MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND BOSTON UNITY SOCCER PARTNERS ANNOUNCE WHITE STADIUM ADVISORY GROUP TO BOOST CONTRACTING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND BOSTON UNITY SOCCER PARTNERS ANNOUNCE WHITE STADIUM ADVISORY GROUP TO BOOST CONTRACTING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

The City of Boston and BUSP will aim to award 50% of all total contracting dollars, for the design, construction, and ongoing operations of the White Stadium renovation project, to minority- and women-owned business enterprises.  

BOSTON - Thursday, March 13, 2025 – Today, Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, and Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP) announced the formation of the White Stadium Supplier Diversity Advisory Group. This coalition of community leaders and small business organizations will support the City and BUSP’s commitment to awarding 50% of all contracting dollars across all three phases of the White Stadium renovation—design, construction, and operations—to local, minority-owned, and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). The Advisory Group Members are as follows:

1. Andre Barbour, Commissioner, Black Men & Boys Commission
2. J.C. Burton, Commissioner, Boston Employment Commission
3. Edsel Cadet, Pastor, Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church
4. Katrina Conrad, Board Member, Mass. Minority Contractors Association
5. Eric Esteves, Executive Director, Boston Main Streets Foundation
6. Jen Faigel, Executive Director, Commonwealth Kitchen
7. Ron Marlow, VP for Workforce Development & Alternative Education, ABCD, Inc.
8. Nicole Obi, President & CEO, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA)
9. Roxanna Sarmiento, Head of Marketing & Communications, ALX
10. Norman Stembridge, Co-Chair, Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee
11. Rickie Thompson, President, Franklin Park Coalition
12. Robert Wint, President, Boston Caribbean American Association

“Boston is built on our local business owners and the renovation of White Stadium is an exciting opportunity for local economic development in the community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Together with the Boston Unity Soccer Partners, we are working to ensure our local minority- and women-owned businesses are connected to this opportunity early and often during all stages of this project.”

The White Stadium renovation will be a transformational investment in BPS Athletics and Franklin Park, serving as a hub for youth sports, community programming, and professional soccer with dramatically expanded public access. The upgraded complex will feature state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities, including modern locker rooms, a sports medicine suite, a strength and conditioning center, a professional grass field, an eight-lane track, and community event spaces. Previously limited to weekday hours of 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. public access will now expand to 15 hours a day, seven days a week, for more than 345 days a year. White Stadium will also become home to Boston’s new professional women’s soccer team, hosting up to 20 NWSL game days annually. This commitment to reach 50% WMBE contracting was one of the community goals and benefits the City announced when signing the lease agreement. 

The new Stadium will be completed through a dual-construction model, bringing together two design and construction teams to deliver a modern, sustainable, and accessible facility. This model reinforces the need for early coordination, ensuring businesses of all sizes and backgrounds can actively participate in the renovation process. 

Key objectives of the Supplier Diversity Advisory Group include: 

• Increase access to contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses by streamlining information and outreach.
• Support businesses in navigating procurement processes and securing contracts.
• Strengthen partnerships with local organizations to ensure long-term economic benefits for local communities.
• Provide ongoing oversight and accountability to track progress toward business participation goals.

“We are not just setting goals—we are building real pathways for local minority- and women-owned businesses to thrive at every stage of this project,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion for the City of Boston. “By leveraging the Supplier Diversity Advisory Group’s expertise, we will ensure that local businesses—both emerging and established—have access to meaningful opportunities to grow, contribute, and be part of the long-term success of White Stadium.” 

The City, BUSP, and the Advisory Group will host a series of Contracting Opportunity Fairs this spring and summer. The first will take place Tuesday, March 18 at the National Center of Afro-American Artists at 6:00 p.m.. The events will introduce local contractors to the project timeline and procurement processes and provide networking opportunities with the construction teams. Businesses interested in attending can use this form to register.  

