Governor Healey Invests $4.2 Million to Grow Offshore Wind Workforce and Research

Governor Healey Invests $4.2 Million to Grow Offshore Wind Workforce and Research 

 

Workers will gain the skills needed for careers in offshore wind construction and operations, while advancing research to guide the industry's responsible growth

BOSTON – Governor Healey and the Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced $4.2 million in funding to 20 projects that will prepare workers for offshore wind and maritime careers, and support research on fisheries, wildlife, and the marine environment. The funding is awarded through two MassCEC programs: $1.7 million through the Offshore Wind Works program and $2.4 million through the Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis program. These awards are part of Massachusetts’ continued investment in the people, infrastructure, and science needed to support the state’s offshore wind industry.

“Offshore wind means good jobs, more clean energy and real economic opportunity for Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re investing in the workers who will build this industry and the research needed to develop it responsibly and protect our fisheries, wildlife and marine environment.”

“Massachusetts has everything it takes to lead in offshore wind: world-class ports, skilled workers and coastal communities with deep maritime experience,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help more residents prepare for good-paying careers and make sure we’re ready for the next generation of projects.”

“The clean energy transition doesn’t happen without the people doing the work,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We need skilled workers to build offshore wind and researchers who can help us better understand our ocean, fisheries, and wildlife. Investing in both is how we grow clean energy responsibly and make sure Massachusetts continues to lead.”

“These two efforts work in tandem: one grows the talent pipeline for offshore wind projects, the other expands the knowledge base the industry needs for the long haul,” said Ben Downing, Mass Clean Energy Center CEO. “Investing in both is how Massachusetts prepares the way for future accelerated offshore wind deployment.”

Through Offshore Wind Works, $1.7 million will support eight projects in building a Massachusetts workforce that is capable of planning, deploying, operating, maintaining, and manufacturing components for offshore wind projects. Many of the skills and credentials developed through these projects are transferable across clean energy, maritime, construction, and other port-based industries—strengthening workforce resilience beyond offshore wind alone. Since launching in 2018, Offshore Wind Works has awarded $22 million to 35 grantees, leveraging more than $11 million in additional cost-sharing.

“Massachusetts' clean energy future depends on having a skilled workforce ready to build it,” said State Senator Jake Oliveira, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Ludlow). “These investments will create pathways into good-paying careers, strengthen partnerships with organized labor, higher education, and workforce training programs, and give workers skills that can serve them across industries. By investing in our workforce alongside research and responsible development, we are positioning Massachusetts workers to benefit from the economic opportunities created by the clean energy transition.”

“The clean energy transition is also a workforce opportunity, and the Commonwealth must make sure our workers are positioned to lead it,” said State Representative Paul McMurtry, House Chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee (D-Dedham). “From union trades and maritime workers to students and people exploring new careers, these investments are creating pathways into skilled jobs while building a workforce that can grow with the industry. That means more opportunity for Massachusetts workers and a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.”

This year’s awards will fund projects across three focus areas: Workforce Training & Upskilling; Training Equipment & Infrastructure; and Career Exploration & Education. The projects are expected to leverage an estimated $892,241 in additional cost-sharing and in-kind contributions from grantees and their partners.

The 2026 Offshore Wind Works awardees are:

• Massachusetts Maritime Academy: $260,000 for Workforce Training & Upskilling
• Funding will be used to establish the equipment, certifications, and instructional capacity needed to deliver Helicopter Underwater Escape Training.
• Partners: RelyOn USA

• TITAN Structural Group LLC: $500,000 for Workforce Training & Upskilling and Training Equipment & Infrastructure
• Funding will be used to equip trades workers with offshore wind safety and technical certifications.
• Partners: Ironworkers; IBEW; IUPAT union affiliates

• UMass Dartmouth: $250,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to add 30 paid internship opportunities to the offshore wind internship program.

• UMass Boston: $249,243 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to develop and deliver ten learning modules covering offshore wind topics ranging from engineering and aquaculture to ports and supporting infrastructure.
• Partners: Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind (ARROW)

• STEAM the Streets: $209,330 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to launch a statewide campaign to increase public understanding of offshore wind and clean energy careers. 
• Partners: Environmental League of Massachusetts; Boston Public Schools; New Bedford Public Schools; MassHire South Shore; MassHire Greater New Bedford

• UMass Amherst: $141,427 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to expand the Career Access Scholarship Program, enhance workforce training with a focus on transferable skills, and foster new partnerships between Massachusetts and Nova Scotia.
• Partners: MANSA Consulting; Salem Alliance for the Environment; Spirit Advisory

• MANSA Consulting, Inc: $100,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to expand the WindWorks campaign to increase awareness of offshore wind career opportunities and connect participants to introductory offshore wind training.
• Partners: Bristol Community College; IWNL Energy

• Trustees of Tufts University: $40,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to publish findings on offshore wind workers' experiences, safety culture, and working conditions, while highlighting industry best practices through a case study.

