Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $4 Million in Grants to Municipalities for IT Projects

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $4 Million in Grants to Municipalities for IT Projects

Grants will help make local government websites more accessible and secure 

 

BOSTON - The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced $4 million in grants to support 67 Massachusetts cities and towns through the Community Compact annual grant program.  

 

For the first time in the program’s history, Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding prioritizes accessibility projects, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Digital Accessibility Rule. This rule mandates that state and local governments make their websites, mobile apps and other digital content accessible to people with disabilities. 

 

Awarded projects will also enhance cybersecurity and implement new digital tools that make municipal operations more efficient. The full list of FY26 recipients can be found at this link.

 

“Every Massachusetts resident should have access to effective government services that make their lives easier,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We prioritized accessibility improvements with this year’s IT grant awards to make sure that our cities and towns can provide everyone in their communities with the important information they need.” 

 

“We are proud to have a strong partnership with Massachusetts cities and towns, and a shared commitment to government that works for everyone in the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will support our municipal colleagues in modernizing their digital practices, keeping records safe and secure, and making website content more useable for residents.” 

 

Since Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16), the IT Grant Program has provided 602 grants to support 315 municipalities/school district projects totaling $38.1 million in funding. The program drives innovation and transformation at the local level by funding one-time capital needs such as technology infrastructure or software. Eligible costs include incidental or one-time expenses related to capital planning, design, installation, implementation, and initial training.

 

Attleboro, Barnstable, Canton, Foxborough, Revere, Shelburne, Sudbury, Westfield, and Worcester are among the municipalities receiving FY26 funds to support making digital content more accessible. 

 

“These grants are strategic investments in the digital infrastructure that Massachusetts cities and towns need to effectively serve residents,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “By investing in IT projects, particularly those that increase accessibility, we are making local governments across the state more effective and more responsive to communities’ needs. Congratulations to the award winners and I look forward to seeing these projects completed.” 

 

“Our municipal partners across Massachusetts are working every day to deliver high-quality services and information to our residents,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder. “These grants allow cities and towns to modernize their websites, strengthen cybersecurity, and streamline operations. By prioritizing accessibility this year, we’re helping municipalities build digital platforms that better serve all residents while improving efficiency and protecting critical local systems.”

 

The IT Grant is one of two grants (along with Municipal Fiber) that the Healey-Driscoll administration is offering through the Community Compact program in Fiscal Year 2026 to support communities across Massachusetts. More information is available at this link. 

麻州助民眾建可負擔附屬居住單元 提供高達25萬元第二貸款

Governor Healey and MassHousing Launch Affordable ADU Financing for Massachusetts Residents 

Second mortgages of up to $250,000 will help homeowners add an additional unit to their home 

Housing Undersecretary Nikko Mendoza （Middle, by Chutze chou)

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration and MassHousing announced today the launch of a new, statewide accessory dwelling unit (ADU) loan program for Massachusetts homeowners. The new ADU loan program, announced last December, will provide second mortgages of up to $250,000 to help eligible homeowners across Massachusetts add an additional housing unit to their property. Eligible Massachusetts homeowners may apply for ADU mortgage financing beginning today. 

“Expanding housing options for Massachusetts residents is one of our administration’s top priorities, and accessory dwelling units are one of the most practical ways to create housing and drive down costs in communities across our state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We made ADUs legal statewide through the Affordable Homes Act, and now we’re partnering with MassHousing to help more homeowners actually build them. This program will open the door for families to create new homes, support loved ones and strengthen neighborhoods across Massachusetts.” 

“Homeowners want a clear, affordable path to build an ADU, and financing is often the biggest hurdle,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By offering fixed-rate second mortgages of up to $250,000 through trusted community lenders, we're helping more families move from plans and permits to construction. ADUs can support multigenerational living, help seniors stay close to family and create new rental opportunities in communities statewide.” 

“Our goal is to make ADUs a real option for more homeowners, not just those with significant equity,” said Jennifer Maddox, Interim Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “By expanding access to affordable financing, we’re helping more residents take advantage of the new law to expand their housing options for themselves, family members or renters.” 

“MassHousing is proud to support the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to bring accessible, affordable ADU financing within reach of homeowners of all means, in all regions of our state,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “Accessory dwelling units give homeowners the flexibility to meet their housing needs by creating an additional housing unit on their property for intergenerational family housing, or to create rental income. ADU construction empowers homeowners to help expand the state’s housing stock, and MassHousing’s new ADU loan program will help ensure that ADUs are within reach of moderate-income homeowners.” 

