紅線Kendall/MIT地鐵站大翻修竣工 麻州長Healey和MBTA總經理伍偉華等人聯袂剪綵

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey，左五）和麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華（Philip Eng，左四）
等嘉賓為Kendall/MIT 紅線地鐵站翻修竣工剪綵。（周菊子攝）

     (Boston Orange周菊子劍橋市綜合報導) 位於劍橋市的肯德爾／麻省理工學院（Kendall/MIT Station）紅線地鐵站，在4公私機構共投資約6000萬美元，歷時6年翻修後，終於竣工。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華（Philip Eng）等人今（26）日聯袂剪綵慶祝。

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey，左四）和麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華（Philip Eng，左一）
和地鐵工作人員在Kendall/MIT 紅線地鐵站前留影。（周菊子攝）

    肯德爾／麻省理工學院（Kendall/MIT Station）地鐵站的翻修，包括進出站兩處入口。由BXP出資興建的出站入口已於今年4月啟用，設有全新玻璃帷幕外觀、整修後的樓梯、電扶梯、第二座路面電梯，以及對外開放的屋頂平台。由麻省理工學院投資管理公司（MITIMCO）出資的進站入口，完成了站廳大廳重新設計，新增公共與員工廁所，並全面改善無障礙設施與採光環境。

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）指翻修地鐵站改善了人們的生活品質。（周菊子攝）

    麻州州長奚莉稱肯德爾廣場所在是全球最具創新力的一平方英里，包括MIT、谷歌（Google）、武田（Takeda）、莫德納（Moderna）、微軟（Microsoft）、Draper、博德研究所（Broad Institute）等數百家機構，每日有數千人搭乘紅線地鐵到這兒來上班。這一車站翻修，不僅改善了人們的生活品質，更促進了經濟發展，提升麻州的全球競爭力。

麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華（Philip Eng）指出，Kendall/MIT 紅線地鐵站第10繁忙。
（周菊子攝）

    奚莉州長也數算了過去3年半年，MBTA的具體成績，包括消除全系統慢速區，解決了長達20年的痼疾，每個工作日平均為乘客累計節省240萬分鐘，而且提升了車速，增加了班次，新的車廂也陸續上線。MBTA還65年來首次的恢復了南海岸（South Coast）通勤鐵路服務， 新增波士頓渡輪航線， 導入手機或信用卡的直接感應支付，推出全系統首個低收入優惠票價方案 ，搭乘人數回升至近年新高。

麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華（Philip Eng）指出，從世界盃足賽場館到南車站只要1小時。
（周菊子攝）

    在MBTA總經理之外，兼任麻州交通廳代理廳長的伍偉華指出，肯德爾／麻省理工學院（Kendall/MIT Station）地鐵站是第10繁忙的地鐵站，每天有1萬多名乘客進出。整個翻修工程是2020年起，累計投入超過4.4億美元來改善MBTA基礎設施的結果，其中3.3億美元是在奚莉政府任內促成的。

劍橋市經理黃義安讚許麻州長Maura Healey的重視交通、住宅及創新經濟。
（周菊子攝）

    伍偉華還提到，Foxborough站整修完成的效果，在世界杯足球賽來到波士頓之際尤其顯著，球迷們從球場座位到南車站月台，現在只要大約一個小時。

政要及機構代表在地鐵站前合影。（周菊子攝）

    劍橋市經理黃義安感謝奚莉州長把交通、住宅和經濟發展列為施政優先項目，稱那是麻州和劍橋市當前的最迫切課題。這個地鐵站的翻修竣工，是各方合作的結果。其中BXP在新商辦開發暗中納入「創新分區（innovation zoning）」條款，強制保留一定比例的商業樓宇面積給新創企業及創業家使用，讓原本負擔不起肯德爾廣場租金的小型新創得以留在這生態系統中，是肯德爾廣場能持續成為創新中心的機制。

剪綵慶祝還請來小提琴家表演。（周菊子攝）

    今日出席典禮的其他人包括，劍橋市長蘇姆布爾・西迪基（Sumbul Siddiqui）、BXP開發部門資深副總裁傑夫・羅文伯格（Jeff Lowenberg）、麻省理工學院投資管理公司（MITIMCO）不動產共同總監班傑明・拉弗里（Benjamin Lavery），以及麻州參議員薩爾・迪多梅尼科（Sal DiDomenico）、麻州眾議員麥克・康納利（Mike Connolly）。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Major Upgrades at Kendall/MIT Station 

Kendall/MIT 紅線地鐵站靠近谷歌辦公室所在的進出口。（周菊子攝）

Collaboration between the MBTA, MIT and BXP delivers modern improvements for riders and the Kendall Square community 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today joined the MBTA, BXP, MIT Investment Management Company (MITIMCO), the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and local leaders to celebrate the completion of major improvements at Kendall/MIT Station on the Red Line and highlight how partnerships between the public and private sectors are helping to modernize the MBTA and strengthen Massachusetts' economy. 

Kendall/MIT 紅線地鐵站靠近MIT的進出口。（周菊子攝）

Serving one of the world's leading innovation districts, Kendall/MIT Station connects thousands of workers, students, researchers and visitors to jobs, businesses and educational opportunities every day. 

The renovated station entrances provide riders with safer, more accessible and modern access to one of the busiest transit stations in Massachusetts. The project was made possible through a partnership between the MBTA, MIT, BXP and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, demonstrating how public-private collaboration can improve transportation infrastructure while supporting continued economic growth. 

"Every day, thousands of people rely on Kendall/MIT Station to get to work, class, medical appointments and home to their families," said Governor Maura Healey. "These improvements will make those trips safer, more reliable, and will create a better experience for everyone who passes through this station. This project shows what's possible when government, businesses and community partners work together to invest in modern transportation infrastructure that supports housing, jobs and economic growth. We're grateful to MIT, BXP, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and the MBTA for their partnership in making these improvements possible." 

"Kendall Square is one of the world's leading centers of innovation, and it deserves a transit system that reflects that," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "These improvements make it easier for people to get where they need to go while strengthening one of Massachusetts' most important economic engines. This partnership is a great example of how we can work together to deliver better infrastructure and stronger communities." 