Through the Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis program, $2.5 million will support 12 projects in advancing research that informs the responsible development and operation of offshore wind in Southern New England and the Gulf of Maine. Each project has a direct connection to a Massachusetts-based business or research institution, a Massachusetts-based intern, or both. Collectively, these awards will create at least seven paid internships for students attending Massachusetts universities, giving early-career researchers hands-on experience in offshore wind science.

This year’s awards will address five topic areas: Fisheries; Habitat & Wildlife; Regional Transmission Planning; Regional Monitoring; and Science Communication.

The 2026 Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis awardees are:

• New England Aquarium: $246,075 for Fisheries research
• Funding will be used to research how offshore wind development is affecting recreational and for-hire fishing activity in Southern New England.
• Partners: Pelagic Strategies

• UMass Dartmouth
• $280,501 for Fisheries and Habitat research
• Funding will be used to continue a study focused on understanding offshore wind impacts on cod spawning grounds in Southern New England.
• $199,589 for Regional Monitoring
• Funding will be used to create a regional data-collection strategy to guide future monitoring and inform responsible offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine.
• Partners: Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative & Northeast Regional Ocean Council (separate $30,000 award to support this project)

• Center for Coastal Studies: $284,642 for Habitat & Wildlife research 
• Funding will be used to evaluate the ability of ocean circulation models to predict zooplankton aggregations to inform methods for understanding potential offshore wind effects on North Atlantic right whale prey. 
• Partners: Integral Consulting

• atdepth MRV Inc.: $252,000 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to create a digital twin model of the Gulf of Maine to study potential effects of floating offshore wind turbines on ocean processes and North Atlantic right whale prey.

• Tufts University: $269,910 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to develop an implementation framework for incorporating nature-inclusive design into offshore wind projects.
• Partners: Outer Harbor Consulting; Responsible Offshore Science Alliance; Nomadic Foundry

• JASCO: $246,746 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to examine existing offshore wind wildlife protection measures using quantitative modeling to assess risk reduction and implementation costs.

• Ocean Tech Services, LLC: $77,414 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to install a Motus radio telemetry receiving station at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s Air-Sea Interaction Tower, re-establishing important offshore detection capability for migratory birds and bats.

• Power Advisory LLC: $186,995 for Regional Transmission
• Funding will be used to build on existing offshore wind energy transmission studies to investigate interregional transmission scenarios for New England, New York, and Atlantic Canada.
• Partners: Johns Hopkins University; UMass Amherst

• Responsible Offshore Science Alliance: $149,997 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to communicate results of existing offshore wind fisheries research to Massachusetts fishing communities and the general public.
• Partners: Fat Moon Creative

• Biodiversity Research Institute: $149,206 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to translate and communicate offshore wind science and research into accessible, stakeholder-informed materials for Massachusetts and beyond.
• Partners: Consensus Building Institute

• CBN Media, LLC: $125,000 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to increase public understanding of marine life interactions with offshore wind infrastructure in Southern New England.

For more information on Offshore Wind Works and Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis, visit masscec.com/our-focus/offshore-wind.

Governor Healey Announces First-Ever Student Loan Repayment Awards for 248 Early Educators

 Governor Healey Announces First-Ever Student Loan Repayment Awards for 248 Early Educators 

 First-ever awards help early educators pay down student debt and build long-term careers in Massachusetts

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced approximately $1.8 million in student loan repayment awards for 248 early educators and staff across Massachusetts, marking the first awards through the state’s first-ever student loan repayment program dedicated exclusively to the early education and care workforce. 

The Early Childhood Educator Loan Repayment Program, a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) and Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), provides eligible recipients with up to $7,500 per year in student loan repayment assistance. The program is designed to help experienced early educators stay in the field, build long-term careers and continue providing high-quality care and education for children and families.

“We want Massachusetts to be the best place to raise a family and build a career, and supporting early educators is a big part of that,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we’re helping 248 educators pay down their student loans and keep more of their hard-earned money. When we invest in early educators, we strengthen our workforce, give children a strong start and help families get the care they need.”

“Early educators are essential to strong communities and a strong economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These awards will help more educators build lasting careers in the field while making sure families across Massachusetts can continue to count on the high-quality care and education their children need.”

The 248 inaugural recipients work across EEC-licensed and funded programs, including family child care, center-based early education and care, after-school and out-of-school time programs, residential programs and contracted family child care systems. 

Recipients were selected based on eligibility requirements and program priorities, with preference given to educators with five or more years of experience and those working in communities serving children and families with high needs or in regions experiencing shortages of early education and care seats.