Additionally, the City of Boston will launch a Supplier Diversity Dashboard on its White Stadium project webpage, providing updates on MWBE participation and progress.

"The inclusive construction approach at White Stadium in Franklin Park represents Boston's commitment to building infrastructure that truly serves all communities,” said JocCole "JC" Burton, Founder of the SRGE Construction Accelerator. “By prioritizing diverse business participation and neighborhood engagement throughout the renovation process, this project sets a powerful standard for how urban development can create both physical and economic opportunity for historically underrepresented stakeholders."

The partnership with Boston Unity Soccer Partners to deliver a renovated White Stadium with expanded public access hours will also bring a range of other community benefits, such as:

• Annual Community Benefits Fund: A $500,000 annual contribution, increasing by 3% annually, to support local organizations and initiatives. 
• Franklin Park Preservation Fund: A $1-per-ticket contribution from every National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) game to fund Franklin Park Action Plan projects.
• Tree Bank Establishment: The planting of more than 500 trees within Franklin Park.
• Jobs: Estimated creation of 500 new construction jobs and 300 new permanent jobs.
• BPS partnerships: Scholarships, internships, and mentorship with the NWSL team to expand career pathways for Boston youth.

“From the start, our commitment has been to build more than just a stadium—we’re investing in the community,” said Jennifer Epstein, Controlling Manager of Boston Unity Soccer Partners. “The Supplier Diversity Advisory Group will help ensure that Boston’s local businesses are at the center of this transformation, creating real economic opportunities that last well beyond game days.”

For additional information please visit the City of Boston’s White Stadium webpage and Boston Unity Soccer Partners’ White Stadium webpage.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT ADVANCES NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ALLSTON, DOWNTOWN, AND MISSION HILL Planning Department shares new RFP to create Planning and Design Academy for Boston residents