The improvements include fully renovated inbound and outbound station entrances with new elevators, escalators, stairways and upgraded public spaces, making the station easier to access for riders of all abilities. 

“I want to thank MIT and BXP for partnering with the MBTA to renovate the inbound and outbound headhouses at Kendall/MIT Station. These headhouses are the front door to Kendall Square and the front door to the MBTA system for everyone who lives, works, studies, and visits,” said Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we look forward to building on successes like Kendall Square and fostering more partnerships and transit-oriented development throughout the MBTA system, because when transit thrives, communities and entire regions thrive.” 

"Strong economic districts are built on great public infrastructure," said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. "The Red Line is essential to Cambridge, and it is wonderful to see such a beautiful investment in the infrastructure they rely on every day. With a second elevator, improved entrances, and a rooftop open to the public, we have made the Kendall/MIT Station more accessible, more comfortable, and more reflective of the innovative square it serves. The City of Cambridge thanks Governor Healey and our partners at the MBTA, BXP, and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for an investment that strengthens both daily life and long-term opportunity in Cambridge." 

The outbound entrance, funded by BXP in coordination with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, opened in April 2026 and features a new glass entrance, renovated stairs, an escalator, second street-level elevator, and publicly accessible rooftop patio. 

"The Kendall/MIT Headhouse is an investment in both infrastructure and community," said Jeff Lowenberg, Senior Vice President of Development, BXP. “We're proud to have partnered with the Commonwealth and our local stakeholders to deliver a project that enhances connectivity, improves the public realm, and supports Kendall Square's continued growth as one of the world's leading innovation districts”.   

“The beautiful, new accessible Red Line head houses at Kendall/MIT are a terrific way to welcome the world to the most innovative square mile on the planet,” said Beth O’Neill Maloney, Executive Director, Kendall Square Association. “In Kendall Square we are committed to improving human health and the health of the planet. Whether you cross the Longfellow Bridge from Boston or ride across Cambridge, you will step from the T into the heart of our innovation ecosystem at work plus restaurants, green spaces, public art, the MIT Museum, the Fab Foundation, and so much more.” 

The inbound entrance, funded by MIT Investment Management Company, includes a redesigned station lobby, improved lighting, new public and employee restrooms and other accessibility and customer experience upgrades. 

The Kendall/MIT improvements are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's broader effort to modernize the MBTA and encourage transit-oriented development that creates housing, jobs and economic opportunity near public transportation. 

Since 2020, private development has contributed more than $440 million in improvements to MBTA infrastructure, including approximately $60 million invested at Kendall/MIT Station. During that same period, more than 10,000 new housing units have been built on or adjacent to MBTA property, helping connect more residents to reliable public transportation. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has also made significant progress improving MBTA service and reliability. Since completing the Track Improvement Program, the MBTA has eliminated over 220 speed restrictions across the system including the Red Line. These improvements have saved riders an average of 2.4 million minutes every weekday across the Red Line and beyond. Additionally, nearly 13,000 railroad ties were replaced and more than 250,000 feet of rail. Building on that milestone the MBTA increased maximum operating speeds on the Red Line's Braintree Branch from 40 mph to 50 mph where conditions allowed in March 2025. 

Massachusetts Approves First Three-year Bachelor’s Degree Pilot Programs, Adding to Affordable College Options

Massachusetts Approves First Three-year Bachelor’s Degree Pilot Programs, Adding to Affordable College Options 

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (BHE) today approved applications from Merrimack College and Suffolk University to pilot three-year applied bachelor’s degrees starting in the fall 2027 semester. These programs add to a growing slate of more affordable college options in Massachusetts, including free community college, free and more affordable public four-year degrees, and expanded Early College programs that allow students to earn college credits at no cost in high school.   

Merrimack will pilot 96-credit versions of its bachelor’s degrees in business administration, communications, criminal justice, and psychology; and Suffolk will pilot a 94-credit applied bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and innovation.    

“Three-year degrees will make it more affordable for students to graduate and get the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Congratulations to Merrimack and Suffolk on the approval of these innovative pilot programs. We look forward to monitoring their impact and pursuing more strategies to lower the cost of education for all of our residents.” 

“The future of our economy and workforce require exploring affordable new pathways to degrees and credentials,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Board of Higher Education has opened the door to innovation while maintaining program quality and consumer protections, which allows us to see the impact of new approaches here in Massachusetts.” 

Merrimack College and Suffolk University’s three-year degree programs were approved earlier this year by their accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), on the condition that the programs would also be approved by the BHE.  

The pilot programs are required by NECHE and DHE to be referred to as “applied bachelor’s” degrees, distinguishing them from traditional bachelor’s degrees. Students also sign disclosure forms upon applying, which ensure they acknowledge the pilot nature of the program and possible impacts related to future federal financial aid eligibility, graduate school, and employer perceptions.  

The pilot programs must adhere to the innovation regulations and additional conditions put forth in the Board motions. Institutions are required to share annual reports on the pilot programs that include data on areas such as enrollment, finances, and assessment of progress in meeting student learning outcomes. DHE will develop an additional evaluation rubric and will be engaged in a NECHE review within two years.   

The Merrimack and Suffolk programs were proposed under new regulations the Board adopted in February allowing Massachusetts’ public and private colleges and universities to propose pilot programs that increase the effectiveness of higher education, but may require the Board to waive one or more of its other regulations on degree-granting authority. The Board’s existing regulations require that bachelor’s degrees in Massachusetts include at least 120 credits, amounting to the traditional four-year degree, and the innovation regulations opened the door for the Board to consider three-year bachelor’s degrees, in line with what other states across the country are doing. 

“Massachusetts has made historic investments in state financial aid, and we are continuing to look for additional ways to make high-quality college pathways more affordable for students,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “We want more residents to access college, complete their degrees and graduate ready to launch their careers, and that requires both strong investments and new ideas. With a measured, thoughtful approach to welcoming and piloting new ideas, Massachusetts is well positioned to maintain our leadership in innovation and higher education.”  

“Many students need to launch their careers sooner to support themselves and their families, and these pilots explore how we can grow options for being career-ready in a way that reduces costs and time to degree,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “After closely reviewing Merrimack and Suffolk’s pilot proposals and engaging with the institutions, the Department determined that all proposals fully meet the criteria laid out by the innovation regulations, which were carefully crafted to uphold program quality, consumer protections and transparency. We look forward to continuing to engage with these institutions as program outcomes become available.”  