“Supporting early educators is essential to expanding access to high-quality early education and care for families across Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Steve Zrike. “This program connects two priorities that are critical to our state’s future: making higher education more affordable and supporting a strong, experienced early education workforce. Investing in these educators helps ensure our youngest learners have a strong start, while giving families the reliable early education and care they need to work and support their families.”

"Helping our early educators repay student loans will keep people in the field, so we can make early education more affordable and increase access for Massachusetts families," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Legislature made this investment because it directly benefits the providers, educators, families, and students across our state and will prove critical to our early education infrastructure. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for getting this money straight to the educators who need it."

To qualify for this first round of awards, applicants were required to have earned an eligible degree in a qualifying field from a public or private Massachusetts college or university after July 1, 2013, and to have worked in an EEC-licensed or funded program during the previous academic year.

“Educators working in early education and child care make an extraordinary commitment to the children and families they serve, and we want Massachusetts to be a place where they can build rewarding, sustainable careers,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “This first group of recipients represents educators working across our early education and care system, and this investment is one more way we are supporting their professional growth and compensation, while recognizing their experience and strengthening the workforce.”

“These educators pursued higher education to build meaningful careers that give back to children, families, and communities across the Commonwealth,” said Department of Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “Investing in the success of our early childhood educators helps them build sustainable careers and strengthens the communities that benefit from their expertise.”

The loan repayment program is part of Governor Healey’s work to make high-quality early education and care more affordable and accessible for families while strengthening the workforce. Through the Inter-Agency Early Education and Care Task Force,  the Administration is working across state government to expand access to care, strengthen career pathways and help more educators enter and stay in the field. 

The Administration is also helping current and aspiring early educators afford the education and training they need to advance their careers. DHE and EEC jointly administer the Early Childhood Educator Scholarship, which helps eligible educators working in early education and child care to cover the cost of pursuing a college degree. The Administration has also invested in over 250 registered apprenticeships and other career pathway initiatives to recruit, develop and retain educators working in early education and child care. 

Governor Healey made historic investments to make higher education more affordable and support current and future educators across Massachusetts. State funding for financial aid programs has more than doubled to over $400 million, including making community college tuition and fee-free for students across Massachusetts. Current and future educators can also access dedicated financial aid programs and scholarship opportunities, such as the In-Demand Scholarship, Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant, Early Childhood Educators Scholarship, and Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship, helping more students afford the education and training they need to advance in the profession. These investments are helping more people enter education careers, advance in the profession and stay in the workforce.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is investing approximately $15 million in the Early Childhood Educator Loan Repayment Program to provide student loan relief to early educators and support implementation of the program. The Program is expected to reopen for a new round of applications in spring 2027, providing another opportunity for eligible educators to apply for student loan repayment assistance. For more information, visit Mass.edu/ECELoanRepayment.

All chip and tap-enabled cards have been mailed statewide; clients should use their card within 60 days

All chip and tap-enabled cards have been mailed statewide; clients should use their card within 60 days

BOSTON – Massachusetts has become the fourth state in the nation to roll out chip and tap-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards statewide to enhance security and better prevent theft across the system, including for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

"Families across Massachusetts rely on DTA programs to afford groceries and other essential goods. We're focused on preventing fraud and theft so that these funds are going to the people who need and deserve them," said Governor Healey. "Massachusetts is proud to be leading the nation when it comes to the security and integrity of our EBT programs."

"Having a chip and tap-to-pay option on our EBT cards means a safer way to access benefits people use to keep their families fed and is one more tool in our arsenal that supports our ongoing commitment to safeguarding public funds," said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole.

To activate, clients should use their card within 60 days of receiving it. More information on the new chip/tap cards can be found online here. 

In order to have as little disruption to clients as possible, DTA has closely collaborated with retailers for months to ensure they are prepared for this transition, and the vast majority of retailers statewide are prepared to accept the new cards. As SNAP retailers update their systems to accept insert or tap transactions, some retailers may require customers to swipe their card. This does not mean that the card is broken or defective, but that the store has not yet updated its systems. More information for retailers is available here.

In addition to rolling out these cards, DTA has already implemented several features to protect EBT benefits, which include:

•       Card lock/unlock technology using the DTA Connect mobile application and the Cardholder Customer Service Line

•       Providing an EBT card safety flyer with every EBT card issued that contains information on how to lock/unlock your card

•       Encouraging clients to regularly change their PIN

Governor Healey Denounces President Trump’s Continued Denial of Disaster Relief for Massachusetts Communities

Governor Healey Denounces President Trump’s Continued Denial of Disaster Relief for Massachusetts Communities

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey is today denouncing President Donald Trump for yet again denying disaster relief for Massachusetts communities recovering from the February 2026 blizzard, which was one of the worst winter storms the state has seen in decades. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) previously denied Governor Healey’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal Public Assistance to state agencies and local governments in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk and Plymouth counties for eligible storm-related costs. The request also sought Snow Assistance for Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk and Plymouth counties, which experienced record-breaking snowfall. Governor Healey appealed in July, but yesterday, FEMA informed the Governor that it too had been denied.