BOSTON - March 13, 2025 - The Planning Department this month shared information on a new initiative the Planning Department is launching and recommended approval of five new development projects to the BPDA Board, including an office to residential conversion project. All were approved. The newly approved development projects represent approximately 488,599 square feet (SF), will create 171 new residential units, including 107 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 584 construction jobs and 1,052 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Urban Design Implementation of Boston Design Vision: Planning and Design Academy Planning Department staff shared information about a recently released Request for Proposals (RFP) to create a new Planning and Design Academy, which is part of the implementation of the Design Vision. The Academy is meant to empower Bostonians to take a more active role in shaping their neighborhoods by giving them the necessary education to better understand planning and design processes. The City is seeking consultants to create a curriculum for an eight-week program, set to launch later this year. Development Projects Office at 15 Court Square to be converted to new homes Downtown Housing: 80 residential units, 16 income-restricted units  Jobs: Ground floor retail space Community: Bringing more residents Downtown Sustainability: Compliant with Stretch Energy Code As part of the City’s Office to Residential Conversion Program, this project will renovate what is currently an 11-story mixed-use office building into 80 new homes in Downtown Boston, 16 of which will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. There will also be bike parking for residents on site. The project will maintain the building’s current retail space on the ground floor.  This project is one of 15 applicants in Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to create 760 units from the conversion of 20 vacant office buildings. The project at Court Square is also the fourth largest project in the program. Project at 65-79 Seattle Street in Allston to build new income-restricted homeownership opportunities Housing: 43 income-restricted homeownership units Jobs: Approximately 45 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements, bike parking, community room and courtyard for residents Sustainability: Energy efficient design, LEED Gold, Stretch Energy Code compliant This project will create 43 new homeownership opportunities across three different buildings. These will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Building A will have 24 units, Building B will have nine units, and Building C will have ten units. Five units will be made accessible to those with mobility, hearing and visual impairments. The project is located in the study area of the Allston-Brighton Needs Assessment, adopted by the BPDA Board in January 2024. This project aligns with the assessment, which identified affordable and accessible housing as a community need in Allston-Brighton. The project will contribute $11,825 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system as a community benefit. This project was enabled by the community benefits package for the Harvard Enterprise Research Campus Phase A project, which provided this site to be dedicated to affordable housing. New income-restricted homes to be built at 77 Terrace Street and 778-796 Parker Street in Mission Hill Housing: 48 income-restricted homeownership units Jobs: Approximately 49 construction jobs Community: New public open space, 50 new community garden plots, bike racks for residents, close proximity to public transportation Sustainability: Passive House What is now vacant land will become 48 new income-restricted homes in Mission Hill. This formerly City-owned land will be developed into housing, open space, and a new community garden. The housing component will be a five-story building with a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. This will be a transit-oriented development as it is in close proximity to public transportation. Terrace Street has been evolving with a mix of small apartment buildings and small businesses, and this fully income-restricted project aims to positively add to that ongoing change. This project is another example of the Planning Department’s commitment to use public land for public good and further the goals established in Mayor Wu’s land audit.   150-year-old Allandale Farm in Jamaica Plain to build new store and greenhouse Jobs: Revitalized retail space Community: New crosswalk on site, enhanced ADA access, better availability of seasonal farm products Sustainability: EV charging and solar stations, solar powered buildings Allandale Farm in Jamaica Plain will be replacing their primary store with a new retail Market Barn that will act as the headquarters for all retail operations and has been designed to improve environmental sustainability and better reflect the Farm's character. This project will also replace the retail greenhouses on site with one, more efficient greenhouse next to the new Market Barn. The new structures will allow the farm to better meet demand for farm products and plants year-round. New open space between these structures and the parking lot will also be used for seasonal outdoor retail events. This project will improve the parking lot and surrounding public realm to make the farm more accessible, as well as pedestrian and bicycle friendly. This project will also allow the farm to enhance the availability of local produce year-round. 17 Bradston Street project to bring innovative business to Newmarket Jobs: Approximately 472 construction jobs, approximately 1,013 permanent jobs Community: Public realm improvements Sustainability: Planting 35 new street trees to combat urban heat island effect, LEED Gold Located in the Newmarket Innovation District, this project will develop a new building including commercial, life sciences, and light industrial uses. PLAN: Newmarket and its corresponding zoning provides the vision and tools for the Newmarket neighborhood to continue to be a key center of employment for Boston residents, and an area primed to attract investment in the industries of tomorrow. This project and its proposed use aligns with the recommendations outlined in the plan. As part of its community benefits, this project will contribute: $106,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system, $75,000 to the City’s Fund for Parks, $25,000 to the nonprofit The Base, $25,000 to the nonprofit New England Culinary Arts Training, $25,000 to the nonprofit The Record Company, and $25,000 to the Newmarket Business Association Job Placement Program. In addition to these projects, the board approved: The 2025-2035 Harvard University Allston Campus Institutional Master Plan (IMP). This IMP commits Harvard to the following: another ten years of continuing the Harvard Ed Portal, $250,000 to support the Honan-Allston Library, the continued contribution of $200,000 per year towards the Harvard Allston Partnership Fund, improvements to Roberts Park, continued funding for the All Bright Homeownership Program, support for Allston-Brighton youth sports, and other benefits as outlined in the board approved memo. An update to a previously approved project at 120 Braintree Street to reduce the amount of parking on site. An update to a previously approved project at 151 Liverpool Street to reduce the amount of parking on site. An update to a previously approved project at 1318 River Street to reduce the amount of parking on site. An update to a previously approved project at 20 and 22 Drydock Avenue to add a pedestrian bridge to connect two of the buildings. An update to a previously approved project at 279 Maverick Street to change the residential units from rental to homeownership. The disbursement of $200,000 from the Harvard Allston Partnership Fund to 25 nonprofit community organizations in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood.