 “With affordability as a top priority, we must continually consider responsible, innovative approaches to growing higher education opportunity and strengthening our talent pipeline in the Commonwealth,” said Board of Higher Education Chair Chris Gabrieli. “These pilot programs offer pioneering approaches that preserve core values of a broad general education and a deep expertise in a chosen major and they are structured with careful guardrails addressing consumer protection and a commitment to thorough evaluation to determine their impact and value. If they prove successful, they offer the potential for immediate benefit for participating students and longer-term impact on our understanding of a potential new pathway choice for students who seek it in the future." 

The BHE began discussing sub-120 credit bachelor’s degrees at its December 2024 meeting, and in 2025, the Board held discussions on how to allow for responsible exploration, which formed the foundation of the innovation regulations. DHE engaged with stakeholders to finalize the draft regulation, and on October 28, 2025, the BHE voted to open a public comment period. The Board voted to approve the innovation regulations on February 10, 2026.  

Initial pilot program approval is limited to a maximum of five years and may be subject to conditions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board. The Board may also extend or shorten the conditional approval time period based on an evaluation of the pilot under the innovation regulations, which will take into account sufficient time and data to assess the impact and success of the pilot. 

波士頓市長吳弭預告慶祝美國建國250週年的獨立日系列活動

(Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今（26）日宣佈，7月4日美國獨立紀念日當天，將在波士頓市中心舉辦一系列活動，慶祝建國250週年，從清晨遊行到歷史場址的傳統儀式，帶領市民與全國訪客共同追憶立國精神。

吳弭表示，250年前波士頓引領全國對抗暴政、爭取獨立，今日的波士頓市民依然承繼這股革命精神，她為能主辦這場跨世代的歷史慶典感到驕傲。

當天活動從上午7時30分起跑，各參與單位於達特茅斯街（Dartmouth Street）與柯普利廣場（Copley Square）一帶集結待命。9時整，獨立紀念日遊行（Independence Day Parade）正式從柯普利廣場出發，隊伍沿波約斯頓街（Boylston Street）前行，左轉特天滿街（Tremont Street），最終抵達法院街（Court Street）。遊行隊伍匯集歷史組織、軍事單位、退伍軍人團體、公民社團及樂隊，場面盛大。

上午10時，遊行隊伍將在老格拉納利墓園（Old Granary Burying Ground）暫停，舉行傳統的「榮譽停步」（Halt of Honors）儀式。費夫上校（Colonel Lee Fife）將宣讀多位愛國先烈的生平，並在山繆·亞當斯（Samuel Adams）、約翰·漢考克（John Hancock）、羅伯特·特里特·佩恩（Robert Treat Paine）、彼得·法內爾（Peter Faneuil）及克里斯帕斯·阿塔克斯（Crispus Attucks）等人的墓前獻上花圈。

10時15分，市民可聚集在老州議會大廈（Old State House）外，聆聽從歷史陽台上宣讀「獨立宣言（Declaration of Independence）」。儀式將有號角齊鳴、波士頓警察麥克納爾提警官（Officer Stephen McNulty）演唱「天佑美國（God Bless America）」，以及古老暨榮譽砲兵連（Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company）指揮官正式宣讀宣言，最後由扎巴軍樂隊（Zarba Military Band）以愛國樂曲作結。

上午11時，年度獨立紀念日演說（Independence Day Oration）將移師芬紐廳（Faneuil Hall）舉行，吳弭市長將出席致辭，並有特邀嘉賓發表專題演說，詳細嘉賓名單將另行公布。

市府提醒，當天遊行路線沿線及集結區域將實施臨時道路封閉、禁止停車及交通管制，劍橋街（Cambridge Street）、法院街、達特茅斯街及周邊道路均受影響，民眾出行前應預留充裕時間並妥善安排交通。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS COMMEMORATING AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY  BOSTON - Friday, June 26, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the City’s 250th Independence Day Celebrations, taking place on Saturday, July 4, as part of Boston’s ongoing commemoration of the nation’s founding and the city’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. “Boston is proud to have led the nation 250 years ago in fighting for independence from tyranny, and the people of Boston today continue to embody this revolutionary spirit,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are proud to host this year’s special 250th Fourth of July celebrations for Bostonians and families across the country to honor our history and chart the course for our brightest future.” Event schedule - Saturday, July 4 7:30 a.m. – Parade staging begins at Dartmouth Street and Copley Square 9:00 a.m. – Independence Day Parade steps off from Copley Square 10:00 a.m. – Halt of Honors Ceremony at Old Granary Burying Ground 10:15 a.m. – Reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Old State House Balcony 11:00 a.m. – Independence Day Oration at Faneuil Hall - special guests to be announced Parade and other celebrations The Independence Day Parade will feature historic organizations, military units, veterans groups, civic organizations, musicians, and community participants as it proceeds from Copley Square through downtown Boston.   At 9:00 a.m., the parade will step off promptly from Copley Square. At 10:00 a.m., the parade will pause at the Old Granary Burying Ground for the traditional Halt of Honors ceremony. During the ceremony, Colonel Lee Fife will read biographies of notable patriots and wreaths will be placed at the graves of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, Peter Faneuil, and Crispus Attucks.  At 10:15 a.m., the public is invited to gather outside the Old State House for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence from the historic balcony. The ceremony will feature a trumpet call, a performance of “God Bless America” by Boston Police Officer Stephen McNulty, remarks from Mayor Wu, and the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. The reading will conclude with patriotic music performed by the Zarba Military Band. At 11:00 a.m. the annual Independence Day Oration will take place in Faneuil Hall. The program will include musical performances by the Zarba Military Band, remarks from Mayor Michelle Wu, a featured Independence Day Oration, and additional observances honoring the nation’s founding and Boston’s historic contributions to American independence. Parade route The parade will begin at Copley Square and proceed down Boylston Street, turn left onto Tremont Street, and end at Court Street. A detailed map of the parade route is available at this link.