The denial comes after reports that President Trump overrode his own agencies to deny Massachusetts’ request, as well as requests from New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey. This happened in spite of FEMA previously confirming that Massachusetts far exceeded the threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance, after determining the state had incurred approximately $45 million in eligible disaster costs.

“I’m outraged that President Trump has once again turned his back on Massachusetts. Our communities were hit by one of the worst winter storms we’ve seen in decades, and instead of helping them recover, he is refusing to provide the federal disaster assistance they deserve,” said Governor Healey. “Our first responders, public works crews and local officials worked around the clock to keep people safe and clean up after this storm. They did their jobs. We did ours. President Trump should do his. Instead, he’s leaving cities, towns and Massachusetts taxpayers to shoulder the costs of a major disaster on their own. This shouldn’t be about politics or what state you live in. It should be about helping Americans when they need it. President Trump may be willing to walk away from Massachusetts communities, but we won’t. We’ll keep standing with our cities and towns and fighting for the support they deserve.” 

The February blizzard, which dropped nearly three feet of snow on top of existing accumulation from a January storm, left extensive damage across eastern Massachusetts and required an unprecedented statewide response. Governor Healey declared a State of Emergency, activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the Massachusetts National Guard, and requested out-of-state assets from Connecticut, New York and Vermont to support state and local snow removal efforts. Governor Healey also secured $100 million in Fair Share funding to help cities and towns recover from extraordinary winter storm costs while continuing to pursue the federal disaster assistance Massachusetts qualified for.

Governor Healey Announces Major Statewide Plan to Build Over 2,500 New Homes

 Governor Healey Announces Major Statewide Plan to Build Over 2,500 New Homes 

 Administration kicks off six-stop statewide tour on Thursday highlighting 29 developments across 20 communities 

WORCESTER — Governor Maura Healey today continued her work to build more homes and lower housing costs in the state by announcing $278 million in state and federal financing and tax credits for housing development. These homes will be built in 20 communities across Massachusetts.

These awards were made possible in part through the Affordable Homes Act and by Governor Healey’s tax cuts package, which significantly increased state support for housing production. Today’s awards are the largest single round of awards made from this housing program in in more than a decade. Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has created or preserved more than 10,000 homes through this program alone.

Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias and other administration officials are traveling across Massachusetts on Thursday to highlight the projects and the communities making them possible, with stops in Worcester, Erving, Northampton, Newburyport, Needham and Boston. 

“We’re on a mission to build more homes and lower housing costs in every part of Massachusetts, and today we’re hitting the road to show that work in action,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These awards will create more than 2,500 new homes in 20 communities across the state, and it’s made possible by the Affordable Homes Act that I proposed and signed. This is about making sure that Massachusetts is a state where teachers, nurses, firefighters and young people can actually afford to live.” 

“Communities of every size are stepping up with smart, creative plans to build the homes their residents need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These awards will turn underused properties into housing, modernize housing and preserve homes that residents already depend on. That means stronger neighborhoods, more vibrant local economies and more opportunities for people to stay and build their future in Massachusetts.”

“Housing needs look different across the Commonwealth, and this funding round responds with a wide range of solutions,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “These investments will deliver more than 2,500 new homes, while preserving existing communities and expanding opportunity for families, seniors, veterans and others.”

The awards include $154.7 million in subsidy financing from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, $61.8 million in state low-income housing tax credits, $47.9 million in 4 percent federal low-income housing tax credits and $13.2 million in 9 percent federal low-income housing tax credits. The state and federal tax credit awards are expected to generate nearly $500 million in equity for the developments.

Awarded developments include:

Athol

• Pequoig House: Preservation of 53 affordable homes for seniors. All homes will be supported by existing federal project-based vouchers.

Boston

• Fox Hall Senior: Construction of 65 homes for seniors in South Boston, with supportive services available to residents.
• 80 Shawsheen Road: Construction of 35 family homes in East Boston.
• 1198 Centre: Construction of 78 homes for seniors in Roslindale.
• Orchard Gardens: Preservation of 331 mixed-income homes near Nubian Square.
• 145-157 St. Alphonsus Street: Rehabilitation of seven homes in Mission Hill.
• 150 Centre Street: Construction of 72 family homes next to the MBTA’s Shawmut Station. The development will incorporate Passive House standards to support energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Brockton

• Chatham West I: Preservation and rehabilitation of 300 homes.
• Liberty on Legion: Construction of 54 family homes on an underused downtown property. The mixed-use development will also include retail space and a housing solutions center.

Brookline

• 10 Walnut Street: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 96 new family homes, including for veterans. 

