible, JCHS estimates that these sites could produce up to 130,000 new housing units through urban infill alone if single stair is allowed up to six stories and 24 units. 

 

The executive order is the latest example of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s bold efforts to increase housing supply statewide and bring down costs for Massachusetts residents. The administration is expediting permitting processes, releasing surplus state land for housing production, converting underutilized commercial space into residences, implementing the MBTA Communities law, legalizing accessory dwelling units statewide and providing financing tools to help homeowners build them, and creating a first-in-the-nation fund to finance mixed-income 

 

 housing development. To help people afford their mortgages and rents right now, the administration is increasing down payment assistance and lowering mortgage rates for first-time homebuyers, banned mandatory renter-paid fees, gave seniors up to $2,800 a year to help with housing costs and expanded home inspection protections.