Residents and visitors should expect temporary street closures, parking restrictions, and traffic delays in the vicinity of the parade route and staging areas throughout the morning. Street occupancy and parking restrictions will be in effect on portions of Cambridge Street, Court Street, Dartmouth Street, and surrounding roadways.  For additional information, visit Boston.gov

Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff Corrects the Record about Cynical Smear Campaign Aimed at Lexington, MA Principal 

LEXINGTON, MA – It’s not every day a principal’s email to middle schoolers makes international news. But when Dr. Johnny Cole recently emailed seventh graders at Diamond Middle School in Lexington, Mass., his message lit up pro-Israeli-government social media accounts. The issue? Dr. Cole had apologized for a misguided session about antisemitism that left some of his students feeling “left out or erased.” Within 24 hours, right-wing outlets FoxNews and The Jerusalem Post had packaged the modest apology as ragebait, with sensationalistic and incorrect headlines claiming Dr. Cole had apologized to community members  uncomfortable with Holocaust education. The caricatures soon went viral.

In fact, the objections of Lexington parents and students were not over Holocaust education at all. Earlier this year, the school brought in an outside group called TribeTalk to run a workshop on antisemitism. The event alarmed parents when they learned that under the guise of educating their children about how to prevent antisemitism and be ‘upstanders,’ TribeTalk had conflated Jewish identity with support for the Israeli government. Parents expressed these views in a meeting with Dr. Cole and Lexington School Superintendent Dr. Julie Hackett. They invited Professor Margaret Litvin of Boston University, a founding member of Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff (CJFS), to attend.

“TribeTalk materials and workshops do not teach the Holocaust, they exploit it,” Litvin wrote in a letter to the Lexington Observer clarifying what happened. “TribeTalk pushes the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which mislabels political speech as anti-Jewish ethnic or religious bias.” She noted that TribeTalk and similar groups are “trying hard to ignore the plurality of American Jews who do not identify as Zionist.” Among young Boston-area Jews, according to a 2026 Combined Jewish Philanthropies survey, that percentage is around two-thirds. 

CJFS commends Dr. Cole for taking parent and student concerns seriously. His note expressed an appropriate commitment to include Lexington’s teachers, students, and parents in future efforts “to build something better.” 

The smear campaign that distorted Dr. Cole’s words follows a troubling pattern. Litvin observed that the Washington, DC-based group StopAntisemitism, which took the story to FoxNews, is “known for stunts like placing children’s content creator Ms. Rachel on its ‘Antisemite of the Year’ list.” “Such groups seek simply to co-opt our K-12 education system and public discourse in the service of a foreign government,” she said. “They do not care if they destroy our civic fabric in the process.”

Added CJFS’s Ben Allen, a professor at Emmanuel College: “Jewish people hold a wide range of views on Israel, Palestine, and many other topics. By flattening Jewish identity into a simplistic, pro-Israel narrative, groups like TribeTalk and StopAntisemitism undermine the respectful, fact-based conversations that should be happening instead.”

Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff, a New England Jewish organization of about 300 higher education professionals, works to clarify the distinction between Jewish identity and pro-Israel political views. CJFS advises and supports education leaders at the campus, town, state, and national levels. At this perilous moment, with antisemitism and related forms of white nationalism on the rise, CJFS applauds education leaders who recognize that conflating Jewishness with Israel endangers and marginalizes Jewish people as well as Arabs, Muslims, and other minority communities.

Read Dr. Litvin’s Letter to the Lexington Observer

麻州長簽署「藍色信封」法案 協助自閉症患者和警方更安全的溝通

(Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）於6月25日簽署「促進警察與自閉症患者互動法」，正式建立「藍色信封計畫（Blue Envelope Program）」法的全州性法定框架，協助自閉症駕駛人在交通臨檢等執法場合與警員有效溝通，降低誤解風險。

根據新法，自閉症患者可自願在車上備妥一只特製藍色信封，內附身分資料及個人說明文件。信封的外觀設計能即時提示警員，持有者在承受壓力時可能出現不同的溝通方式或反應，協助執法人員以更有耐心、更具理解的態度處理現場狀況。

麻州大學安赫斯特分校（UMass Amherst）患有自閉症的學生馬克斯·卡拉漢（Max Callahan）推動，促成此法。他表示，自己雖然渴望開車，但一直擔憂一旦遭遇警方攔查，會因為自己在壓力下的反應，被警方誤判為危險或不配合行為，進而陷入險境。他將這份憂慮帶進議會，最終促成了立法。

麻州警察署署長傑弗瑞·諾布爾（Geoffrey Noble）表示，從2024年試行以來，藍色信封已讓駕駛人與員警雙方都能更安全、更順暢地完成臨檢程序。麻州弧形協會（The Arc of Massachusetts）執行長毛拉·蘇利文（Maura Sullivan）也表示，這工具能讓執法互動建立在清晰、耐心與相互安全的基礎上。

奚莉州長表示，這法令有助於改善溝通，減少不確定性，讓每個人在與執法人員互動時，都感到安全與被理解，並為自閉症患者、其家屬及執勤警員帶來更好的結果。

Governor Healey Signs Blue Envelope Bill to Improve Interactions Between Law Enforcement and Individuals with Autism 

 New law establishes statewide Blue Envelope Program to support safer, more effective communication during interactions with law enforcement 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed An Act Facilitating Better Interactions Between Police Officers and Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, legislation designed to improve communication and understanding during encounters between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism. 

The new law formally establishes the Blue Envelope Program in Massachusetts, creating a statewide framework to help individuals with autism communicate important information to law enforcement officers during traffic stops and other interactions. The program is intended to support safe, respectful and effective communications while helping officers carry out their responsibilities and providing individuals and families with greater confidence and peace of mind. 

“Every person deserves to feel safe and understood during an interaction with law enforcement,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This law will help improve communication, reduce uncertainty and support better outcomes for individuals with autism, their families and the officers who serve our communities. I'm grateful to the advocates, families and legislators who worked to make this important legislation a reality, as well as the Massachusetts State Police and the many local police departments that have already embraced Blue Envelope programs and helped lead the way.” 

 “Good public safety starts with communication, trust and understanding,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Blue Envelope Program is an important tool that can help law enforcement officers better recognize and respond to the needs of individuals with autism while giving families added confidence during these interactions.” 

“This legislation establishes practical protocols that will ensure clearer communication and enhanced safety during traffic stops that involve individuals with Autism,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this legislation into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for recognizing the need for these important reforms.” 