Cambridge

• Redevelopment of Corcoran Park, Phase 1: Construction of 67 family homes in the first phase of a multiphase public housing redevelopment.
• 28-30 Wendell: Construction of 95 intergenerational homes in Cambridge’s MBTA Communities district.

Chelmsford

• The Residences at Bigelow Hall: Construction of 50 homes for seniors.

Chicopee

• Chicopee Village: Preservation and rehabilitation of 290 family homes following a sale process conducted under Chapter 40T. 

Erving

• Evergreen Circle: Construction of 26 ntergenerational homes. Evergreen Circle will be the first newly constructed tax credit development in Erving.

Fitchburg

• 470 Main Street: Rehabilitation of 31 existing homes and construction of seven new homes in downtown Fitchburg.

Ipswich

• Depot Lane: Construction of 5 intergenerational homes, with supportive services available to residents.

Lexington

• LexHAB ADU: Construction of eight accessory dwelling units under provisions included in the Affordable Homes Act.
• Lexington Woods: Construction of 40 family homes.

Lynn

• High Street Development: Construction of 107 family homes.

Needham

• Linden Terrace Phase One A: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 76 homes.

Newburyport

• Brown School Senior Housing: Adaptive reuse of the former Brown School to provide 29 homes for seniors.

Newton

• 793 Washington: Construction of 58 family homes.

Northampton

• 27 Crafts Avenue: Construction of 30 studio homes serving individuals with significant housing needs.
• Meadowbrook Apartments Phase 1: Preservation and rehabilitation of 120 family homes, including substantial energy-efficiency improvements.

Springfield

• New Court Rainville: Preservation and rehabilitation of 88 family homes.

Swampscott

• Veterans Crossing: Construction of 41 homes serving residents age 55 and older.

Watertown

• Willow Park Redevelopment: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 138 homes.

Worcester

• Lakeside Phase 3: Construction of 103 homes in the next phase of the Worcester Housing Authority’s Lakeside redevelopment.

Governor Healey created the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents. Since taking office, she has signed the Affordable Homes Act, made statewide accessory dwelling unit reforms legal statewide, implemented MBTA Communities zoning, designated Seasonal Communities, launched the first-int-he-nation Momentum Fund and Commercial Conversion Tax Credit and expanded Housing Development Incentive Program awards to support new housing production across Massachusetts. 

Statements of Support:

Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista

“The federal and state low-income tax credits and subsidy funds provided by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for Worcester’s Lakeside Apartments – Phase 3 project are critical to its success.The redevelopment is part of the long-term transformation of the aging Lakeside public housing community that will offer hundreds of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for residents. This is exactly the kind of project we need to be developing in our city and I thank our state partners for their commitment to increasing our affordable housing supply.”

Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon

“Newburyport is proud to welcome Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and the Healey-Driscoll Administration to the Brown School as they announce another significant investment in affordable housing across Massachusetts. The transformation of the Brown School into 29 affordable units for seniors is exactly the kind of project we need, allowing longtime residents to remain in the community they helped build while giving an important public building new life. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the urgent need for more housing and for continuing to be a strong partner to Newburyport and communities across the Commonwealth.”

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra:

“Northampton needs more housing, at every level of affordability, and we need it now. Governor Healey and I agree that Massachusetts needs to build more housing, preserve the affordable housing we have, and move with urgency to do both. Today’s investment by the state in Northampton will preserve and rehabilitate 120 affordable family homes at Meadowbrook and help bring to life a project at 27 Crafts Avenue that I am particularly proud of. Northampton took an underused portion of a city-owned parcel in the heart of downtown and worked with Valley CDC to create 30 highly energy-efficient affordable homes, including 20 for people with extremely low incomes and a preference for people experiencing homelessness. We are also moving affordable housing forward at Cooke Avenue and at 33 King Street, where the Commonwealth transferred the former state courthouse property to Northampton and gave us another opportunity to turn public land into much-needed housing. I’m grateful to Governor Healey and Secretary Matias for being my partners in getting these much-needed Northampton homes built.”

Athol Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski

"Since 1895 the Pequoig building has stood sentinel as a landmark structure in Athol's central business district. First operated as a hotel into the mid-20th century, the building was renovated into affordable, senior housing in 1982. Today, the property owners will utilize these funds to make needed improvements to the historic building while ensuring the retention of 53-units of needed affordable housing for decades to come.  The Town appreciates the Healey-Driscoll administration's emphasis on supporting quality housing options affordable to a range of income."

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang

“We’re thrilled that new affordable housing projects in Cambridge have been awarded HLC funding. This recognition reflects the exceptional work of our affordable housing partners and affirms the effectiveness of the City’s policies and strategies. With this vital funding from the HLC, we expect construction on these projects to begin next year and look forward to delivering 162 new affordable homes for Cambridge families. In Cambridge, affordable housing has long been a top priority. We have made tremendous progress through innovative zoning reform and significant funding commitments, but none of it would be possible without crucial funding support from the Commonwealth.”

