新英格蘭、波克萊兩商會和中華專協首度攜手交流 聚餐、打匹克球好開心

新英格蘭大波士頓商會（TCCNE）和波克萊台灣商會(BTCC)，以及紐英崙
中華專業人員協會(NEACP)和辦活動。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 新英格蘭大波士頓商會（TCCNE）和波克萊台灣商會(BTCC)，以及紐英崙中華專業人員協會(NEACP)合作，7月27日在華森市（Waltham）的Lowell 遊樂場打匹克球，野餐聚會，一度跳起排舞，六、七十老中青歡聚一堂。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富應邀出席，稱許TCCNE會長王志維辦事認真，和BTCC會長陳奕如， NEACP

BTCC會長陳奕如（左起），NEACP會長盧彥君夫婦，TCCNE的會長王志維，
副會長歐怡君，副會長彭聲翔是這次匹克球加野餐活動的籌備主力。(周菊子攝)

會長盧彥君，幾名年輕人合作無間，為社區服務。他代表僑委會和波士頓經文處祝活動順利。

匹克球（Piceleball）源起於1965年一名西雅圖國會議員在家庭聚會中為安撫孩子，隨手拿起家中剩餘的桌球拍和塑膠威浮球（wiffle）開始的活動，到2023年流行到美國有1360萬名玩家，2024年還被列入巴黎奧運示範項目。

27日這天，ＴCCNE副會長歐怡君訂了會場，BTCC

蘇鴻昌（右）講解匹克球打法。(周菊子攝

前會長蘇鴻昌以教練身份，講解打匹克球的規則。退休後喜歡上打匹克球的胡文冀，還特地帶了碳纖維球拍到場，要大展身手。只是沒想到這天人們集合後，竟下起雨來，只好提前跨進野餐環節，躲在涼亭下互相揪團敘舊。

BTCC前會長陳玉瑛，楊羅東為熱絡現場氣氛，催請韓咪咪帶跳排舞，還邀王豫靈，潘樹仁，NEACP董事長游子揚的嬌妻等人一起跳，一時間的確熱鬧無比。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（右）稱許TCCNE會長王志維（左）做事認真。(周菊子攝)

波士頓台灣影展協會（TFFB）共會長林致中利用機會宣傳今年影展將從9月19日至25日，為期一星期，在波士頓美術博物館（(MFA)，AMC，布瑞托（Brattle）等電影院放映，而且在影展結束後，將轉到網路上繼續放映，以其有更多人可以欣賞到台灣電影。

林致中和TCCNE副會長彭聲翔還宣佈，8月16日影協和波士頓台灣同鄉會將攜手舉辦「戶外星空電影院」，在牛頓市海德公園廣場放映阿里山「神木之森」紀錄片。

TCCNE、BTCC、NEACP

NEACP小聚會，董事長游子揚（右四），前董事長蔡明機（左二），前會長
彭淑敏（右四），理事蔡高進（右二）等4對夫婦難得共聚。(周菊子攝)

這首次攜手辦活動，不但有蔣宗壬，譚嘉陵，蔡明機等前輩出席，也有中生代的蔡高進，黃怡菁，張涵捷，彭淑敏，年輕一輩的林思妤，夏承賢，陳立洋等人參加。陳奕如會後總結好熱鬧。

波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中（左二）介紹今年影展概況。(周菊子攝)

蘇鴻昌示範教打丕克球。（陳奕如提供）

不少年輕人還是第一次打匹克球。（陳奕如提供）

蘇鴻昌講解打匹克球相關規則。（周菊子攝）

TCCNE副會長歐怡君等人搬運食物到現場。（周菊子攝）

BTCC前會長蘇鴻昌這天出任打匹克球教練。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭 7/29宣佈 宗教界領袖支持她連任

 

Mayor Wu is endorsed by Boston faith leaders at Gourdin Memorial Park. Members of Boston’s faith communityl discussed Mayor Wu’s commitment to make Boston a home for everyone and the progress the city has made on affordable housing, high-quality pre-K seats, and making Boston the safest and most family-friendly city in the country. 