"Thanks to Governor Healey's signature today, the Commonwealth has taken a key step toward every interaction between law enforcement and neurodiverse residents being safe, positive, and respectful," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "We have already seen the positive impacts here in Massachusetts, and by establishing this as a permanent program, everyone wins. I am grateful to Governor Healey, Senator Comerford, and all of the advocates and voices who got this legislation across the finish line." 

The Blue Envelope Program allows drivers and passengers with autism to voluntarily carry a distinctive envelope containing essential documents and information that can assist officers during an interaction. The envelope alerts officers that an individual may communicate, process information, or respond differently in stressful situations, helping foster safer and more effective engagement. 

“The Blue Envelope Program reflects the longstanding commitment of state and local police to build trust and support successful interactions with members of the autism community,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This legislation ensures the program, which began several years ago through the initiative of the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, will continue with the full support of state law. In addition to this important tool, public safety officials across the Commonwealth will continue to deepen their understanding of this community’s needs through enhanced training and outreach to neighbors we serve.” 

"The Massachusetts State Police are grateful that the Blue Envelope legislation will expand access to Blue Envelopes for drivers on the Autism Spectrum across Massachusetts. Since launching the program in 2024, our Troopers have witnessed firsthand how these envelopes improve communication during traffic stops, helping drivers and officers navigate interactions more safely and effectively," said Colonel Geoffrey Noble of the Massachusetts State Police.  "The program empowers drivers to communicate their needs while providing law enforcement officers with information that helps them respond appropriately and with greater understanding. By promoting communication, preparedness, and mutual respect, the Blue Envelope program strengthens trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve while helping create safer outcomes for everyone involved." 

“Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are committed to advancing policies and programs that improve safety, accessibility, and equity across our multimodal transportation network,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “The Blue Envelope bill represents an important step forward in supporting individuals with autism by helping to facilitate positive informed interactions with law enforcement. We are grateful to the Legislature, advocates, law enforcement, partners and families who have championed this effort, and we look forward to continuing our work to ensure Massachusetts’ transportation network serves all residents, employers and visitors with dignity and respect.” 

 

“The Blue Envelope Bill is an easy but powerful tool that helps foster clearer communication and understanding during interactions between drivers and law enforcement,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “By providing individuals with autism way to share important information, we are helping to create safer, more comfortable encounters for everyone involved. The Registry is proud to support this initiative and remains committed to making our services more accessible and inclusive for all residents of the state." 

The legislation reflects years of advocacy and collaboration among individuals with autism, families, service providers, advocacy organizations and law enforcement professionals. By establishing a statewide framework for the Blue Envelope Program, Massachusetts is helping strengthen public safety while building stronger relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. 

 “Today, as Governor Healey signs the Blue Envelope Bill into law, the Commonwealth affirms its commitment to individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), lead filer of this legislation in the Senate. “By codifying the Blue Envelope program, we are advancing safer, more informed interactions during traffic stops and other public emergencies — making permanent a simple but powerful tool for drivers and first responders alike. This milestone reflects the tireless advocacy of families, organizations, law enforcement, and individuals with lived experience whose voices propelled this effort and brought us closer to a Commonwealth where everyone can thrive. Thank you to Representatives Mindy Domb and Sean Garballey for their partnership on this legislation and gratitude to Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for advancing this legislation.” 

"Governor Healey signing the Blue Envelope bill today is another huge step towards providing safety and peace of mind to so many across our Commonwealth,” said Representative Sean Garballey (D- Arlington), House sponsor of the bill. “I am incredibly grateful to Representative Domb for her partnership and outstanding leadership on this issue. I am also thankful to the many partners who helped pass this but especially Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz, Chairman Arciero, Senator Comerford, and all of my colleagues in the House and Senate. This work could not have been done without our partners at the Arc of Massachusetts and Sam and Ilyse Kanji and all who have been fierce advocates and champions for this common-sense legislation." 

“I want to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz, my legislative partners, Representative Garballey and Senator Comerford, and Governor Healey for signing this bill into law. I am also deeply grateful to The Arc of Massachusetts, the Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, the UMass Amherst Police Chief, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police, and the State Police Association,” said Representative Mindy Domb (D- Amherst). “It is their diligent work that has advanced this bill into law. I would also like to give special recognition to UMass Amherst student Max Callahan who brought this issue and the solution to the legislature. Max, who has autism, shared how his desire to drive was overshadowed by his concern that if he were pulled over, his reaction to stress could be misinterpreted as dangerous or avoidant, potentially putting him in danger. The blue envelope is a simple, common-sense remedy to this challenge. This bill’s process exemplifies the power of policy when individuals with lived experience share their expertise to create meaningful solutions. Today, we are strengthening the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and independence of all residents.” 

“With the Governor’s signature on the Archaic Language bill for people with disabilities and now on the Blue Envelope bill as well, we are making Massachusetts a safer, more supportive, and more inclusive place for all people of all abilities,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. “The Blue Envelope bill is an important step forward in making activities like driving accessible to all. Thank you to the advocacy organizations, service providers, families, and most of all, the self-advocates, who have come to testify on the importance of the Blue Envelope. Victories like these are not possible without your work.” 

"The blue envelope law is an important step to help people on the Autism spectrum feel safer and better understood when interacting with police,” said Representative Jay Livingstone, Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. “It also proves police with more information that will lead to better interactions. Thank you to the many stakeholders who worked on this important bill." 

“The passage of the Blue Envelope bill is a monumental step forward for safety, inclusivity, and peace of mind within our community. The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts are profoundly grateful to Governor Healey, whose visionary leadership in rolling out this program early paved the way for this historic milestone. We are equally thankful to our legislative leaders in the House and Senate for their overwhelming support in codifying the Blue Envelope into law,” said Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts.  “This simple, common-sense tool provides immediate, essential context to law enforcement, ensuring interactions involving autistic drivers and passengers are rooted in clarity, patience, and mutual safety. We look forward to working alongside the administration and lawmakers to educate the public and ensure this powerful tool reaches everyone who needs it.” 