Governor Healey Unveils Exhibition Celebrating Women Veterans and Legacy of Former Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers

 Governor Healey Unveils Exhibition Celebrating Women Veterans and Legacy of Former Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers

BOSTON – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Governor Maura Healey unveiled an exhibition, in partnership with the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) and 3-5-0 Girls, displaying uniforms of Women's Army Corps (WAC) from World War II through 1978 when the WAC was integrated into the Army. The uniforms represent veterans of the Women's Army Corps, first introduced and championed by former Massachusetts Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers. The exhibit also highlights many of the women stationed at Massachusetts military installations like Fort Devens, Bedford Army Air Field (now Hanscom Air Force base) and Westover Field.  

Former Congresswoman Rogers served in the U.S House of Representatives from 1925 to 1960 in what was Massachusetts’ 5th District stretching from Lowell to Groton to Ayer. Congresswoman Rogers was instrumental in shaping policies that provided veterans with essential support. Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (which became the WAC in 1943) and advocated for benefits for women veterans. Congresswoman Rogers’ advocacy for veterans and women's rights helped create a pathway for women to serve in the military while ensuring they receive the proper recognition and benefits for their service.  

“Here in Massachusetts, we are proud to honor the women who have served our country with honor, courage and distinction,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This exhibition will highlight their incredible service and the role of former Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers, who laid the foundation for a more inclusive military and for women veterans to get the recognition they deserve.” 

“This exhibition is more than homage to the women veterans – it’s a celebration of the women who have served our country with bravery and honor,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As we highlight their stories, we are reminded that their patriotism knows no bounds and, here in this state, we will honor and shine a light on their contributions to our history. 

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized revitalizing veterans' services in Massachusetts. In March 2023, Governor Healey established the state’s Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) and appointed Jon Santiago as the Commonwealth’s first-ever Secretary of Veterans Services to spearhead the transformation of a cabinet-level secretariat focused on veteran care. Over the past two years, EOVS has overhauled operations and existing programs to redefine how veterans are cared for in Massachusetts, including expanding the Women Veterans Network (WVN)—a statewide initiative designed to connect, support, and uplift women veterans through tailored resources, outreach, and community-building. 

“Women have stepped up to serve their country since the Revolutionary War, yet their contributions have often gone unrecognized. This exhibition is an important reminder of their service and sacrifice—but it’s also a call to action,” said Secretary Jon Santiago of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services. “At EOVS, we are committed to ensuring women veterans get the recognition, resources, and support they deserve—today and every day.” 

3-5-0 Girls is a local women- and veteran-led organization based in the MetroWest area, named in honor of the 350,000 women who served during World War II. Their mission is to make women's military history visible and accessible through living history, their traveling exhibit, presentations and lectures, community outreach, and hosting public events. 

“3-5-0 Girls’ mission is to make Women’s Military history visible and accessible and to give it context within the larger tale of history,” said Executive Director of the 3-5-0 Girls Mel Bloom. “Now, more than ever, it is important to remember that these women blazed a trail that thousands, including myself, have followed to proud military service.” 

Governor Healey Nominates Robert Palumbo as Clerk Magistrate of the Barnstable County/Town of Plymouth Juvenile Court

Governor Healey Nominates Robert Palumbo as Clerk Magistrate of the Barnstable County/Town of Plymouth Juvenile Court  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced the nomination of Robert Palumbo to serve as the Clerk Magistrate of the Barnstable County/Town of Plymouth Juvenile Court. Attorney Palumbo has worked for the Barnstable County/Town of Plymouth Juvenile Court since 2015 and was appointed as Acting Clerk Magistrate in 2023. He will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“Over the course of his career, Attorney Palumbo has taken a compassionate, respectful, and just approach to difficult cases involving youth and families of Barnstable County and Plymouth,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As Acting Clerk Magistrate, he has been integral to ensuring the smooth operations of the Juvenile Court, and we are excited to work with the Governor’s Council to see him officially assume the Clerk Magistrate position.”   

“During his time as Acting Clerk Magistrate, Attorney Palumbo has proven that he will always keep the interest of children at the forefront of his work, while handling difficult situations with calm, courtesy and respect,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are excited to see his continued work for the Juvenile Court and look forward to working toward his confirmation with the Governor’s Council.” 