（Boston orange) 波士頓市長吳弭今（29)日早上，冒著華氏91度的氣溫，在古爾丁紀念公園接受波士頓宗教領袖的支持。波士頓宗教界人士在媒體面前討論吳市長致力於將波士頓打造為人人共享的家園的承諾，以及波士頓市在經濟適用房、優質學前教育名額以及將波士頓打造為全美最安全、最適合家庭居住的城市方面取得的進展。

吳弭市長在發言時強調，波士頓市是每一個人的城市，絕對不會向任合是利低頭。

波士頓獲正式邀請。明年10月將參加世界城市文化峰會

            （Boston Orange編譯）包括6個國家45個城市的「世界文化論壇（World Culture Cities Forum）」，正式邀請波士頓市明年10月到荷蘭阿姆斯特丹開會。波士頓將繼紐約，洛杉磯，舊金山，芝加哥和奧斯汀(Austin)之後，成為全美第6個獲邀參加這峰會的城市。

            「世界文化論壇」是一個利用文化來形塑包容，創意，及韌性城市的網路，致力於把文化作為推動經濟成長，促進和平，更新創意的催化劑。波士頓將和美國其他城市，以及巴黎，倫敦，東京等國際城市一起談論文化。

            波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今日宣佈，這是波士頓市豎立了一重要的里程碑。

            波士頓市長辦公室指出，波士頓市在吳弭市長的領導下，支持與創造藝術和文化的方式已經轉變。波士頓市獲邀參加論壇，是波士頓市的文化豐富多樣化獲得肯定。波士頓市推出已惠及6萬多名青少年及其家庭，擴大文化創新管道的「波士頓家庭日」，以及取得North Beacon街290號，闢出4萬平方英尺的可負擔音樂綵排/錄音工作室空間，發展可負擔文化空間，以及推動開創性公共藝術的「非紀念碑」等活動，也得到表彰。

            波士頓市今年10月派員參加在阿姆斯特丹舉行的2025年世界城市文化峰會時，將參與全球政策交流，為國際研究做貢獻，和其他城市合作制定文化政策，改善城市生活，因應全球挑戰。

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON INVITED TO JOIN THE WORLD CITIES CULTURE FORUM

In recognition of the City’s cultural diversity and strength, Boston becomes the next U.S. city to join a global network using culture to power economic growth, equity, and innovation.

BOSTON - Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced that Boston has been officially invited to join the World Culture Cities Forum, a global network of more than 45 cities across six continents united in using culture to shape more inclusive, creative, and resilient cities. Boston becomes the sixth U.S. city—alongside New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Austin—to join the Forum with international cities including Paris, London, and Tokyo. This milestone underscores Boston’s leadership in cultural equity, leadership in expanding access to creative innovation, and its historic role as a hub of education and civic engagement. 

“It is an honor to receive an invitation to join this unique partnership, alongside 45 peer cities in the World Culture Cities Forum,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We look forward to sharing Boston’s rich history, diverse communities, and creative energy and learn how we can strengthen our city’s role as a global cultural leader. We are excited to share Boston’s successes and learn from partner cities around the world.”

Under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu, the City has transformed the way arts and culture is supported and created in Boston—creating access for a new generation, preserving and expanding cultural space, and reinventing the public art landscape of a city known more for its revolutionary era monuments.

With initiatives like Boston Family Days, Mayor Wu and the City have opened the doors to Boston's world-class cultural institutions to more than 60,000 Boston youth and their families. In Brighton, the City secured 290 North Beacon Street to create 40,000 sq ft of affordable music rehearsal/recording studio alongside deeply affordable public housing. And with the launch of Un-monument—the largest-ever investment in public arts programming in our city’s history—and the first Boston Public Art Triennial, Boston is making its mark as a global leader in public art. 

“I’m delighted Boston is joining this network of global cities committed to embedding cultural infrastructure into the fabric of their cities,” said Joseph Henry, Director of Cultural Planning, Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC). “Our vision is for Boston to be a space of cultural production, education and civic innovation, and access to the Forum will strengthen our ability to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from our peers from around the world. Boston is home to world-class talent, and we are excited to elevate them on the global stage.”