Dechra 全球總部落腳波士頓剪綵 （圖片）

Mayor Michelle Wu joins Dechras HQ Opening Event at One Marina Drive in the Seaport.
(Mayor's Office Photo by Isabel Leon)

 

麻州報喜訊2025建住宅34,500戶 首年就達10年目標的15.3%

 （Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府今（25）日報喜，「2025至2035年新建22萬2000戶」計畫推出第一年，已於2025年新增逾3萬4500戶住宅，完成整體目標的15.3%。

    根據美國人口普查局（Census Bureau）最新的住宅地址統計，麻州住宅地址總數從2024年11月的307萬3303戶，增至2025年11月的310萬7864戶，淨增逾3萬4500戶。由於新建住宅通常在開發流程末期才取得門牌地址，此指標被視為衡量「已完工、可入住」住宅數量最具代表性的數據之一，可信度優於以往各方慣用、常有漏報問題的建築許可調查數據。

    麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）上任以來，一直把增加住宅供給、壓低居住成本列為施政核心。任內推動通過「平價住宅法（Affordable Homes Act）」、發佈麻州首個全州性的「居者有其屋（A Home for Everyone）」住宅計畫，正式開放建造附屬住宅單元（ADU），並啟動「州有地建宅（State Land for Homes）」計畫，盤點各地公有土地的建宅潛力。奚莉州長表示，現階段仍有更多工作待完成，包括協助更多首購族圓夢、取消令租屋族困擾的各項費用，持續讓麻州對各年齡層居民更加可負擔。

    麻州住宅與宜居社區廳（Housing and Livable Communities）廳長馬提亞斯（Juana Matias）指出，過去麻州351個城鎮各有獨立的都市計畫委員會與建築督察，從未有過全面又準確的全州建屋數據，這還是第一次有了一個完整的整合數據。

    麻州政府正同步上線「全州建屋進度查詢平台（Housing Production Tracker）」互動平台，供民眾、研究人員與地方官員查詢各城鎮的建屋進度，資料將每年更新。民眾可至麻州官網（mass.gov）查閱相關資訊。(訂正標題版）

Massachusetts Achieves Early Progress Toward 10-Year Housing Production Goal 

 New interactive tracker provides the first statewide look at housing production in all 351 Massachusetts communities; shows 34,500 new homes completed in 2025 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that Massachusetts added more than 34,500 new homes in 2025, marking strong early progress toward the state's goal of creating 222,000 homes between 2025 and 2035.  

The new data shows Massachusetts is already more than 15 percent of the way toward meeting the housing production target established in the state's first-ever housing plan, “A Home for Everyone,” which outlines a comprehensive strategy to build more homes, lower costs and expand housing opportunities across the state. The Healey-Driscoll Administration also launched a new statewide housing production tracker that allows residents, researchers and local officials to view housing production data for every city and town in Massachusetts for the first time. 

“We know that we need to build more homes to lower costs across the state. This new data shows that we are making serious progress and helping more families, workers, seniors and young people afford homes in their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “But we know there is more work to do. It’s why we’re getting after it every day to increase housing production, help more people become first-time homebuyers, eliminate burdensome renters' fees, and make Massachusetts more affordable for everyone.” 

“Housing costs remain one of the biggest challenges facing communities across our state, but this data shows that we are making meaningful progress,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Adding nearly 35,000 homes in a single year is an important milestone, and it reflects the commitment of local leaders, planners, builders and residents who are helping create more housing opportunities in every region of Massachusetts. We know there is more work to do, and we're committed to keeping up the momentum.” 

“A Home for Everyone” identified the need for 222,000 additional homes by 2035 to help address housing shortages, expand opportunity and lower costs for residents across the state. In the first year of tracking, Massachusetts added more than 34,500 homes, representing approximately 15.3 percent of that goal. 

The Administration has now launched a new interactive housing production tracker that allows residents, researchers and local officials to see housing production data for every city and town in Massachusetts. The tool provides the first statewide picture of housing deliveries in all Massachusetts communities and will be updated annually. 

There are many ways to track housing production activity: new projects proposed, funding awarded, and building permits issued. In August 2025, HLC estimated that approximately 90,400 homes had passed one of those milestones since the Administration took office in January 2023. But with 351 different planning boards and building inspectors, Massachusetts has never had a comprehensive and accurate picture of housing production in the state – until now. 

“Reliable data is essential to understanding where we are making progress and where more work remains,” said Juana Matias, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “This tracker will help us measure housing production across Massachusetts as we work to increase supply and lower costs, while also providing researchers, policymakers, and residents with a transparent view of what's happening in their communities.” 

Using new Census Bureau data, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has found that the number of residential addresses in Massachusetts increased from 3,073,303 in November 2024 to 3,107,864 in November 2025, a net gain of more than 34,500 homes. The Census Bureau’s new metric measures residential address counts by block. Because homes typically receive addresses near the end of the development process, the data provides one of the clearest available measures of homes that have been completed and are ready for occupancy.  

This data is currently the best available source of information on housing deliveries. Many stakeholders have relied on the Census Bureau's Building Permit Survey to assess housing development activity, but this data is often incomplete or underreported and does not provide an indication of when or whether homes were actually completed. 

Governor Healey has made increasing housing production and lowering housing costs a top priority since taking office. Over the past three years, the Administration secured passage of the Affordable Homes Act, released Massachusetts' first statewide housing plan, legalized accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right statewide, launched the State Land for Homes initiative that has identified opportunities for thousands of new housing units, and worked with local communities across Massachusetts to support new housing production. Together, these efforts are helping to increase housing supply, lower costs and expand housing opportunities for residents across the state. 

Residents can explore housing production data for every Massachusetts community through the Housing Production Tracker at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/a-home-for-everyone-progress-toward-222000.  