“MassHousing’s new ADU loan program serves the needs of moderate-income Massachusetts families, by providing a fixed-rate second mortgage product at a lower interest rate and higher combined loan to value limits than are currently available through a home equity line of credit,” said Mounzer Aylouche, Vice President of Homeownership Programs at MassHousing. “We thank our statewide network of community lenders for their work to quickly stand up this new program, and we are excited to begin helping local families construct new housing units.” 

Accessory dwelling units are small residential living spaces that are located on the same lot as another home. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Affordable Homes Act removed a significant obstacle to ADU construction by legalizing the construction of ADUs in single-family zoning districts statewide. The Administration’s action on ADUs created a simple and effective tool for increasing housing production statewide and lowering housing costs. 

In December, Governor Healey launched a new campaign to accelerate ADU construction across Massachusetts. The governor announced a new ADU design challenge that will help bring replicable, no-cost ADU designs to consumers and communities; a $10 million technical assistance program, administered by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), to accelerate predevelopment activities related to ADU construction; and new ADU financing through MassHousing. 

Today’s announcement advances the Governor’s ADU campaign by bringing flexible, affordable ADU construction financing to homeowners throughout Massachusetts. 

The MassHousing ADU loan supports new ADU construction, either within the envelope of an existing home or elsewhere on a homeowner’s lot. The loan is a fixed-rate second mortgage product that finances construction costs up to $250,000 for detached accessory dwelling units, and up to $150,000 for attached accessory dwelling units. 

The program is structured to allow qualified Massachusetts homeowners to maximize their borrowing power, without burdening them with excessive debt. The product will be structured as an interest-bearing loan amortizing over a period of 20 years, matched with additional funding offered at zero percent interest and deferred repayment terms. This creative loan structure lowers the effective interest rates for borrowers and allows consumers to access greater overall loan amounts. MassHousing will offer ADU loans to qualified homeowners at an interest rate of 5.25%. 

Eligible applicants will meet MassHousing’s statutory income limits of up to 135 percent of the area median income (ranging from $205,335 for a household living in eastern Massachusetts, to $165,345 in Worcester County, to $129,870 in Hampden County) and meet other loan underwriting criteria. 

MassHousing’s new ADU loan product is intended to act strictly as construction-to-permanent financing. It will serve homeowners who have designs and permits for their ADU in hand. 

MassHousing anticipates that potential borrowers may access MHP technical assistance funding to accomplish predevelopment activities, including design and permitting, then apply for MassHousing financing when they are ready to finance construction of their ADU. 

Homeowners should apply for MassHousing ADU financing after they have secured local permits and are ready to move forward with construction. Interested homeowners can learn more about the program and connect with participating lenders by visiting masshousing.com/adu. 

Since taking office, Governor Healey has focused on expanding pathways to homeownership, increasing housing production and lowering costs. Her administration has advanced new efforts to help first-time homebuyers, including expanding down payment assistance and lowering mortgage rates to make it easier for Massachusetts residents to buy their first home. At the same time, to build more homes, she has taken action to speed up the permitting process, turn state land into thousands of new homes, convert downtown commercial space into apartments and create a first-in-the-nation fund to finance mixed-income development in a time of high interest rates. She also legalized accessory dwelling unts. To help people afford their mortgages and rents right now, she banned mandatory renter-paid broker fees, gave seniors up to $2,800 a year to help with housing costs, and expanded home inspection protections. 

Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism to Spotlight Global Events, MA250 and Industry Growth

 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism to Spotlight Global Events, MA250 and Industry Growth  

DANVERS – Tourism and hospitality leaders from across Massachusetts will gather on March 24 and 25 in Danvers for the 2026 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism, the state’s annual conference focused on strengthening Massachusetts’ tourism industry and preparing destinations for future growth. 

With Massachusetts 250 celebrations, FIFA World Cup matches in Boston and Sail Boston on the horizon, industry leaders will focus on how the state can harness these global events to drive economic growth, strengthen communities and position Massachusetts as a premier destination for visitors from around the world. 