The World Cities Culture Forum connects civic leaders around the globe to exchange ideas, share knowledge and data, and develop collaborative responses to global challenges such as climate change, rapid technological shifts, cultural displacement, and equitable economic growth. The Forum champions the belief that culture is the golden thread of urban policy—creating jobs, attracting tourism, strengthening communities, and improving health and well-being.

As a member of the World Cities Culture Forum, Boston will participate in global policy exchanges, contribute to international research initiatives, and collaborate with other cities to develop cultural policies that improve life for all residents. The City is eager to use the Forum as an opportunity to work on new emerging policy and research topics.  

In October 2025, representatives from Boston will join mayors, culture commissioners, and city policymakers from around the world in Amsterdam at the 2025 World Cities Culture Summit. Boston will also be included in the World Cities Culture Trends Report, a widely used publication for policymakers, researchers, and media that provides a global snapshot of culture’s role in cities.

World Cities Culture Forum was founded in 2012 around the belief that global cities can achieve more by working together and being generous with ideas.

“I’m delighted to welcome Boston to our global network of creative cities and civic leaders,” said Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and the Creative Industries & Chair of World Cities Culture Forum. “Culture is an essential ingredient in the success of cities, bringing together communities and supporting fairness, inclusion and prosperity. Through the World Cities Culture Forum, we are using the power of culture to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Boston is a globally influential cultural city where arts, technology, and education drive innovation—home to world-class universities, vibrant public art and architecture, and pioneering civic institutions. We look forward to working closely with Boston to support its growth as a global capital for culture.” 

World Cities Culture Forum is a leading global network of over 45 creative cities across six continents, collectively representing a population of over 280 million. They champion the role of culture as a driver of equitable, sustainable, and prosperous cities. Their network of civic leaders shares ideas and solutions to tackle 21st-century challenges - including climate change, cultural tourism, affordable workspace, and diversity in public spaces - placing culture at the heart of city planning and investment. Through their global Summit, leadership programs, and research, they empower civic leaders to build communities and economies where culture thrives. For more information visit worldcitiescultureforum.com

麻州眾議員麥家威7/30辦年度夏日招待會

 

波士頓市長候選人論壇- 文化藝術篇 7/30

 

麻州府批准熱泵暖氣新費率 3家電力公司客戶今冬約可節省540元

(Boston Orange編譯) 麻州公用事業部 (DPU) 最近批准新的熱泵費率，符合條件的 Eversource 客戶可從今年冬天開始受惠。所有三家使用熱泵電力公司的客戶都將能夠註冊季節性電價，今年冬天平均可節省$540。

去年夏天，DPU 批准了 Unitil 電力客戶的季節性熱泵費率，並於 2024 年 9 月批准了 National Grid 客戶的類似費率。DPU 迅速批准了 Eversource 的費率，僅用了四個月的時間就完成了審理並發布了命令。現在，所有三家電力公司的客戶都可以享受熱泵費率。新的費率將在每個冬天向符合條件的客戶提供。

「隨著全州熱泵普及率的提高，這些折扣費率將進一步幫助減少冬季暖氣費用。」主席 James Van Nostrand 說。「我們為熱泵家庭批准的季節性費率將錢放回客戶的口袋。」

「這項新命令使使用熱泵的電力客戶能夠在冬天降低他們的電費，同時加強我們的電網並減少有害排放。」專員 Cecile Fraser 說。

「通過批准這些冬季的彈性費率，我們使熱泵更具成本效益，並改善空氣質量和公共健康。」專員Staci Rubin 說。「今年冬天生效的新費率使我們的清潔能源轉型更實惠、更容易實現。」

熱泵使家庭能夠快速有效地脫碳，對房屋的影響最小。熱泵使用電力為房屋供暖和製冷，使其成為減輕冬季公用事業費用波動的經濟解決方案。

這些季節性費率比電力公司平均基本配電費率低。熱泵家庭的新費率對其他電力客戶沒有財務影響：非熱泵家庭今年冬天不會因為新費率而支付更多電費。

要符合新費率的資格，家庭必須是三家電力公司（Eversource、National Grid 和 Unitil）之一的客戶，家中安裝了熱泵，並在冬季供暖季節於 2025 年 11 月 1 日開始之前告知其電力供應商希望註冊季節性費率。參加電力公司低收入折扣計畫並使用熱泵的住宅客戶也可以註冊新的季節性費率。