美最高法院允許川普終止海地、敘利亞「暫時受保護身份」Healey 州長、吳弭市長發聲明譴責

麻州州長Maura Healey在州政府大樓召集政要，發聲抗議。（州長辦公室視頻截圖）

    （Boston Orange綜合編譯）美國聯邦最高法院今（6月25）日以六比三票裁定，允許川普政府終止海地（Haiti）與敘利亞（Syria）兩國國民的「暫時受保護身份」（Temporary Protected Status，TPS），麻州長奚莉（Maura Healey)、參議會議長 Karen Spika，波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）等人隨即發表聲明強烈譴責，直指此判決「殘酷且違法」。

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu)。（州長辦公室視頻截圖）

    最高法院這裁決，推翻了華盛頓特區與紐約兩地聯邦法院先前阻止政府終止TPS的裁令。

    最高法院多數意見認為，創設TPS制度的聯邦法律明確排除司法審查，法院無權干涉國土安全部長終止TPS的決定。法官卡根（Elena Kagan）等的少數意見在異議書中批評，此裁決形同允許當局將TPS持有人「直接送上驅逐出境的飛機」。

    此案直接衝擊的是海地與敘利亞兩國TPS持有者。全美約有33萬海地人為TPS持有者，至少5萬名具美國公民身份兒童，其父母之一為海地TPS持有者。敘利亞TPS持有者則為約6,100人。

麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell。（州長辦公室視頻截圖）

    麻州和波士頓是受此裁決衝擊最大的地區之一。

    大波士頓是全美第三大海地人聚居地，約8萬名海地人，其中持TPS者約3,700人，是地方上醫療、交通等產業的重要勞動力。若以整個麻州來看，持TPS的海地人逾4萬5千人。

（州長辦公室視頻截圖）

    吳弭市長在聲明中強調，這些海地裔居民在波士頓長年居住，已落地生根，從事醫療照護、教育、大眾運輸駕駛等工作，是城市不可或缺的一分子。她批評川普政府不願推動真正的移民制度改革，反而將矛頭指向逃離暴力、循合法途徑尋求庇護的人，並抨擊最高法院為此政治操作背書。

    本次裁決雖僅直接針對海地與敘利亞兩國，但影響層面更為深遠。川普政府迄今已宣佈意圖終止多達13個國家的TPS資格，包括委內瑞拉（Venezuela）、阿富汗（Afghanistan）等。目前原本受TPS保護的17個國家中，阿富汗、喀麥隆（Cameroon）、宏都拉斯（Honduras）、尼加拉瓜（Nicaragua）、尼泊爾（Nepal）的TPS已陸續於2025年正式終止，緬甸（Burma）、索馬利亞（Somalia）、南蘇丹（South Sudan）等國的TPS則因移民團體提起訴訟、法院暫時介入而維持現狀，但前景仍不明朗。

    法律分析人士指出，最高法院這次的裁決等同宣告TPS的終止與否純屬行政裁量，法院無從置喙，意味著其餘數十萬TPS持有者的命運，將完全取決於白宮的政治意志，再無司法救濟的餘地。

    吳弭呼籲國會立即立法，為TPS持有者提供永久居留及入籍的明確管道，並以海地克里奧爾語（Haitian Creole）作結：「Ansanm, nou pi fò」——「團結一心，我們更強大」。 （更新版）

MAYOR MICHELLE WU STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT TEMPORARY PROTECED STATUS RULING 

BOSTON - Thursday, June 25, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu releases the following statement:

“The City of Boston condemns this decision by Donald Trump’s enablers on the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the administration to end protections for TPS holders. This ruling is as cruel as it is lawless. The justices have ignored the findings of our own government in a decision that will put lives in grave danger.  

Here in Boston, thousands of Haitians live and work under Temporary Protected Status. Families have built their lives here, and our communities are better for it. They care for our loved ones, teach our little ones, staff our hospitals, drive our buses, and lead us in worship. Above all: they are our neighbors, and this is their home. 

America has needed serious immigration reform for over a generation. Instead of doing the hard work to improve the asylum system and create pathways to citizenship, the Trump Administration is targeting people who came here seeking safety from violence. Today this politically-motivated attack was given legal blessing by the MAGA majority on the court. 

Boston will never back down from protecting our neighbors. We urge Congress to act now to provide permanent solutions and a pathway to citizenship for TPS holders. Ansanm, nou pi fò.”

 

Statement from Governor Maura Healey on Supreme Court Decision Allowing Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians  

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision allowing President Trump to move forward with terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrians:  

   

“Today's decision upholding Donald Trump’s cruel and harmful policy makes absolutely no sense and only serves to hurt our immigrant families, our communities, and our economy. Massachusetts stands with our Haitian and Syrian communities today and every day.  

 

“Donald Trump is ripping away protections from families and children who have fled devastating earthquakes, violence and other humanitarian crises to build safe, productive lives here in Massachusetts and across the country. These are people who are raising families, paying taxes, caring for our loved ones, opening businesses and filling critical jobs. Haitian and Syrian immigrants are our neighbors, coworkers, caregivers, health care workers, business owners and friends. They have become part of the fabric of our communities and a foundation of our economy. They deserve better than this, and I know our country is better than this. 

  

“My administration is reviewing the full implications of this decision and will continue working closely with Attorney General Campbell, community organizations, employers and state agencies to support affected families. Massachusetts will continue standing up for all of our communities and the values that make our state and our country so strong."  

 

Massachusetts is home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the United States, and Haitian TPS holders contribute significantly to the state's workforce and economy, including in health care, elder care, hospitality, education and other critical industries. Today’s decision also impacts Syrians in the United States under TPS. Previous decisions have impacted Central Americans, Venezuelans, and others who cannot return safely to their countries and continue to need these protections.
  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is reviewing the Court's decision and coordinating with state agencies, community organizations and legal service providers to provide accurate information and support to impacted individuals and families. Impacted individuals are encouraged to seek guidance from trusted legal service providers regarding their specific circumstances. Additional information and resources for impacted individuals, families and employers will be made available through the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Attorney General's Office at mass.gov/immigrantresources. 

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka on the Supreme Court's Ruling to End Temporary Protected Status

(BOSTON—6/25/2026) Today, Senate President Karen Spilka made the following statement regarding the Supreme Court's ruling to end Temporary Protected Status. 

"America is strongest when it protects those seeking our help—not when it turns them away.

As the grandchild of immigrants who came here fleeing political violence, I am deeply saddened and outraged at the Supreme Court's decision to allow the Trump Administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian residents.

Temporary Protected Status was created to provide hope and relief to those fleeing nations devastated by war, natural disasters, or political collapse. Today's ruling places families at risk of immediate harm and destabilizes communities across the country, including right here at home.

I stand with our immigrant neighbors, and call on Congress to act to uphold the values of compassion and freedom that make America truly great — and restore these protections."