 “Massachusetts is preparing to welcome the world in the coming years, with major global events like the FIFA World Cup, Sail Boston and the celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary bringing new visitors and new opportunities to our state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Tourism is a powerful driver of jobs and economic growth, and this conference is an opportunity to showcase everything that makes Massachusetts special and keep our state a top destination for travelers.” 

“2026 is our opportunity to lead,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “In a rapidly changing global environment, Massachusetts succeeds when we work together. Through strong partnerships across tourism, culture, business, and technology, we are solving challenges, elevating our shared story, and putting our best foot forward on the world stage. Collaboration is how we honor our history and shape a stronger future.” 

“Tourism today demands both imagination and execution,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “We are embracing new tools like AI, elevating our creative economy and positioning our strengths in science, technology, and education as powerful visitor assets. By aligning culture, innovation, and global strategy, Massachusetts is not only adapting to change, we are leading through it and turning this historic moment into sustained economic growth.” 

Tourism remains a major driver of the Massachusetts economy. The state welcomed more than 52 million visitors in 2024 who spent over $24 billion statewide, supporting more than 155,000 jobs and generating more than $2 billion in state and local tax revenue.  

The two-day conference will explore how destinations can respond strategically to global travel shifts while leveraging cultural assets such as film, music, and museums to drive growth. Sessions will examine how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are reshaping how travelers can discover destinations, how music tourism can benefit both residents and visitors, and how partnerships with the creative sector can strengthen communities. 

Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, will headline the luncheon keynote with insights on international marketing and global competitiveness. Josh Friedlander of U.S. Travel will present the latest industry data and forecasts to ground discussions in current travel trends and market realities. 

A featured plenary session, “Global Moments, Local Impact,” will examine how upcoming events including Massachusetts 250, Sail Boston, and the FIFA World Cup present once-in-a-generation opportunities for economic growth, international exposure, and strengthen Massachusetts long term position as a leading global destination. 

Throughout the program, conference attendees will engage in sessions including: 

·          Unlocking AI for the next era of tourism 

·          Marketing to the multilingual traveler on a local budget 

·          Leveraging music and the creative economy 

·          Integrating reputation strategy with revenue growth 

·          Positioning Massachusetts as the ultimate STEM tourism destination 

The conference will also celebrate leaders whose contributions have shaped the state’s cultural and tourism landscape. 

2026 Award Recipients: 

·          Rhonda and Steve Woodman, Award of Appreciation, for their enduring service and stewardship of Woodman’s of Essex, a culinary institution and tourism landmark. 

·          Laurie Norton Moffatt, recipient of the Larry D. Meehan Award, honoring 45 years of leadership at the Norman Rockwell Museum and her transformative impact on arts and cultural tourism. 

·          Virginia Bristol-Johnson, Massachusetts Film Award recipient, is recognized for her distinguished career as a costume designer and her contributions to Massachusetts’ growing film industry. 

·          Nina Zannieri, Executive Director of the Paul Revere Memorial Association, recipient of the Revolutionary Award for advancing Revolutionary history through dynamic public engagement and stewardship of one of the state’s most iconic sites. 

“These awardees reflect the depth of talent and commitment across Massachusetts,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “From culinary heritage to film, from museums to Revolutionary landmarks, they demonstrate how cultural assets drive visitation, community pride and economic impact.” 

In a year defined by global attention and shifting travel patterns, Massachusetts is positioning itself not only as the birthplace of the American Revolution, but as a forward-looking destination where history, innovation and creative industries intersect. 

For more information about the Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, visit: https://massgovernorsconference.com/.  

Statement from Governor Maura Healey on ICE Missing Deadline to Provide Arrest Information

 Statement from Governor Maura Healey on ICE Missing Deadline to Provide Arrest Information  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement not providing the accurate and up-to-date information on ICE arrests in Massachusetts that she requested by the end of last week: 

 

"We know why ICE is refusing to provide this data – because it would show the truth that they are overwhelmingly going after people without criminal records and who are not a threat to public safety,” said Governor Healey. “I continue to urge ICE to stop hiding this information. People deserve to know who they are arresting, for what reasons, and whether their due process is being protected." 

 

On March 6, Governor Healey demanded full transparency and accountability from ICE about their arrests and detention practices in Massachusetts by the end of last week. She requested complete and accurate information on every person arrested in Massachusetts since January 2025, including the identity of each individual, the legal basis for each arrest, case status, detention location, court jurisdiction, and upcoming hearing dates. 

  

Governor Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell also recently launched an online portal that allows Massachusetts residents to report alleged misconduct by ICE agents operating within the state. The portal is available at mass.gov/fedmisconduct. 

第130屆波士頓馬拉松賽訂4/20舉行 跑者好編號已排定

Bib Numbers, Start Assignments & Wave Times Announced for 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America

 

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced that bib number, corral, and start time assignments have been unveiled for the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, to be run on Patriots’ Day, April 20, 2026. Registered athletes can find their start assignments and bib numbers within their online B.A.A. Athletes’ Village account.

 

“As athletes are training for Patriots’ Day and the 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, the unveiling of bib numbers marks one step closer to race day and the journey to the finish on Boylston Street,” said Jack Fleming, B.A.A. President and Chief Executive Officer. “Athletes from more than 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states will take the starting line on April 20, cheered on and supported every step of the way through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston.”

 

Along with bib number assignments, athletes can now find which start wave and start corral they’ve been assigned to. Seeding is based on qualifying times and projected finish time. 

 

New for 2026, the Boston Marathon will feature six start waves as opposed to four start waves. While the overall field size has not changed (30,000 participants), six waves with fewer athletes will be adopted this year to improve the athlete experience from bus loading to arrival in Hopkinton, and optimize flow throughout the entire course. The six waves will range in size from 3,200 to 7,100 athletes; for comparison, in recent years there were four waves featuring 7,500 athletes each. The amount of athletes per wave is calculated based on a variety of factors, including estimated pace and finish time.  

 

“The new six wave start system is aimed at enhancing the participant experience,” said Lauren Proshan, B.A.A. Chief of Operations and Production. “Working with crowd scientists and observing athlete density, this updated start procedure is geared towards creating a continuous flow at each point of the athlete journey on race morning – from gear check to bus loading, arriving in Athletes’ Village to crossing the start and covering the 26.2 miles. All athletes are anticipated to be across the starting line before 11:30 a.m. like previous years, and will have the same amount of time to complete the course as in 2025, with the finish line closing at 5:30 p.m. in Boston.” 

 

Additionally, depending on which starting corral athletes are assigned to, they will take one of two paths to the start line in Hopkinton: Corrals 1-4 will exit Athletes’ Village and take Maple Street and Church Street to enter their starting location, while Corrals 5-8 will proceed down Grove Street and turn right onto Main Street to enter their starting spot. Hundreds of volunteers and race staff will be on site to assist athletes and ensure participants know where to go on race morning. 

 

The 130^th Boston Marathon Participant Guide is available now for all athletes featuring maps, timelines, and information. Additional start corral and start timeline information, as well as athlete information, can be found at baa.org. 

 

The updated 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America start schedule is as follows: 

 

Wheelchair Division – Men	9:06 a.m. ET
Wheelchair Division – Women	9:09 a.m. ET
Handcycles/Duo Teams	9:30 a.m. ET
Professional Men	9:37 a.m. ET
Professional Women	9:47 a.m. ET
Para Athletics Division	9:50 a.m. ET
Wave 1	10:00 a.m. ET
Wave 2	10:15 a.m. ET
Wave 3	10:28 a.m. ET
Wave 4	10:41 a.m. ET
Wave 5	11:01 a.m. ET
Wave 6	11:21 a.m. ET

 

Participants can expect continued communication through e-mail newsletters, the B.A.A. Racing App, B.A.A. & Boston Marathon social media channels, and the B.A.A. website through race day. 

 

舊平價超市前巴士站15日晚發生槍擊案 1人受傷警察還在調查

            (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 一橋之隔的波士頓市百老匯地鐵站那兒，今（15）日中午才有超多人擠在街道兩旁，歡樂的看聖派翠克日遊行。東柏克萊街（East Berkeley）和華盛頓街(Washington)交界處的銀線巴士車站在今晚7點42分左右發生槍擊案，一人受傷。

警察接獲有人被射傷的消息後，立即派出二、三輛救護車，七、八輛警車，趕了過去，把現場團團圍住。救護人員把一名男子抬上救護車後，十幾名警察低著頭四處查看，應該是尋找子彈殼。警察還用黃色封條，封鎖了在東柏克來街和旅客街（Traveler）之間的整條華盛頓街。

在封街之前剛好經過那兒的路人，可以看到巴士站的等候椅上，有一件黑色羽絨外套，椅子下面有四濺血跡，馬路上則有一堆破碎玻璃。

警方表示，沒有逮補任何人，傷者已送往地方上的醫院，案件還在調查中。(所有圖片周菊子攝）

波士頓聖派翠克日遊行路線今年逆向 紀念美國獨立戰爭「撤軍日」

波士頓市長吳弭參加聖派翠克日遊行。（周菊子攝）

           (Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓早從1737年3月17日就開始了的聖派翠克節（St. Patrick’s Day）遊行，今年（2026）別開生面，為紀念美國獨立戰爭「撤軍紀念日（Evacuation Day）」250 週年，將與「歷史路線」逆向而行，今（15）日上午11:30從安德魯廣場（Andrew Square）出發。

保羅瑞維爾（Paul Revere)率先出場。（周菊子攝）

這是模擬當年殖民地軍隊將大砲運往多切斯特高地（Dorchester Heights）的歷史路徑。全長約3.5英里的遊行路線，今年從安德魯地鐵站（Andrew Square），沿著 Dorchester Street 向上，環繞 Thomas Park（多切斯特高地紀念碑所在地），接著經過東 6 街、K 街、東 4 街，再轉入 P 街，沿著 Broadway（東百老匯和西百老匯）一路前行，最後在 Broadway 地鐵站附近結束。全程約需1個半到2小時。

教士也穿上象徵愛爾蘭的綠袍。（周菊子攝）

1737年的聖派翠克日遊行是波士頓愛爾蘭移民為團結同胞，紀念家鄉並向愛爾蘭的主保聖人致敬，所舉行的第一場慶祝儀式。波士頓也因此擁有了北美，乃至全世界歷史最悠久的聖派翠克節慶祝活動之一，甚至比美國建國還早 39 年。

現場販售愛爾蘭三葉草旗，一隻＄20。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市還從1901年開始，由當年的市議員，後來成為地方傳奇的市長，國會議員，被人稱為「親愛的比利」，也是美國前總統約翰·甘迺迪（JFK）外祖父的John F. "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald發起，舉辦了第一場政治人物早餐會。

           起初，這只是這是一個讓愛爾蘭裔政治人物聚在一起，討論政治、拉攏選民並慶祝族群認同的非正式場合。到1970年代時，前麻州參議會議長威廉鮑傑（William Bulger）把它轉變成一種融合了愛爾蘭民謠、尖酸刻薄的政治笑話和跨黨派自嘲「政治早餐會」。

在這又被稱為「吐槽大會」的政治早餐會中，政敵之間會暫時放下成見，互相開玩笑。如果一個政客在會上被嘲諷得越狠，通常代表他在當地的政治地位越高。

今年這「政治早餐會」在包括鋼鐵工人本地第7工會大廳（Ironworkers Union Hall Local 7）舉行，依然由麻州參議員Nick Collins主持，包括麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey），副州長Kim Driscoll，麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell，聯邦眾議員Stephen Lynch，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn，Erin Murphy，Ruthzee Louijeune都是當然出席者。

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）估計是和早餐會主持人Nick Collins在波士頓市物業稅和白體育館翻修費用上的意見分歧過大，今年例外的沒有出席。

麻州審計長Diana DiZoglio 為了爭取稽查帳目等權力，正在起訴麻州參眾議會，和麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell也在早餐會“槓”上了。

今年還有特別來賓，愛爾蘭國防、外交與貿易部長Helen McEntee。

聖派翠克日的週邊活動包括，Northern Lights等郵輪提供包含傳統愛爾蘭早餐、現場愛爾蘭音樂演奏以及波士頓港美景的主題航程之外，這天早上9點，還有南波士頓男孩女孩俱樂部（Edgerley Family South Boston Club）主辦，大約有數千名跑者穿著綠色服裝參加，終點與遊行路線部分重疊，氣氛非常熱烈的聖派翠克節5K路跑。

在3月14至17日之間，波士頓市中心的市府酒廠（City Winery ）或南邊 （Southie） 的酒吧（如Murphy's Law, The Banshee）都會有密集的愛爾蘭音樂現場表演。由於 3月 17日 也是波士頓特有的 「撤軍紀念日」（Evacuation Day），為紀念 1776 年英軍撤離波士頓，遊行中會有許多軍事元素和美國歷史角色。（更新版）