通過 Mass Save 安裝熱泵的客戶可能會自動註冊新費率，但應致電其電力公司確認註冊。

重點：

資格擴大： 麻州所有三家電力公司（Eversource、National Grid 和 Unitil）使用熱泵的客戶現在都有資格享受折扣費率。

顯著節省： 合格客戶今年冬天在暖氣費用上平均可節省 $540。

DPU 批准： 麻州公用事業部 (DPU) 批准了 Eversource 的新季節性熱泵費率，完成了所有三家主要公用事業的批准。

季節性供應： 新費率將在每個冬天向符合條件的客戶提供。

好處： 折扣費率旨在：

為使用熱泵的家庭減少冬季暖氣費用。

推廣熱泵的採用以實現脫碳。

加強電網並減少排放。

改善空氣質量和公共健康。

對其他客戶無影響： 新費率不會對非熱泵家庭產生財務影響，這意味著他們不會支付更多的電費。

資格要求： 要符合資格，家庭必須：是 Eversource、National Grid 或 Unitil 的客戶。

已安裝熱泵。

在 2025 年 11 月 1 日冬季供暖季節開始之前告知其電力供應商希望註冊。

參加低收入折扣計畫並使用熱泵的住宅客戶也符合資格。

自動註冊（可能）： 通過 Mass Save 安裝熱泵的客戶可能會自動註冊，但應與其公用事業供應商確認。 

All Electric Utility Customers Will Soon Be Eligible for Heat Pump Discount Rate

With the DPU’s order on Eversource’s heat pump rate today, eligible customers of all three electric utilities could save around $540 off their heating bills this winter

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) recently issued an order approving a new heat pump rate that eligible Eversource customers can start taking advantage of this winter. Customers of all three electric utilities that use heat pumps will be able to enroll in the seasonal electric rates which could save them an average of $540 this winter.  

Last summer, the DPU approved a seasonal heat pump rate for Unitil electric customers, and it approved a similar rate in September of 2024 for National Grid customers. The DPU worked quickly to approve Eversource’s rate, taking only four months to conduct the proceeding before issuing its order. Now, customers of all three electric utilities can access heat pump rates. The new rates will be available every winter for qualifying customers.  

“With heat pump adoption picking up statewide, these discount rates will further help make a dent in winter heating bills,” said Chair James Van Nostrand. “The seasonal rates we approved for heat pump households puts money back into customers’ pockets.”  

“This new order makes it possible for electric customers with heat pumps to lower their utility bills in the winter while strengthening our grid and reducing harmful emissions,” said Commissioner Cecile Fraser. 

“By approving these flexible rates for the winter, we make heat pumps more cost-effective, and improve air quality and public health,” said Commissioner Staci Rubin. “The new rates effective this winter make our clean energy transition more affordable and accessible.”   

Heat pumps make it possible for households to decarbonize quickly and efficiently, with minimal impacts to their homes. Heat pumps use electricity to both cool and heat homes, making them an economical solution to mitigate volatile winter utility bills. 

These seasonal rates are at a lower cost than the average base distribution rates from the electric utilities. The new rates for heat pump households will have no financial impact on other electric customers: non-heat pump households will not pay more for electricity this winter because of the new rate.  

To be eligible for the new rates, households must be customers of one of the three electric utilities (Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil), have a heat pump installed in their homes, and communicate to their electric provider that they wish to enroll in the seasonal rate before the winter heating season starts on November 1, 2025. Residential customers in the electric utilities’ low-income discount program that use a heat pump are able to also enroll in the new seasonal rate.  