Ipswich Town Manager Brendan Sweeney

“Ipswich is grateful for this award, which helps bring 52 new, 100% affordable homes to downtown Ipswich in partnership with Harborlight Homes. This investment strengthens our downtown, expands housing options for residents, and reflects our community’s commitment to sustainable, transit‑oriented growth.”

Needham Town Manager Katie King:

“This award marks an important milestone in the Needham Housing Authority’s redevelopment of Linden Terrace, which will nearly double the number of affordable homes while replacing aging buildings with high-quality, energy-efficient housing. The Town of Needham is proud to have committed more than $6.8 million in Community Preservation Act funding to this effort and is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their investment and partnership in making this project possible.”

Senator Julian Cyr:

“These awards represent meaningful investments in creating and preserving affordable homes in Massachusetts, something our residents so urgently need. Massachusetts has long fallen behind in housing production, leading to the sky-high costs renters and prospective home buyers see today. With the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are making real progress on our housing crisis. Innovative policies that help unlock development, measures that make building more affordable, and significant investments like the Winter Rental Round grants are expanding housing opportunities for people across every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Representative Richard Haggerty (D-30th Middlesex District), who serves as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing

"I want to express my support to the Healey-Driscoll administration for providing much-needed, critical funding for housing all across the Commonwealth through this year's Winter Rental Round funding. "With high development costs, financial strains and high interest rates slowing our housing production, this funding is crucial to making sure we build the affordable housing we need for our lower-wage families, homeless and our seniors, all across the Commonwealth."

Andrew McKenzie-DeFranza, Executive Director, Harborlight Homes

“Harborlight Homes is grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued leadership in addressing the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. The funding awarded to our Depot Square development in Ipswich will help create much-needed safe, stable, affordable housing near public transit, meeting a local need and providing residents with greater access to opportunity. We are honored to partner with EOHLC in advancing housing solutions that make our state and North Shore region more affordable and equitable for all.”

David J. Hedison, Executive Director, CHOICE Housing

“For more than two decades, we have envisioned creating senior housing with supportive services at this site, and for the past six years, we have worked with particular focus to make that vision a reality. This EOHLC funding award marks an extraordinary moment for our organization and the Chelmsford community. Welcoming 50 seniors to the Residences at Bigelow Hall—and providing them with the support they need to live independently and age in place—will truly be a dream come true.”

Adam B. Scott, President and CEO of Hebrew SeniorLife

“For more than 60 years, Hebrew SeniorLife has called Roslindale home, and this award will allow us to build 78 affordable, service-enriched apartments where older adults can age with dignity in the city they know and love. We are grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for this investment, and to the City of Boston for its partnership and support. Together, we are meeting the urgent need for affordable senior housing.”

Monica Dean, CEO, Madison Park Development Corporation

“Madison Park Development Corporation has spent six decades strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunity, and preserving affordable housing in Roxbury. Through the Orchard Gardens Deep Energy Retrofit and Renovation, 331 households will benefit from long-needed improvements to their homes while making the community more sustainable for the future. Together with Trinity Financial, the Boston Housing Authority, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are proud to invest in Orchard Gardens in a way that protects affordability, supports housing stability, and helps families and longtime residents continue to thrive in the community they call home.”

Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)

“POAH is grateful for the Governor’s leadership on affordable housing and for helping us to advance both the production of new affordable homes and the preservation and revitalization of existing affordable housing.  Our current residents in Northampton and future residents in Watertown will greatly benefit from this critical state funding.”

Dara Kovel, CEO, Beacon Communities

“We are honored to be included in this amazing group of awardees and grateful for the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the entire Healey Administration. Massachusetts continues to set the standard for states across the country through its sustained commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing. This latest investment reflects the type of bold leadership and vision needed to address the housing affordability crisis and ensure that more residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable places to live.”

Kenzie Bok, Administrator and CEO, Boston Housing Authority

“At the Boston Housing Authority, we know that when we invest in public and affordable housing, we are investing in our residents, their families, and their futures. Residents of Orchard Gardens advocated for improvements to their community and helped set the bar for housing redevelopment several decades ago. Thank you to our state partners for making this renewed investment to preserve 331 affordable homes at Orchard Gardens and continuing to champion affordable and public housing.”

Tanya Hahnel, Co-Executive Director, East Boston CDC

“This funding unlocks the redevelopment of a site owned by the East Boston CDC since December of 2022.  With the help of federal and state low income housing tax credits and state affordable housing subsidies, East Boston will see 35 new apartments for low income families build on a formerly industrial site.  This project represents a true commitment to sustainable development.  The new apartments are one block from an MBTA train station, and the site design allows for new open space to serve the surrounding neighborhood thanks to a denser, more compact building footprint.  It is exactly the type of catalytic project that East Boston needs to help stabilize families who just need stable, affordable rents to help them remain in their neighborhood.”