Attorney Palumbo began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, where he spent seven years prosecuting cases in the District, Municipal and Superior Courts. He later spent seventeen years as an attorney for the Department of Children and Families, where he gained extensive experience handling cases involving children and families in both the Juvenile and Probate and Family Courts. He joined the Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office in 2015 as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate. In 2023, he was appointed to serve as Acting Clerk Magistrate. In this capacity he is responsible for managing the administration of the Clerk’s Office, as well as conducting show cause hearings, running court sessions and reviewing applications for complaints and search warrants. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Suffolk University and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law. He resides in Pocasset. 

“I am thankful to Governor Healey for recognizing my commitment to the mission of the Juvenile Court and giving me the opportunity to continue serving the community,” said Attorney Palumbo. 

The mission of the Juvenile Court is to protect children from abuse and neglect, to promote opportunities for children to reside in safe, stable, permanent family environments, to strengthen families, to rehabilitate juveniles, and to protect the public from delinquent and criminal behavior. The Juvenile Court Department has jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, youthful offender cases, care and protection matters and children requiring assistance cases. It has 42 judges, including the Chief Justice, sitting in over 40 courthouses. 

For more information about the Juvenile Court, visit its homepage. Governor Healey has previously nominated Jennifer Currie, Tiffanie Ellis-Niles, Andrew Hoffman, Audrey Murillo, Jeannie Rhinehart, Fabiola White, and Karin Wilinski to the Juvenile Court. 

牙買加平原202戶可負擔住宅竣工 140戶給無家可歸者

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU, PINE STREET INN, AND THE COMMUNITY BUILDERS CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF BOSTON’S LARGEST SUPPORTIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 

New development at 3368 Washington Street welcomes residents and provides 202 affordable homes with essential support services

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu, The Community Builders (TCB), and Pine Street Inn (PSI) today announced the completion of Boston’s largest supportive housing development, at 3368 Washington Street. This transformative project in Jamaica Plain, which broke ground in January 2022, will provide 202 affordable homes, including 140 units dedicated to individuals formerly experiencing homelessness. The announcement underscores the City and State’s commitment to making critical, long-term investments in supportive housing and providing resources for individuals who have experienced homelessness.

  

“3368 Washington Street represents our unwavering commitment to ensuring every Bostonian has a safe, stable place to call home,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With supportive services on-site and a strong community network, these new apartments provide a foundation for residents to rebuild their lives. I am grateful to our partners and the community for making this vision a reality.” 

“Everyone has a role to play in meeting our housing needs in Massachusetts and partners like Pine Street Inn and Community Builders embody our mission of ensuring homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. I am grateful for the new housing being created here for formerly homeless and low-income people,” said Chris Thompson, Undersecretary of Housing Stabilization, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

The newly completed, five-story building provides 140 supportive housing apartments for formerly homeless individuals and 62 income-restricted apartments for families. Residents will also be provided additional services by Pine Street Inn and TCB’s Community Life team, ensuring access to healthcare, employment support, and other essential resources. The building also includes 21 units for mobility-impaired individuals and 18 sensory-impaired units, bolstering accessibility for residents. Additionally, Pine Street Inn will operate office space on the first floor, enhancing their ability to provide on-site services.

“The opening of this new building marks a milestone for Pine Street Inn, bringing our total to more than 1,000 units of housing – 1,100 to be exact – for people moving out of homelessness,” said Lyndia Downie, President and Executive Director of Pine Street Inn.  “The building offers 140 units of permanent supportive housing, the largest development for its kind in New England. Together with The Community Builders, our development partners, we are creating a community where people can rebuild their lives, along with support staff, who help people remain stable and housed. A 96 percent retention rate in Pine Street’s housing shows us we are on the right track. This is how we will end homelessness.”

“This grand opening is personal to me. For many years I’ve lived with my family in Jamaica Plain, blocks from 3368 Washington St, and even closer to another long standing permanent supportive housing building. I know it works, for residents and for a neighborhood. The partnership that brought this project to reality is a powerful combination – a permanent home, when paired with strong support services, provides a critical platform for personal growth, stability, and increased independence. Today’s ribbon-cutting celebrates the collaboration that made it possible,” said Andy Waxman, Senior Vice President of Development for The Community Builders.

This development was made possible through a combination of public and private funding sources, including the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing, Community Preservation Act and Neighborhood Housing Trust funding and the Boston Housing Authority, which provided 156 Project-Based Vouchers to support affordability. Additional funding was provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Bank of America, and MassDevelopment.

"The completion of 3368 Washington Street is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together to end homelessness,” said Chief of Housing Sheila A. Dillon. “This development not only provides a safe and stable home for individuals and families, but it also provides supportive services to ensure that the residents remain housed and thrive.. The Pine Street Inn and The Community Builders have built a development that will serve the Boston community for decades."

“The Boston Housing Authority is proud to support this transformative development, which expands access to stable, affordable housing for our city’s most vulnerable residents,” said BHA Administrator Kenzie Bok. “3368 Washington Street demonstrates how Boston can create lasting solutions by pairing housing with essential services, ensuring that residents have the support they need to thrive in a safe, equitable community.”

“Stable housing is essential for enhancing overall well-being and promoting long-term stability. The Community Preservation Fund continues to contribute to the creation of inclusive and affordable housing in Boston,” said Thadine Brown, Director Community Preservation Office. “This support is making it possible for residents to secure supportive housing and have a place to call home. The Community Preservation Committee is thrilled about the new Washington Street development, which will add more supportive housing units, help prevent homelessness, and ensure safe, affordable living spaces.”

This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone. This historic project is an example of Boston's commitment to addressing homelessness through its investment in supportive housing. With 664 permanent supportive housing (PSH) units either completed, under construction, or in the pipeline, the City is ensuring that residents have access to stable, service-enriched housing. These efforts reflect Boston’s dedication to long-term, sustainable solutions that not only provide shelter, but also offer essential support services to help individuals and families regain stability and thrive in their communities.

About the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH)

The Mayor’s Office of Housing is responsible for housing people experiencing homelessness, creating and preserving affordable housing, and ensuring that renters and homeowners can obtain, maintain, and remain in safe, stable housing. The department develops and implements the City of Boston’s housing creation and homelessness prevention plans and collaborates with local and national partners to find new solutions and build more housing affordable to all, particularly those with lower incomes. For more information, please visit the MOH website.

About the Boston Housing Authority

The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that provides subsidized housing to low and moderate-income individuals and families. In addition to conventional public housing communities throughout Boston, BHA offers rental assistance programs. BHA receives federal and state funding to provide housing programs to individuals and families. BHA’s mission is to provide stable, quality affordable housing for low and moderate-income persons; to deliver these services with integrity and mutual accountability, and to create living environments that serve as catalysts for the transformation from dependency to economic self-sufficiency.

About The Community Builders, Inc.

The Community Builders (TCB) is one of America's leading nonprofit housing organizations. Its mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive. Its mission-driven businesses work with partners to develop, finance and operate residential communities, neighborhood amenities, and opportunity initiatives for families, seniors, and adults with disabilities. Since 1964, TCB has advanced housing equity through award-winning affordable and mixed-income communities and our pioneering Community Life model for resident success. Today, anchored by offices in Boston, Chicago, Columbus, New York, and Washington, D.C., TCB owns or manages over 13,000 apartment homes across 15 states and Washington D.C. www.tcbinc.org.