Customers who installed their heat pumps through Mass Save may be automatically enrolled in the new rates but should call their electric utility provider to confirm their enrollment.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES INITIAL $5 MILLION IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND CLOSE LIFE EXPECTANCY GAPS IN DORCHESTER, ROXBURY, AND MATTAPAN

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES INITIAL $5 MILLION IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND CLOSE LIFE EXPECTANCY GAPS IN DORCHESTER, ROXBURY, AND MATTAPAN   

In partnership with Atrius Health Equity Foundation and the Boston Community Health Collaborative, funding will advance economic mobility as part of the City and Boston Public Health Commission's Live Long and Well health equity agenda  

 

BOSTON - Monday, July 28, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Atrius Health Equity Foundation, and the Boston Community Health Collaborative today announced $5 million in grants for four community-led coalitions to build wealth and economic security in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, the neighborhoods with the greatest health disparities in Boston. This is part of the City and BPHC’s Live Long and Well population health equity agenda to close the life expectancy gap in Boston by 2035. Atrius Health Equity Foundation committed $10 million in July 2024, representing the first multi-sector partnership to support this agenda. This $5 million is the first of two rounds of funding from Atrius Health Equity Foundation; the second is expected to be released in 2028. 

 

“We want every resident and family in Boston to live long, healthy lives,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “That’s why we’re investing in systemic change and in resources to strengthen families and individuals. I’m grateful to all our community-based organizations who are partnering with us to address disparities and improve economic mobility in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan.” 

 

“There are significant differences in life expectancy by race and by neighborhood throughout Boston,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Our goal is to ensure that all Boston residents can live long healthy lives. By investing in economic mobility, a key social determinant of health, we hope to close persistent disparities in health outcomes and improve quality of life throughout our communities.”  

 

BPHC's Live Long and Well population health equity agenda focuses on three leading causes of early death in Boston: cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, and unintentional drug overdoses. Cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and other related disorders, are among the top three leading causes of death before the age of 65 in Boston and disproportionately impact communities of color. Social and economic factors such as poverty, insufficient housing, and food insecurity make it significantly more likely for a person to develop poorer health outcomes, including cardiometabolic diseases. 

 

Economic security is a key driver to improving health, and Boston residents also identified it as a critical need in the 2025 Boston Community Health Needs Assessment, newly published by the Boston Community Health Collaborative (BCHC). BCHC is facilitated by the Boston Public Health Commission and convenes City departments, public health, healthcare, community-based organizations, and Boston residents to identify key health trends and priority issues that impact health and well-being. In this year’s assessment, residents self-identified economic insecurity as one of the top concerns that directly contributes to poor health outcomes and impacts their mental health. Some reported living day-to-day and paycheck-to-paycheck, making trade-offs to afford essentials and pay for housing, food, and groceries while being able to care for children. Many said affordable housing as well as access to good jobs and economic opportunities would improve quality of life and the health of their communities. 

 

According to recent data from the American Community Survey, as reported by the Boston Community Health Collaborative, Boston’s median household income between 2019 and 2023 was $94,755. However, stark income disparities remain across neighborhoods and racial and ethnic groups. Roxbury reported the lowest median income at $49,921, while South Boston and the Seaport area had the highest at $162,257. Median household income is highest among white residents ($131,953) and lowest among Black ($58,628) and Latinx residents ($53,873). Data also show 17% of Boston residents are living in poverty and immigrants and those with a disability are disproportionately impacted by economic hardship. Mattapan has the highest percentage of young children living in poverty with 34% of children under five years old living below the poverty line. 

 

“The mission of our Foundation is to close the gap in life expectancy across Eastern Massachusetts. We do this through bold investments that address the social and economic factors impacting health and that build collaboration and community leadership,” said Dr. Ann Hwang, President of Atrius Health Equity Foundation. “In Boston, we are delighted to be partnering with the City of Boston, the Boston Public Health Commission and the Boston Community Health Collaborative to support collaborative, community-driven programs that tackle economic mobility as a key lever for improving health.”   

 

The $5 million in grants will go to four partnerships, totaling 12 organizations with additional support from several community-based organizations as part of the Live Long and Well Catalyst Program. The partnerships and their work include: 

 

·       Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Link Health, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center: In partnership with Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, Boys & Girls Club alumni will be trained as Link Health certified patient navigators and screen up to 50,000 Dorchester residents for financial assistance benefits worth an estimated $11 million.

·       Immigrant Family Services Institute, True Care Alliance Center, Massachusetts Association of Haitian Parents: The coalition will provide English-language instruction and career training for 50 community health workers and an additional 500 people in healthcare, biotechnology, early childhood education, and hospitality. Training will include language skills, job coaching, financial literacy, advocacy and health education, and wraparound support.

·       The Community Builders, Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, Talbot-Norfolk Triangle Neighbors United: Eligible Dorchester residents will receive help with economic mobility services including housing and credit-building support, financial coaching, workforce development, and resources for childcare, transportation, and food access. The coalition will also expand community services, including The Community Builders’ food pantry. In addition, neighborhood associations will advocate for housing policy and funding improvements and strengthen cross-sector partnerships.

·       Upham’s Community Care, Dorchester Food Co-op, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation: The coalition will expand Upham’s Community Care’s outreach vans to visit several Dorchester and Roxbury sites two days a week, with the goal of serving 3,480 people over two years. In addition to basic primary care services, the vans will provide access to economic mobility coaches and community food services.  

 

“We are dedicated to creating better health and better living for all who call Dorchester’s Greater Codman Square neighborhood home,” said Stephanie Garrett-Stearns, Senior Vice President of Communications and Fund Development for The Community Builders. “We are thrilled to be selected for the Live Long and Well Catalyst Program. Powered by resident leaders, this partnership will activate personal economic mobility, increase heart healthy opportunities, build lasting community power and catalyze the built environment. We are grateful for the leadership and generous support of Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the Atrius Health Equity Foundation and the Boston Community Health Collaborative.”  

 

“When people tell us what they need to be healthy, it’s important to listen and take action– and that is exactly what is happening here in Boston. We are so thankful to see significant resources invested to transform community priorities into meaningful change to build healthier, thriving communities,” said Magnolia Contreras, Vice-President of Community Health at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Co-Chair of the Boston Community Health Collaborative. 

 

The four partnerships were selected through a competitive call for proposals. For the first year, each partnership will receive $200,000 and technical assistance for program development. After the first year, they will implement their programs with the rest of the funds over an additional two years. 

MAJOR AUDIT OF DOWNTOWN BOSTON AND CHINATOWN SIDEWALKS, CROSSWALKS, AND RAMPS COMPLETE

 MAJOR AUDIT OF DOWNTOWN BOSTON AND CHINATOWN SIDEWALKS, CROSSWALKS, AND RAMPS COMPLETE 

Efforts intended to support resource allocation and improve public safety

 

BOSTON, Monday, July 28, 2025, 7:15pm ET - This past Saturday marked the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As part of broader efforts to enhance public safety in and around Downtown Boston, the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association and other stakeholders are stepping up efforts to ensure that area streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps are safe and accessible for all.

 

The Streets & Sidewalks Working Group of the One Downtown Task Force audited nearly every crosswalk, ramp, handicap ramp, and sidewalk / areaway across Downtown Boston and Chinatown over the past 2-weeks. This massive undertaking has led to the creation of a robust database with nearly 1,000 images. AI-enabled models are being used to create “current condition scores” for every major sidewalk / areaway issue that was discovered (see map below). The most pressing crosswalk and ramp issues have been identified and are being triaged in partnership with city agencies. Roadway and signage issues will be added to the database in the near future. An interactive map of the work that has been done to date is available here and is included below.

 

Over the past few months, the City’s Street Lighting team has replaced nearly 400 light fixtures across the neighborhood, resulting in significantly improved lighting conditions. The worn edges of Winter Street have been rebuilt and repaired. And thanks to resident advocacy, the concurrent walk signal — where cars are turning at the same time as pedestrians are crossing — at Boylston Street and Tremont Street has been removed, resulting in a safer pedestrian experience.

 

While we have made some progress, much work remains to be done. The maps below highlight the numerous unresolved issues with our sidewalks and areaways, which disproportionately impact those who are mobility impaired and disabled. The handicap ramp and crosswalk at West Street and Washington Street (see below), which have been in a state of disrepair since the summer of 2023 and impact visitors and residents daily, serve as a visible reminder of the challenges that remain — we expect this specific set of issues to be fully resolved in the very near future.