Ben Stone, Executive Director, Brookline Housing Authority

“Brookline Housing Authority is ecstatic that the EOHLC and the Governor have awarded funding for our 10 Walnut Street project, which will create 96 deeply affordable and energy efficient apartments for families in a high-opportunity, transit-oriented area. We’re grateful for the support from the state, the Town of Brookline, our design team, and, especially, to BHA residents who all helped to get us to this point.”

Zeina Talje, Managing Partner, Zeta Insite

“We're honored to work on the adaptive reuse of a historic landmark like the George W. Brown School into senior affordable housing, giving residents who have been priced out a place to call home in the community they love. What sets this project apart is how deep sustainability and affordability are woven together, allowing us to include all utilities and shield seniors from escalating energy costs. Preservation projects like the  Brown School are only possible through strong partnerships, and we're grateful for the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the City of Newburyport. We are thrilled to bring this project to reality."

Timothy Johnstone, Interim Executive Director, NewVue Communities

 "We are very grateful to Governor Healey for directing this funding to help address the issue of affordable housing in Massachusetts. Addressing the housing crisis can feel like an uphill battle, but it is made easier by the financial support of the Governor’s Office, The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the City of Fitchburg. This specific housing expansion at our 470 Main Street location will provide beautiful living options for those that want to be downtown and take advantage of all the new restaurants, businesses and arts and culture activities that are now very much a part of Fitchburg. NewVue is proud to be a recipient of this award."

Sara E. Barcan, Executive Director, Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc.

“HRI is thrilled to accept this award of LIHTC and other resources to build 95 affordable rental homes in the Baldwin neighborhood of Cambridge. With the continued scarcity of affordable housing in Cambridge and throughout the region, we look forward to completion of 55 homes for families and 40 for older adults, plus a hub for supportive services. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for your continued support for housing and community development.”

Clara Fraden, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge Housing Authority

“Cambridge’s Corcoran Park is obsolete Federal public housing being replaced with twice the number of modern, sustainable homes for families. Cambridge Housing Authority is grateful for their longstanding partnership with EOHLC and their deep commitment to developing affordable housing. These transformative projects would not be possible without them.”

中華公所名銜 36萬元 出借？ 雷國輝召開特別會議徵詢董事意見

中華公所開特別會議。（周菊子攝）

    （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）紐英崙中華公所9月1日在特別會議中通過，將和培根公司（Beacon Commities）進一步洽談在益士石街（Essex）79號上蓋47戶住宅的開發案，以及余氏公司建造華埠移民傳統中心的26萬元第2期合約，預告喜露街50號12月施工。

中華公所主席雷國輝（立者）報告概況。（周菊子攝）

中華公所董事大會原本每2個月召開一次。中華公所主席雷國輝為徵求董事大會同意前述2案，9月1日晚召開了特別會議。在30餘名出席董事，有4人棄權的投票結果中，同意中華公所主席和培根公司進一步洽談，了解培根公司提案細節，再回董事大會討論。

BPDA網站上 79 Essex Street開發案示意圖。

雷國輝主席在會中請公所房地產經理鄭欣豪播放簡報片，向董事大會展示培根公司的計劃，將在8,095平方英尺的土地上，建造47戶有收入限制的可負擔住宅。地面一樓留出1400平方英尺面積，供做商業用途。

雷國輝指出，培根公司6月22日和中華公所物業小組開過會，在 7月份的公所董事大會中，他也提過有這麼回事，現在培根公司已向波士頓市計劃局（BPDA）提交意向書，再下一步必須送出計劃通知書，這才為確認是否在計劃書內把中華公所列爲合作單位，促請中華公所回應。

中華公所董事陳家驊強調應查看培根公司提案內容。（周菊子攝）

中華公所董事陳仕維強調中華公所應關注蓬勃華埠商機。（周菊子攝）

雷國輝說明，培根公司找中華公所做合作單位，主要是因為一起蓋過「博愛樓」，現在還正在攜手承建「喜露街（Herald St.）50號」，而且想借用中華公所在社區中的地位，減少在整個發展過程中可能遭遇的民間阻礙。中華公所若同意成為合作夥伴，不但完全不需要付出任何費用，還可得到一筆一次性饋贈，當然也意味著中華公所在這宗發展案中，沒有任何產權，或任何後續收益。

雷國輝指出，鑑於波士頓華埠需要的不只是住家，更想要商機，協商時，他們因此爭取到培根公司在地面一樓留出商用空間，饋贈經費也從原本的10%，增加到12.5%。由於培根公司開發這片土地的發展費約287萬元左右，中華公所因此將可因此，在未來的4到5年間，從這開發案得到36萬元。