 

About Pine Street Inn

Supporting over 1,400 individuals daily, Pine Street Inn is the largest homeless services provider in New England. Pine Street’s programs include permanent housing, job training, emergency shelter, and street outreach, with a goal of moving individuals off the street, out of the shelter, and back to home and community. With a housing retention rate of 95%, PSI’s strategy to scale up supportive housing builds on the success of its current program, which includes 850 tenants in buildings it owns, leases and/or manages in Boston and Brookline, as well as rental units throughout Boston. www.pinestreetinn.org.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Recommendations to Make Child Care More Affordable and Accessible

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Recommendations to Make Child Care More Affordable and Accessible

 

Child Care Task Force recommendations center on family affordability, sustainable

high-quality local early ed businesses and workforce development

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration released a report today with recommendations to make early education and child care more accessible and affordable for all families in Massachusetts. These recommendations were crafted by Governor Healey’s Inter-Agency Early Education and Child Care Task Force, which was established last year in recognition of the essential role child care plays in driving the state’s economy and competitiveness forward.  

Secretaries of Education Patrick Tutwiler, Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones, and Economic Development Yvonne Hao and Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw announced over 30 actionable efforts across five primary areas today at Ellis Learning Center, highlighting the state’s commitment to leading the nation in early education and child care access, affordability, equity, and quality:  

• Ensure broad access and availability of early education and child care for families with young children.  
• Support high-quality early education and child care programming. 
• Foster sustainable business conditions for all types of programs with fewer barriers to entry. 
• Make early education and child care affordable for all families, prioritizing those with the highest needs. 
• Build a robust workforce ecosystem that supports the growth and wellbeing of educators and providers.  

“We have made a lot of progress in the last two years, from expanding affordable child care seats to increasing educator wages to providing programs with more financial support. But we know that more needs to be done. That’s why we are proud to share these recommendations today that outline the ways in which we can continue making early education and child care more affordable and accessible,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Child care is central to the success of our entire state, and together we are taking important steps toward solutions.”  

“I want to thank all of the parents, caregivers, educators and child care providers who attended a listening session or provided written feedback – your experiences and ideas have helped us outline short and long term efforts to make child care more affordable, accessible and equitable across our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Access to affordable early education and care sets our youngest learners up to succeed in school and beyond, while also supporting our local economy and communities. Today’s recommendations highlight why Massachusetts is the best place to live, work, raise a family and go to school.”  

The Governor’s Task Force is co-chaired by the Secretaries of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Economic Development, and consists of leaders from every Secretariat in the Cabinet, taking a whole-of-government approach to affordable high-quality child care. Over the past year, the group hosted a series of 14 Listening Sessions across Massachusetts to hear directly from hundreds of parents, child care providers, and community stakeholders. These insights directly informed today’s strategic recommendations that include intermediate steps and immediate initiatives, as well as longer-term aims.  

“We know that education doesn’t start at kindergarten – it starts at birth. Early education and child care experiences spans some of the most important years in a child’s education and also promote a strong workforce and economy,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I want to thank my colleagues for their partnership and collaboration in this critical work, dedicating time and resources to together improve educational opportunities for our youngest learners across the state and their families.”   

“Our administration has and will continue to work across secretariats to support a more affordable and accessible early education and child care system for Massachusetts’ caregivers and workforce,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “Among recommendations, we will build on efforts to strengthen and grow a pipeline of early childhood educators through workforce strategies like Registered Apprenticeship and credentialing with academic partners for workers entering the field or looking to upskill and advance their careers.”  

“Affordable and accessible early education and child care is vital for expanding economic opportunity in our state,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “These recommendations will help ensure adequate child care and resources for our youngest generations, empower parents and guardians to more fully participate in our workforce, and support the businesses that power the state's child care system – all while reaffirming our administration’s commitment to making Massachusetts the best places for families to start and grow.”  

"The Governor's whole-of-government approach brings new resources, thinking and innovations to address some of the early education and care sector's most pressing challenges. These recommendations build on the significant progress and investments we have already made in partnership with our legislative colleagues and are directly informed by the voices of hundreds of educators, program directors, advocates, parents and families across Massachusetts. I look forward to the work ahead with my colleagues across state government to deliver on this ground-breaking, collaborative approach," said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw.  

Examples of recommendations include:  

• The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Office of Outdoor Recreation will work with EOE and EEC to help connect children, families, and programs to nature and resources to support the exploration of the outdoors and natural world, while also exploring regulatory changes to facilitate that exploration. 
• The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will explore incentives to encourage construction projects for housing renovation and new buildings that include spaces for EECC programs. 
• The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, EOE and EEC will explore opportunities to repurpose public physical space to expand EECC programs.  
• The Executive Office of Health and Human Services and its agencies with EEC will work towards integrated eligibility, as well as to facilitate simpler enrollment in these programs with the support of MyMassGov’s universal profile, an initiative of Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. 
• In collaboration with MassDOT, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and municipalities, EOE and EEC will explore opportunities to provide traffic safety measures and signage to ensure the safety of children, families, staff and educators of providers in a manner similar to how K-12 schools are treated. 
• The state will maximize and focus small business resources offered by EOED, and their agencies, to support center-based and family child care programs, including exploring the expansion of some business development programs to non-profit EECC providers.  
• EOLWD, EOE, and the Executive Office of Veterans Services, with support from EEC, DHE, and in collaboration with the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges, will call attention to higher education opportunities facilitated by EEC, as well as create an institutionalized pathway to such opportunities, including for veterans, and make sure MassReconnect and MassEducate support the needs of the EECC sector. 

“Since taking office, our administration has prioritized support for early education and child care in our state budget, providing resources to stabilize the system, expand access, and increase affordability," said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. "The Task Force's recommendations provide us with tools to continue strengthening this critical sector for our state, and I appreciate the thoughtful work that enabled today's report.” 

“Nature serves as the best playground for children to learn and grow,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our agencies recognize the importance of outdoor play and are committed to ensuring that caregivers and educators have access to our natural resources. Creating avenues for families to explore and recreate outdoors, supports the development of heathy children and communities.”  

"We're proud to partner with our colleagues across state government in this work to make child care more accessible, which we know is central to family stability and well-being," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. "Alongside EEC and team, we're working to make sure that our state's early childhood educators, in addition to our youngest learners and their families, are able to take full advantage of our nation-leading health care and human services available in Massachusetts." 

“Many Massachusetts families must delicately balance the cost of housing and childcare in their monthly budgets, and we want to make it easier for them,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “As EOHLC continues to expand affordable housing options across the state and works to bring down housing costs for all residents, we will collaborate with our interagency partners to ensure families also have access to affordable childcare, including encouraging developers to support on-site childcare services in new and renovated developments.” 

“I commend the dedicated work of everyone involved in this vital initiative. The commitment and collaboration across state government, under the leadership of Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, has been instrumental to developing innovative solutions that advance access to affordable, high-quality childcare and support the unique needs of emergency responders,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “This achievement not only supports families statewide but also enhances our ability to attract and retain the next generation of public safety professionals.”  

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to providing residents with simple, secure, accessible digital services.  A great example is EEC’s leadership to advance a modern Child Care Financial Assistance system, funded by an authorization in the FutureTech Act,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder. “Along with making it easier for providers to administer the program, TSS looks forward to implementing the Task Force’s recommendation to ensure that enrollment is simpler by leveraging the MyMassGov universal profile. I thank the Task Force for recognizing technology’s critical role in delivering affordable, high-quality child care.”  

“The Healey-Driscoll administration is taking concrete steps across agencies to expand residents’ access to educational, cultural, economic, and transportation opportunities,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The recommendations from the Task Force align with our commitment to ensuring all families have a better quality of life. At MassDOT, we look forward to working alongside other secretariats, municipalities, and partners to implement additional safety measures around locations that serve our youngest children, their families, and educators.” 

“For many veterans and military families, access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential to building a stable future. Our administration is expanding access and creating new career pathways to ensure they have the support they need to succeed,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. 

The full report and recommendations can be found online at Mass.gov/ChildCareTaskForce. 

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