 

We remain intensely focused on ensuring that everyone who lives, works, studies, and visits Downtown Boston and surrounding neighborhoods is safe and feels safe. The health of our streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps is critically important in achieving this mission. A world-class city like Boston must have world-class infrastructure without exception - we look forward to continuing to partner with city agencies and other stakeholders to make this a reality.

MAYOR WU ADVISES CAUTION AMID HIGH TEMPERATURES

MAYOR WU ADVISES CAUTION AMID HIGH TEMPERATURES

BOSTON - Monday, July 28, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today issued a heat advisory for the City of Boston beginning today, Monday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 30 due to the current weather forecasts. The heat index for this period of time is forecasted to range from 90 degrees to 97 degrees. The threshold for a heat advisory in the City of Boston is three or more days with a heat index of 90 degrees. 

“As we experience another round of hot weather, our top priority is ensuring that residents and families, especially children and seniors, have the resources they need to stay cool, healthy and safe,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We encourage residents to take advantage of the pools and splash pads that are open, take breaks, stay hydrated and check on each other during the next few days of extreme temperatures.”

“Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. As temperatures rise, we’re urging all residents to take heat advisories seriously, check on neighbors, and use available cooling resources across the city. Our priority is protecting the health and safety of every Bostonian, especially our most vulnerable,” said Chief of Emergency Preparedness Adrian Jordan.

The City of Boston is taking critical immediate action to provide heat relief, including short-term, actionable steps toward relief during heat waves. The City of Boston has been engaging in a variety of projects to support extreme heat mitigation and improved health for residents. Anyone, regardless of their medical conditions, can feel the impacts of extreme heat. During a heat wave, Boston Emergency Medical Services typically experiences a 10-15% increase in calls to 9-1-1 for people of all ages. 

Splash pads are open at various parks and playgrounds throughout the city. Several city pools are also available for swimming. Find splash pad locations, and pool locations and operating hours at Boston.gov/pools. Learn more about how to create a free membership and register for a swim session at the indoor pools at Boston.gov/BCYF-registration. Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) centers are available today through Wednesday during their normal operating hours for people to come in and cool off. Boston Public Library locations are also available for residents to seek relief from the heat.  Patrons are always welcome to participate in BPL’s summer programming for kids, teens, and adults.

Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat (including videos of the tips in American Sign Language) and by following @CityofBoston on X. Residents can sign up for AlertBoston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email, or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available City services.

The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips:

• Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
• Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans. More tips for cooling down at home can be found here.
• If you can’t avoid being outside, it’s critical to take breaks in the shade, drink water constantly — even if you’re not thirsty — and watch for warning signs like dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and can exacerbate underlying illnesses.
• Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats.
• If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. 
• Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications.
• If you are heading to a beach, lake, or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they’re wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
• Please keep pets indoors, hydrated, and cool as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat.

Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness:

• If you notice individuals who seem unable to move or disoriented, or families living in vehicles, please ask them if they need help and call 9-1-1 immediately.
• The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St (men’s shelter) and 794 Massachusetts Ave (women’s shelter). These facilities are air conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Amnesty will be called at temperatures of 90 degrees or above, so those with non-violent restrictions can access shelter out of the heat.
• The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat.
• Street outreach teams providing recovery services remain operating as normal during summertime weather. Outreach teams are providing water on outreach routes.

Playground Safety:  

• Shoes should be worn outdoors, including playgrounds and turf athletic fields, as  surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even on splash pads and spray decks.

Outdoor Fires and Grilling:

• No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires.
• Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave grills unattended. Dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out.
• Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home.
• Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

The City of Boston’s work is guided by the Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston framework to prepare for hotter summers and more intense heat events. The Heat Plan presents 26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston. Visit boston.gov/heat regularly to learn more about the latest strategies for staying cool and to access the most up-to-date resources available. Each individual, family, and community’s plan may look different: from accessing one of Boston’s public pools or parks, or requesting a pop-up cooling kit for use at an outdoor event. You can read more about the strategies to stay cool this summer in the Summer Cooling Guide. In all extreme heat situations, please look out for your community, specifically heat-sensitive residents like elders, children, or unhoused people.