中華公所主席雷國輝會報培根公司預定的發展方案。（周菊子攝）

中華公所董事們出席會議。（周菊子攝）

雷國輝在會中也解釋了這一開發案的背景，指出益士石街79號原本為一黃氏家族的物業，許多年前和牛津實業（Oxford Properties）簽下一紙99年租約後，一直沒有動靜。後來牛津實業開發林肯街125號，為因應波士頓市政府的撥出可負擔單位規定，決定把益士石街79號拿出來抵用。亞美社區發展協會曾經有意承接，礙於另2宗開發案已在進行，擱置下來。波士頓市政府因此找上培根公司接手。

79 Essex Street發展案商用面積可擴大至2995平方英尺。（周菊子攝）

在董事討論中，陳家驊要求查看培根公司的提案內容，認為中華公所的招牌如果只換來12.5%的發展費，有點太廉價（too cheap）。同時有著華商會會長身份的陳仕維指出，華埠迫切需要大超市，大酒樓，以免人流及商機轉往昆士市，摩頓市發展，再者長江超市早年也在那個地方，希望中華公所在參與任何發展案時，都注意到華埠對蓬勃商機的需求。

79 Essex Street 預定的住宅單位分配。（周菊子攝）

至於華埠移民傳統中心第二期工程，在當晚中華公所印發給董事們的EMY 發展公司合約書草案中，該合約是中華公所主席雷國輝和EMY發展公司負責人(Principal) Edmund Yimkun Yu之間的合約，也是翻修計劃第二階段，內容包括改造接待區 6萬2000元，前面入口改造3萬元，1、2、3樓改善工程3萬9000元，廚房和廁所6萬8000元，改造二樓1萬2500元，26號房更換橡木地板2萬1000元，冷暖氣遷移2萬8000元，總價26萬500元。

華埠移民傳統中心施工圖。（周菊子攝）

雷國輝解釋了這些翻修工程中，二樓26號房要在翻修完工後，作為健康中心，舉辦研討會，論壇的活動空間。一樓前臺及大廳的改建，是為了讓中華公所有更正式的接待區及社區活動空間，規劃符合無障礙標準的洗手間，設咖啡站，供民眾休憩的區域等，一樓及二樓的走廊，將成為華埠移民傳統中心的展覽區。

後續還將推進大樓消防警報系統（Fire Alarm System）的升級/採購，預計於年底前完成。

中華公所董事大會無異議通過了這項改建合約的簽署。

在會議結束前，中華公所主席雷國輝利用機會，向董事們報告了喜露街50號發展案的最新狀態。他指出，由於有權投票者，當初收到發展案後，根本沒看，拖了四、五個月，經過催促，以及波士頓市計劃局的協助，二星期前終於通過，可以施工了，預訂12月1日前後完成產權移交，並安排慶祝活動，以及施工，拆除舊建築物。

1美國記者未申報就擔任中國代理人 法官裁處入獄2年

     （Boston Orange編譯）美聯社報導，美國聯邦法院裁定，今年2月在華盛頓特區被捕的51歲美籍記者波肯（Thomas Weir Pauken II）未依法申報擔任中國政府代理人，涉嫌為中國國安部搜集情報並協助招募人員，判入獄2年，刑滿後監管3年，期間不得出國。 

    法庭文件顯示，波肯自2010年移居中國，曾任職央視，2024年起擔任新華社編輯。在2019至2026年間，他長期接受中方官方人員指示撰寫報告並協助招募人員。其中代號「凱西（Cathy）」的人，曾稱其報告會呈交給中國國家主席習近平。波肯為此獲取至少10萬美元酬勞，多半匯入其妻子帳戶，返美行程亦由中方資助。 

    波肯還曾奉命，把裝有 Signal、Telegram 等加密通訊軟體密碼的設備，交給特定對象。2025年1月他入境美國接受問訊時坦承，自己有八成把握認為一名尋求在川普政府任職的人士會向中方提供機密，儘管他曾勸阻該對象。

    波肯曾奉命接觸一名正在尋求進入川普政府任職者，並把裝有 Signal、Telegram 等加密通訊軟體密碼的電子設備，交給這人。雖然他曾勸阻這人別洩密，但他仍有高達八成把握，這人士最終會向中方透露機密。

    他在今年 2 月落網後即被拘留，6 月承認「未依法申報、非法擔任外國政府代理人」罪名，最終在 2026 年 9 月初獲判此刑期，且其辯護律師表明不會提出上訴。

    波肯出身德州，父親曾任德州共和黨主席並參選過州長。為避免影響父親，他長期以化名「Tom McGregor」發表評論，但他曾以本名出版兩本關於中美關係與深圳發展的專著。他在社群媒體曬出與家人在華盛頓遊玩的照片後不久即被逮捕。對此，中國外交部尚未做出回應。