麻州出現本季第一宗西尼羅病蚊樣本

State Public Health Officials Announce Season’s First West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquito Sample

Residents urged to use bug spray when outdoors

BOSTON (June 25, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of WNV was confirmed by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in a mosquito sample collected on June 16 in the town of Clarksburg in Berkshire County.

“With warmer weather and summer officially beginning this week, it is the time of year when we typically begin detecting West Nile virus in mosquito populations,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “These findings serve as an important reminder that people should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. WNV can cause serious illness, especially in those who are more vulnerable. Taking simple measures such as using a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, wearing clothing to reduce exposed skin, draining standing water, and repairing window screens can help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness throughout the summer.”

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were nine human cases of WNV in 2025. No human or animal cases of WNV have been detected so far this year. No evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been found so far this season. There were no human cases of EEE in 2025.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

“With West Nile virus, it is difficult to predict the amount of activity we will see,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “We encourage everyone to make it a habit to check the mosquito-borne diseases webpages on mass.gov so you know when and where WNV activity is occurring in the state.”

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES MILDRED C. HAILEY PHASE ONE AND $3.95 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR WORKFORCE PROGRAMMING

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES MILDRED C. HAILEY PHASE ONE AND $3.95 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR WORKFORCE PROGRAMMING 

(Mayor’s Office Photo by Mike Mejia)

The event celebrated 223 units of housing, a new community center in Jamaica Plain, and $3.95 million dollars to bolster workforce development for residents across the city 

(Mayor’s Office Photo by Mike Mejia)

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), The Community Builders (TCB), the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), MassHousing, and the Mildred C. Hailey Tenant Organization to celebrate the completion of phase one of Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain, creating 223 new units of housing at 2 and 6 Lamartine Street for Boston residents. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s efforts to create more housing across Boston neighborhoods, deliver much-needed improvements to the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, expand workforce development opportunities for residents and improve quality of life for families. 

“Boston is taking every step to create more housing while expanding workforce opportunities for residents, and the Mildred C. Hailey project shows how we can do both through thoughtful redevelopment,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we continue to invest in new homes and reconnect this neighborhood, we’re also investing in the supports that help residents move forward—with training and access to good jobs—so that this progress leads to lasting financial stability for families.”

In addition to creating housing, the first phase of the redevelopment of Mildred C. Hailey also creates a new community center named in honor of Anna Mae Cole, a transformational tenant leader who dedicated her life to empowering residents in the Mildred C. Hailey community. The redevelopment also ensures residents have access to a new ground-floor commercial space and the creation of Lamartine Street will increase neighborhood connectivity and smoother travel for residents, families and visitors. The two modern, sustainable buildings delivered through this project provide 91 deeply affordable units and 132 units of affordable and moderate income housing.  

“Today’s ribbon cutting marks the completion of 223 new homes for Boston residents,” said BHA Administrator Kenzie Bok. “And at the Boston Housing Authority, we know that building strong communities means investing not only in buildings but in people. This $3.95 million in workforce development funding from HUD and the Cummings Foundation is going to transform the trajectory of residents’ lives, ensuring that alongside stable housing, they have stable, good-paying, and rewarding careers. Together, these investments in housing and economic mobility will create lasting benefits for generations of Bostonians.”

Mayor Wu also announced two important investments from city and federal sources to support workforce development for low-income residents citywide. With a $250,000 investment from the Cummings Foundation, the City is creating a new site for workforce training of proven-risk young adults at Mildred C. Hailey, with programming open to all eligible Boston residents. In addition, the City has also received $3.7 million through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Jobs Plus Initiative, which aims to connect public housing residents with employment, education and financial empowerment services. The investment will create three additional sites for workforce training and career coaching at the BHA’s Ruth Barkley, Alice Taylor, and Franklin Field communities. 

“Cummings Foundation is delighted to support the Opportunity Hub, which will bring proven adult education, workforce training, and career support directly to the Mildred C. Hailey community,” said Joyce Vyriotes, executive director of Cummings Foundation. “This initiative reflects the kind of practical, community-based investment that can help residents build skills, access opportunity, and move toward safer, more stable futures.”

The partners for this initiative include the BHA, the Office of Workforce Development (OWD), ABCD, Private Industry Council (PIC), Best Hospitality Training, Lisc Massachusetts, Building Pathways, New England Culinary Arts Training, PowerCorps, EMPath, Roxbury Community College, Santander Bank, Boston Medical Center, Whittier Street Health Center, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), and Greater Boston Legal Services. 

“This investment comes at the perfect time, as the Office of Violence Prevention and Boston Housing Authority continue to fund strategic new ways to work together. This brings resources directly to youth and young adults who deserve to see these types of investments in their immediate neighborhoods. Moreover, this is also an investment in Boston’s Live Long and Well population health equity agenda that aims to improve life expectancy and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities and also our long-term Plan to End Violence,” said Isaac Yablo, Senior Advisor for Community Safety and Director of Boston Public Health Commission’s Office of Violence Prevention. 

Together, the $3.95 million in awarded funding will connect residents with workforce development training, individual career counseling, and case management. This will allow students to build job readiness, identify and secure employment, and be successful in the workplace. This funding builds on the City’s ongoing efforts led by the City’s Worker Empowerment Cabinet to expand workforce development opportunities and ensure residents across neighborhoods are connected to resources.

“Today’s ribbon cutting at 2 and 6 Lamartine marks far more than the completion of new buildings, it represents a meaningful reinvestment in a community with a proud history and a strong future,” said Andy Waxman, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development for TCB. “Through deep partnership and resident leadership, we’ve created 223 modern, energy-efficient homes while ensuring that longtime residents can remain and thrive. With the reopening of the Anna Mae Cole Center and new spaces for connection and opportunity, this milestone reflects our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and connected Boston.”

"Creating more housing and expanding economic opportunity are essential to Massachusetts' long-term success," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "The Commonwealth is proud to have invested in the Mildred C. Hailey redevelopment to support new affordable and workforce housing, community improvements, and workforce development opportunities. This project demonstrates the impact of strong partnerships in creating opportunity for residents and strengthening communities."

“MassHousing is pleased to be part of this transformative redevelopment of the Mildred Hailey Apartments and is excited for the residents who now have quality, affordable rental homes,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay.