Massachusetts Senate Moves to Subject Governor, Legislature to Public Records Requirements

Massachusetts Senate Moves to Subject Governor, Legislature to Public Records Requirements 

Bill Would Require Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives to Make Records 

Available to the Public, with an Independent Appeals Process 

 

(BOSTON—7/23/2026) In an effort to further expand Massachusetts’ residents’ access to how decisions are made in the Executive and Legislative branches, the Massachusetts Senate released legislation today that requires the Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives to be subject to greater transparency and make expansive documents and records available to any person who requests them. 

 

The bill—S.3200, An Act promoting transparency and public access in state government—provides access to key legislative records, such as voting records, salary information, ethics disclosures, operating expenditures, and certain contracts. 

 

“This legislation is a critical step forward in the Senate’s continuing practice of making the Legislature’s work more open and accessible to the people we serve,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By writing the Legislature and the Governor into the public records law, we are affirming that the people of Massachusetts have a right to clearly see our work and how their tax dollars are spent. This builds on the success of this session’s rules reforms, which were important steps in opening up our work to public view while inviting more voices into the process. I’m proud of the work the Senate has done to get us here and I looking forward to debating this bill next week.” 

 

“These important public records reforms would expand the public’s direct access to government records, strengthen transparency, and improve our ability to hold our government accountable,” said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. “We strongly support the Senate’s thoughtful bill and appreciate the Legislature taking necessary steps to improve transparency within a framework that is legally defensible. This historic expansion of our public records law builds on proposals that we and fellow advocates have long promoted, and we look forward to seeing it enacted into law.” 

 

“For too long, Massachusetts has remained one of the only states in the country where the press and the public cannot access records of the Legislature and Governor,” said Robert Ambrogi, executive director of the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association. “This long-overdue bill would finally change that. We commend the Senate for taking this long-overdue step, and we urge its swift passage.” 

 

“Transparency in government is a cornerstone of a strong democracy, and to achieve it requires good policy that empowers people and that can sustain constitutional challenges,” said Geoff Foster, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. “That’s why we’re thrilled to support legislation that is being advanced by the Senate that would take the historic step of finally subjecting both the Governor’s office and the Legislature to a public records law which has been a top legislative priority for Common Cause Massachusetts and our members for decades.” 

 

Modeling its approach to legislative records access after Pennsylvania’s ‘Right-to-Know Law,’ the bill outlines the process for members of the public to request legislative records, including an appeal process before the Judicial Branch—independent of the Legislature or Executive—for denied requests. 

 

The legislation also boosts the transparency of the Executive Branch and opens access to records created by the Governor’s Office. 

 

Like the process for requesting legislative records, any person could submit a records request to the Governor’s Office, which would have 10 days to produce responsive documents. 

 

Requestors would be able to appeal a denied request from the Governor’s Office to a division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and then to the Superior Court. 

 

All public access provisions would take effect at the start of the new term in January 2027. 

 

The Senate plans to take up the transparency legislation at a formal session on July 30, 2026. 

 

The bill was reported to the full Senate today by the Committee on Ways and Means. A previous version was passed by the House of Representatives. 

 

Full details of the legislation are available in fact sheets in the Senate press room. 

 

All votes taken at the committee and chamber levels are processed by the Clerk and publicly posted on the Legislature’s website.

Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Announce $12.3 Million to Support Life Sciences Education and Workforce Development

Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Announce $12.3 Million to Support Life Sciences Education and Workforce Development 

68 Awards Expand Access to Hands-on Life Sciences Learning Across Massachusetts 

WALTHAM – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) announced $12.3 million in funding through the MLSC’s Education and Workforce Development Grant Program.  

A total of 68 awards will support more than 400 public schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations across Massachusetts through four tracks: Elementary and Secondary Education, Out-of-School Time (OST), Post-secondary Education and Training, and “Gamechanger” matching grants. Together, these investments will expand access to hands-on life sciences education, OST learning opportunities, industry-aligned certificate and degree programs, and transformational workforce development initiatives that strengthen Massachusetts’ life sciences talent pipeline and prepare learners for careers in the life sciences. 

"Our life sciences industry is one of the biggest reasons Massachusetts continues to lead in innovation and economic opportunity," said Governor Maura Healey. "These investments will prepare more students for high-demand careers, strengthen our workforce and ensure companies can continue growing and creating jobs right here in Massachusetts." 

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that students of all ages have access to the education and training needed to thrive in the life sciences,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By supporting learning opportunities from kindergarten through post-secondary education, these investments will strengthen our workforce while expanding opportunity for communities in every corner of the state.” 

Since the inception of the Life Sciences Initiative, the MLSC has invested more than $240 million through various programs supporting education and workforce training that strengthens the state’s life sciences talent pipeline. These investments have supported more than 478 public schools, 30 nonprofit organizations, and 65 colleges and universities across all 14 Massachusetts counties and every Gateway City, expanding access to life sciences learning opportunities and training initiatives for residents in the state.  

“The life sciences are foundational to Massachusetts’ economy, and maintaining our leadership in this ecosystem depends on building a strong, skilled workforce,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Co-Chair of the MLSC Board of Directors. “These investments strengthen the connection between education and industry, ensuring residents across the Commonwealth have the opportunities and resources they need to pursue rewarding careers while helping Massachusetts life sciences companies meet the workforce demands required to drive the next generation of groundbreaking discoveries.” 

“Massachusetts maintains its leadership in the life sciences by investing early in the next generation of talent and ensuring that students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-relevant curricula,” said MLSC President and CEO Kirk Taylor, MD. “These investments also ensure that low-income, underrepresented, and non-traditional learners from every region of Massachusetts, whether located in our Gateway Cities or rural communities, have the skills and opportunities needed to enter and grow within the life sciences workforce.” 

Elementary and Secondary Education Grants 

The MLSC awarded 23 grants totaling over $2.4 million through the Elementary and Secondary Education track to support more than 170 public schools across Massachusetts. The funding will provide hands-on/applied learning for students in grades 3-12 while supporting professional development for approximately 680 teachers. These grants enable the purchase of life sciences equipment, materials, supplies, and technology that strengthen classroom instruction, build technical skills, and increase student awareness of career opportunities in the life sciences. 

Out-of-School Time Grants 

Through the Out-of-School Time track, the MLSC is awarding nearly $600,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations that provide life sciences programming beyond the traditional school day. The funding will help K-12 students located in under-resourced communities build upon classroom learning through hands-on educational experiences, build technical and professional skills, engage with state-of-the-art life sciences tools and technologies, and explore career opportunities in the industry. 

Post-secondary Education and Training Grants 

The MLSC is awarding more than $7.3 million through the Post-secondary Education and Training track to 22 academic institutions and nonprofit organizations offering industry-aligned certificate and degree programs. Funding will support the purchase and installation of laboratory equipment, materials, supplies, technology, and facility improvements that strengthen workforce training programs and prepare students for high-demand careers in the life sciences. 

Gamechanger Grants 

Through the Gamechanger track, the MLSC is investing more than $1.9 million in two transformational workforce initiatives that will launch new programs or significantly expand existing ones. These large-scale investments support innovative education and training models that increase access and opportunity, particularly for low-income communities, while preparing students for careers in the life sciences. 

Healey州長提名有檢察官背景的Kaitlyn O’Leary 任假釋委員 坊間爭議持續

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（ Maura Healey ）堅持委員會需具備檢察官視角，在2個月前提名出任假釋委員的檢察官被州長委員會否決後，22日又提名曾任檢察官的 Kaitlyn O’Leary，在不同意見團體中引發爭議。

    Kaitlyn O’Leary現任假釋委員會副總法律顧問，曾任地區檢察官及助理檢察官。在全麻州八個選區所選出代表組成的「州長委員會」審查並投票通過後，她才能正式成為七人假釋委員會之一員。

    這提名案，目前處於兩極狀態。奚莉州長和律師界讚揚 O’Leary 兼具公共安全與犯案者回歸社會思維、理性公平；但支持犯案者重返社會者與社工批評州長未傾聽民意，認為假釋委員會成員已大多為具有執法背景者，應優先考慮心理或社工專家。

    由於就在 5 月投票表決假釋委員提名人選前的大約一週，有假釋犯在劍橋市 紀念大道（Memorial Drive ）開槍擊傷路人事件，引發人們對假釋審查的疑慮。

    奚莉州長希望7名假釋委員中，能有至少一人處理過複雜刑事案件，與受害人合作過的律師，她認為目前的委員會成員，缺乏這方面經驗。

    反對派則認為，假釋委員會中已有3人具觀護人獲假釋官背景，再增加一名具檢察官背景者，犯案者可能得不到足夠的回歸社會支持，讓假釋體系走回頭路，

    州長委員會預計 8 月 12 日為Kaitlyn O’Leary的提名舉辦聽證會。之前獲提名的 Vincent J. DeMore III 在 5 月已經 4 比 3的投票結果中被否決。

    一旦Kaitlyn O’Leary 的提名通過，她將遞補 Tonomey Coleman的遺缺。

    假釋委員會每年舉辦數千場聽證，2024 年監管近 3,000 人。

    自 2022 年以來假釋委員會就沒有具檢察官背景成員。奚莉州長在任內已任命 4 人（前觀護與假釋主管、社工），並留任 1 名依 2014 年法規必備的法醫心理學專家。

Governor Healey Nominates Attorney Kaitlyn O’Leary to the Massachusetts Parole Board  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today nominated Attorney Kaitlyn O’Leary to serve on the Massachusetts Parole Board. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, O’Leary will fill the vacancy created when Tonomey Coleman was confirmed as an Associate Justice on the District Court. 

 "Kaitlyn O'Leary has dedicated her career to serving the people of Massachusetts and keeping our communities safe," said Governor Maura Healey. "As both a leader at the Parole Board and a former prosecutor, she understands the importance of making thoughtful, fair decisions that protect public safety while supporting successful reentry. I know she'll be a tremendous asset to the Board." 

“Attorney O’Leary brings extensive legal experience, sound judgment and a deep understanding of the parole process,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Her commitment to fairness, accountability and public service will strengthen the important work of the Parole Board on behalf of the people of Massachusetts.” 

The Massachusetts Parole Board promotes public safety through the supervised, conditional release of incarcerated individuals and supports successful reentry into the community. Board members conduct parole release hearings, notify and assist victims, supervise individuals on parole, and coordinate reentry services to those leaving custody without post-release supervision.   

 

About the Nominee:  

Kaitlyn O’Leary currently serves as the Deputy General Counsel and Interstate Compact Administrator for the Massachusetts Parole Board, where she conducts parole hearings, advises agency leadership, oversees legal operations, manages interstate compact matters, and develops policies and procedures to support the Board’s mission. She also represents the agency in administrative and court proceedings and serves on the State Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. 

Prior to joining the Parole Board, Attorney O’Leary served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bristol and Plymouth County District Attorneys’ Offices, prosecuting serious criminal matters including homicides, firearm offenses, narcotics trafficking, sexual assaults, and domestic violence cases. She played a key role in public safety initiatives focused on reducing gang violence, illegal firearms activity, and narcotics-related offense through collaboration with law enforcement, community partners, and treatment providers.  

She also served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for three years, where she handled complex investigations involving firearms, narcotics, and electronic surveillance.  

Attorney O’Leary earned a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Brandeis University and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School. 

包氏文藝中心展覽追尋華埠足跡 談社區賦權、保留歷史

包氏文藝中心「追尋足跡/雕塑唐人街未來」展覽，將展至10月中。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導） 波士頓華埠社區中心（BCNC）的包氏文藝中心（Pao Arts Center），日前以一場座談，為即日起至10月17日的「追尋足跡/雕塑唐人街未來（Tracing our Footprints/ Carving Chinatown's Future）」展覽，揭開序幕。

包氏文藝中心總監胡善怡致開幕詞。（周菊子攝）

座談。（周菊子攝）

包氏文藝中心總監胡善怡（Cynthia Woo）先指出，該中心得以座落在地，源於華埠社區當年爭取24號地段發展權，接著說明，「追尋足跡」展覽是2018年起，唐人街總體規劃委員會和大都會地區規劃委員會（MAPC）所主導參與式社區規劃，制定「唐人街文化計劃 （Chinatown cultural Plan）」的系列活動之一，用以作為推動社區賦權、歷史保存與社會倡議的工具。

Vivian Wu Wong 展示已拆除的壁畫照片。（周菊子攝）

BCNC（波士頓華埠社區中心）、BHCC（邦克山社區學院）、MAPC（大都會區規劃委員會）、ACDC（亞美社區發展協會）、CCLT（華埠社區土地信託）、Rose Kennedy Greenway（蘿斯·甘乃迪綠路）等機構合作，在2025年8月，為「華埠文化計劃（Chinatown Cultural Plan）」制定了6 大目標、19項做法，以及4項關鍵行動，透過藝術家們的創意設計，讓居民參與表達對社區歸屬感與神聖空間的看法。

在開幕式中，當年代表MAPC參與籌謀，策劃了這次展覽，現已遷居鳳凰城的Anandrupa，專程回來擔任座談主持人，請ACDC工作人員Angela Soohoo和華埠土地信託會的Vivian Wu Wong，回顧歷史，談論社區賦權，展望未來。

Angela Sooho提及母親司徒麗英的啟示。（周菊子攝）

深度參與「移民歷史步道（Immigrant History Trail）」籌劃，還是中學老師的Vivian Wu Wong談到當年華埠內有一面曾文棣繪製的巨幅壁畫，呈現了車衣工人等當年華埠基層勞工生活狀態。由於樓宇改建，這幅壁畫不得不拆，華埠歷史彷如也隨之流失了一部分。

Jean Lukitsh（中）是華埠牌樓電影節的資深策展人。（周菊子攝）

Vivian Wu Wong十分感慨。她說，正是這類未能保存的歷史痕跡，使得今時今日有許多已踏足華埠的人，竟然還在問，華埠在哪兒？

      在抗爭維權還不那麼流行的年代，華埠竟曾有一批母親，為了子女積極參與了「公車接送抗爭（Bussing Movement）」行動，啟發了華人前進會和全美工人中心的成立，也是華人社區應感到驕傲，卻差點流失了的歷史紀錄。

賈桂齡是亞美社區發展協會最早的創辦人之一。（周菊子攝）

        Angela Soohoo直言，華埠牌樓旁以她母親司徒麗英名字命名的公園，也時時刻刻提醒著她，要為自己所居住的社區服務。

展覽中的燈籠。（周菊子攝）

      「追尋足跡/雕塑唐人街未來（Tracing our Footprints/ Carving Chinatown's Future）」展覽刻在包氏文藝中心展出。接下來的系列活動為8月29日至10月18日舉行的「體驗華埠：參訪壁畫」，以及9月26日早上11點在陳毓禮公園舉行的表演活動。

(https://artsandplanning.mapc.org/chinatown-cultural-plan-chinese/)  （訂正版）

華埠居民希望居者有其屋。（周菊子攝）

數十人出席開幕式。（周菊子攝）

麻州保險監理局協商七健保公司調降漲幅 估計為67萬居民節省7200萬元

        (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（22）日宣佈，保險監理局（Division of Insurance）透過重新協商，成功降低七家健保公司原訂的2027年費率調漲幅度，預計為大約67萬名居民與企業節省的保費支出，高達7200萬美元。

        奚莉州長稱，這是簽署新法擴大監理機關對「可負擔性」審查權限後的具體成果，緩解了民眾在高通膨時代面對的醫療負擔。

        監理長麥可·卡爾喬（Michael Caljouw）不僅與藍十字藍盾（Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue）、哈佛朝聖者（Harvard Pilgrim Health Care）、麻省總醫院健保計劃（Mass General Brigham Health Plan）等七家業者達成調降協議，更直接否決了法倫社區健康計劃（Fallon Community Health Plan）提出的25.7%漲幅申請，認定其過高且不符合消費者利益。該否決案目前正處於行政上訴階段，業者仍有權提出申訴[citation:1]。

        麻州州長奚莉去年簽署的法案，強化了保險監理局在審查合併市場費率時對「可負擔性」的考量權重，使監理官得以更積極介入協商。對比先前為2026年節省的5400萬美元，本次協商成果進一步擴大至7200萬美元，直接受惠者涵蓋合併市場中的個人與小型企業投保戶。

        麻州政府近期還推動多項配套措施，包括首度設定醫療自付額與共付額上限（每年估可為民眾平均省下232美元）、簡化例行醫療服務的事前授權程序，以及禁止醫療債務出現在消費者信用報告中，以從多面向降低整體醫療成本。

Governor Healey: Insurance Commissioner’s Actions Save $72 Million for Massachusetts Residents, Businesses 

Commissioner rejects proposed rate increase from Fallon Community Health Plan, re-negotiated seven proposals to save $72 million for 670,000 residents 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced that the Division of Insurance has negotiated down proposed rate increases from seven health insurers, saving Massachusetts residents and businesses a projected $72 million in health care premiums for 2027.   

The Division of Insurance re-negotiated lower rates with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, INC., Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Health New England, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Tufts Health Public Plans, United Healthcare and WellSense Health Plan. These efforts will result in savings for the approximately 670,000 Massachusetts residents and businesses who are enrolled in these plans in the Massachusetts merged market. 

Commissioner Michael Caljouw also rejected Fallon Community Health Plan’s proposed 25.7% rate increase for being excessive and inconsistent with his responsibility to Massachusetts consumers and businesses. This disapproval is now subject to an administrative appeal process should the insurance company choose one. 

“Massachusetts residents and businesses are already struggling with the high cost of health care. Nobody can afford massive increases in their health insurance premiums on top of that,” said Governor Healey. “Commissioner Caljouw and his team are always looking for ways to lower people’s costs – whether that’s by capping co-pays and deductibles or removing prior authorizations. Now, he’s saving people tens of millions of dollars next year by negotiating with affordability as his focus.” 

Last year, Governor Healey signed legislation that increased the Division of Insurance’s consideration of affordability during his review of the merged market rate filings. As a result, Commissioner Caljouw was able to initially save residents and businesses $54 million in 2026 by re-negotiating rate increases. 

Governor Healey has also taken action to cap health care co-pays and deductibles for the first time in Massachusetts history, and further lowered that cap this year to save people an estimated average of $232 per year. She also eliminated prior authorization requirements for many routine and essential health care services, reducing delays and administrative costs for patients and providers, and prohibited medical debt from appearing on consumer credit reports. 

2027 波士頓馬拉松9/14~18 報名 新隨機抽選將讓1000名達標未入圍者參賽

 （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓體育協會 (BAA) 宣佈，第131屆波士頓馬拉松賽訂2027 年 4 月 19 日舉行，將於9月14至18日接受報名，為期五天，並首次增設「達標者隨機抽選」環節，讓 1,000名達到參賽標準，卻未能入圍的跑者參賽。

所有達到參賽資格標準的跑者，不論報名先後，在接受報名期限內，均可經由B.A.A.官方平台「選手村（Athletes' Village）」遞交申請，

在報名截止後，主辦單位將先依慣例審核所有申請，並按各年齡與性別組別，以成績超出標準程度排序，錄取最頂尖跑者，並據以制定今年的「入圍門檻」。

2027年賽事的新增亮點是，凡是成績達標、但未能擠進入圍名單的申請者，將自動納入「波士頓達標者抽選」機制，由系統隨機抽出約1,000名幸運跑者，直接獲得參賽資格。

B.A.A.總裁暨執行長Jack Fleming表示：「波士頓馬拉松每年都吸引全球頂尖跑者齊聚，達標制度向來備受推崇。但隨著競技水準不斷提升，BAA希望透過這項抽選機制，給每一位辛苦達到標準的跑者，保留一份參賽的希望與機會。」

B.A.A.還宣佈了兩項重要變革。一是2027年報名將首次採用「下坡賽道時間調整」措施，凡跑者提交的達標成績出自淨下降高度超過1,500英尺（約457公尺）的賽道，將按公式進行時間校正。其次是，2028年波士頓馬拉松的達標成績窗口，將於2026年9月19日，也就是2027年報名結束隔日正式啟動，持續開放至2027年9月的下一屆報名週為止，且2028年的達標標準將與2027年相同。

所有報名者將於2026年10月初接獲錄取與否通知。更多詳細規範與達標成績標準，請見B.A.A.官方網站（www.baa.org）。

麻州集資50萬美元為400名高中生擴大應用學習人工智慧機會

     （Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府7月22日宣佈，投資50萬美元，為400名公立高中生提供擴大應用學習人工智慧（AI）機會，參加有產業導師指導，能完成符合先進製造、醫療、清潔能源與生技等產業需求的AI專案，以縮短學用落差，為未來職涯鋪路。

        這項付費、虛擬的暑期實習計畫，經費來自麻州STEM諮議會（STEM Advisory Council）提供的25萬美元，以及教育科技組織Britebound的等額慈善捐款，將由麻州AI中心（MA AI Hub）與工作本位學習聯盟（WBLA）共同執行。學生每週參加2至3小時的線上協作，針對企業實際挑戰提出AI解決方案，企業導師則藉此低門檻模式參與人才培育。

        教育廳長史蒂夫·澤里克（Dr. Steve Zrike）強調，這計畫可幫助學生理解未來職涯實況，並學習倫理與負責任地使用AI。經濟發展廳長艾瑞克·帕利（Eric Paley）則指出，這能強化麻州創新人才庫。Britebound總裁暨執行長茱莉·拉默斯（Julie Lammers）表示，付費與虛擬設計可降低門檻，促進多元參與。

        本屆實習計畫開放供所有麻州公立高中生申請，優先錄取已參與創新職涯路徑、職技教育（CTE）、大學先修或雙重學分課程者；共有76所高中、66個學區的學生獲選。

        STEM諮議會共同主席，包括副州長Kim Driscoll、聯邦眾議員Jake Auchincloss及福泰製藥(Vertex Pharmaceuticals )董事長Jeffrey Leiden等人都支持這實習計畫，強調這不僅回應州內AI產業的人才需求，也體現跨部門協力推動教育公平與經濟競爭力的政策方向。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates $500,000 Public-Private Investment to Expand Paid AI Internships for 400 Massachusetts Students  

 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today celebrated a $500,000 public-private investment to expand applied artificial intelligence (AI) learning opportunities for 400 public high school students across Massachusetts. Through paid, virtual internships this summer, students from 76 high schools across 66 school districts are collaborating with industry mentors on applied AI projects, developing deliverables aligned to real business needs across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, clean energy, and biotechnology. 

 

This announcement was at the Quarterly Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council Meeting at Britebound in Boston. The Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council brings together leaders from education, industry, and government to advance three statewide priorities: STEM skills through applied learning, guided pathways to college and careers, and alignment with workforce needs through employer partnerships. The paid AI internship program advances all three priorities by giving students hands-on AI experience, connecting them with industry mentors, and preparing them for high-demand careers. 

 

“Career-connected learning means helping high school students understand what a future career can look like in practice—and ensuring those opportunities are accessible to every student, regardless of background or circumstance,” said Education Secretary Dr. Steve Zrike. “We’re opening doors for hundreds of young people to build the skills they need for the jobs of the future, including how to use AI ethically and responsibly, and we’re grateful to partners like Britebound for helping us expand that opportunity.” 

 

This AI internship opportunity is funded through $250,000 from the administration’s STEM Advisory Council with a philanthropic match from Britebound. The Massachusetts AI Hub (MA AI Hub), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), is administering the program in partnership with the Work-Based Learning Alliance (WBLA), a national leader in connecting high school students to real-world business challenges through structured, virtual internships.

 

"Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the world of work, and students deserve the opportunity to build the skills and confidence they'll need to succeed in that future," said Julie Lammers, President and CEO of Britebound. "We're proud to support this initiative because it combines paid, real-world experience with meaningful mentorship, helping more young people explore what's possible while expanding access to the careers of tomorrow." 

 

Employers and industry leaders serve as mentors, helping students build practical AI skills by working on real-world business challenges while strengthening the state's future workforce. Through the Work-Based Learning Alliance's fully virtual model, mentors support student teams for two to three hours per week as they develop AI-enabled solutions and deliverables aligned to real business needs. This flexible, turnkey approach makes it easy for organizations to participate while helping cultivate the next generation of AI talent and gaining fresh perspectives on business challenges.  

 

"Building the workforce of the future starts with giving students opportunities to apply new technologies like AI in real-world settings," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "By connecting students with real AI projects and industry mentors, we're strengthening the talent pipeline that will keep Massachusetts at the forefront of innovation while expanding opportunity for students across the state." 

 

"Work-based learning opportunities including paid internships provide students with tools to succeed in an ever-changing economy and helps Massachusetts employers prepare the next generation to be part of our future workforce," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. "This initiative and others like it are essential for students as they gain new learning experiences to responsibly use AI combined with mentorship and other values gained in the workplace as we build a strong talent pipeline across Massachusetts.”  

 

"The best way to prepare young people for an AI-enabled future is to let them experience it. These paid internships give students the opportunity to apply AI to real business projects while providing employers with a practical, low-lift way to help shape the Commonwealth's future workforce," said Work-Based Learning Alliance Executive Director Prue Clifford. "Expanding access at scale requires sustained collaboration and WBLA is proud to deliver these opportunities alongside our partners. By providing the infrastructure that removes barriers for students, educators and employers, we're helping build the capacity to make high-quality, career-connected learning equitable, scalable and accessible to more young people across Massachusetts." 

 

By eliminating transportation barriers and offering paid opportunities, the program is designed to broaden participation in career-connected learning and ensure students from all regions of the state can engage in high-quality STEM experiences. Students enrolled in Innovation Career Pathways, Career Technical Education (CTE), Early College, and Dual Enrollment programs receive priority placement, though the opportunity is open to all Massachusetts public high school students.  

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity for high school students to participate in career-connected learning and learn about in-demand industries in Massachusetts,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Offering these paid and virtual internships creates opportunities for more students to learn about AI-focused work in the Commonwealth.”  

 

“Introducing younger generations to AI-focused technology and exposing them to careers in the field early on, will help Massachusetts remain at the forefront of the industry,” said MassTech CEO Carolyn Kirk. “As a global leader in the development, deployment and governance of AI, the MA AI Hub is able to provide students the resources they need to learn about AI while connecting them with leaders and executives currently forging the industry.” 

 

The STEM Advisory Council was established to expand access to high-quality STEM education for students across Massachusetts and is currently co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, U.S. Congressman Jake Auchincloss, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Chairman, President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey Leiden. 

AAJA 反對國土安全局修訂公共負擔最終規則 憂慮官員裁量權過大

    (Boston Orange編譯) 亞裔美國人促進正義協會（AAAJ）7月21日發表聲明，強烈反對國土安全部修訂公共負擔最終規則。該協會警告，新政取消重要保護措施並擴大官員裁量權，將引發寒蟬效應，威脅無數混合身分移民家庭的福祉。

    作為全美最大的亞裔民權聯盟，AAAJ曾聯合57個團體敦促國土安全部撤回政策。AAJA指出，新政撤銷了2022年規則的關鍵保障，賦予移民官員過大裁量權，恐導致決策不一與偏見；同時也取消了”移民不會因代表其美國公民家庭成員申請或領取福利而受到懲罰”的保護。

    這項決定對亞裔及太平洋島民（AAPI）社群的打擊將是立竿見影且毀滅性的。亞裔為全美移民比例最高的族群，數百萬人生活在混合身分家庭中。缺乏清晰指導將讓許多家庭因恐懼危及親人移民身分，而不敢申請醫療補助（Medicaid）、食品券（SNAP）與住房援助等關鍵救濟，進一步阻礙合規民眾獲取基本生活保障。

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Opposes Final Federal Public Charge Rule

Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the nation’s largest affiliation of independent Asian American civil rights organizations, issues the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule on public charge regulations.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice is deeply opposed to the Department of Homeland Security's rescission of key provisions of the 2022 Public Charge Rule. When this policy was first proposed, our affiliation and 57 partner organizations urged DHS to withdraw it, warning that the changes would create fear, confusion, and harmful consequences for immigrant families. 

By removing clear guardrails and giving immigration officials more discretion, the new policy risks inconsistent and biased decision-making in public charge determinations. It also eliminates important protections that clarified immigrants would not be penalized for applying for or receiving benefits on behalf of their U.S. citizen family members.

Mixed-status households, which are common in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, will be substantially harmed by these new public charge policies. The lack of clear guidance will lead families to forgo essential programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance out of fear that it could jeopardize a loved one's immigration future. History has shown that confusion surrounding public charge policies produces a chilling effect that discourages eligible families from seeking healthcare and other critical support. The effects of this decision on our communities will be immediate and devastating.

Asian Americans have the highest share of immigrants among major racial and ethnic groups in the United States, and millions of AAPI individuals live in mixed-status households. Our communities are particularly vulnerable to the uncertainty created by this policy.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice remains committed to advocating for policies that protect family unity, promote community well-being, and ensure eligible individuals and families can access essential services without fear.

Governor Healey Launches Statewide Program to Help Homeowners Build Accessory Dwelling Units

Governor Healey Launches Statewide Program to Help Homeowners Build Accessory Dwelling Units 

New program will help homeowners determine whether an ADU is right for their property 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the launch of Phase One of a statewide Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program that will help homeowners determine whether building an ADU is right for their property, another step in the administration’s effort to lower housing costs and increase housing production across Massachusetts.   

The Program, administered by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) in collaboration with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) and previously announced by Governor Maura Healey, is designed to help homeowners access professional feasibility studies to better determine if an ADU project is right for them, including understanding site conditions, local permitting requirements, utility needs, preliminary design options and high-level cost estimates before investing significant time and resources in an ADU project. 

"Massachusetts needs to build more homes, and ADUs are one of the fastest ways to create new housing in communities across our state," said Governor Maura Healey. "Our Affordable Homes Act made it easier to build ADUs, and we saw major interest from homeowners. Now we're giving them the tools they need to turn an idea into reality, creating more housing options while helping families stay in the communities they love." 

“As a former mayor, I know communities need guidance and practical support to turn good housing policy into real homes,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These programs give homeowners, builders and local officials better information at the start of a project and help ADUs move through design and permitting with fewer surprises. That means more flexible housing options in every region of the state.” 

“The Affordable Homes Act created a level playing field for ADUs across Massachusetts,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “HLC is now focused on giving people the tools to move forward. Every ADU that gets permitted is one more home for a family, a caregiver, a renter or a neighbor who wants to stay close to community.”  

An ADU is a small residential living space located on the same lot as another home. ADUs can be inside an existing home, such as a converted basement apartment, attached to a primary residence as an addition or completely detached, such as a cottage or converted garage in a backyard. They can provide flexible housing options for families, caregivers, renters and communities. 

MHP has created a directory of professional feasibility study providers to help homeowners across the state understand whether an ADU is feasible on their property and what would be involved if they choose to construct one. Feasibility studies will generally assess site conditions and constraints, local zoning and permitting considerations, utilities, preliminary design considerations and high-level cost and budget feasibility.  

“Homeowners are excited about ADUs, but many do not know where to start,” said Rachel Heller, executive director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership. “A feasibility study gives a family an objective, professional assessment of what is possible on their property, what it may cost and what hurdles need to be addressed before they invest significant time and money. MHP is proud to partner with HLC to help close that gap and make ADUs a realistic option for more households across Massachusetts.”  

Participation in a feasibility study does not obligate the homeowner to build an ADU, nor does it obligate the homeowner to use the chosen feasibility study provider for any additional services. 

MHP will use information from the feasibility studies to guide future phases of the ADU Incentive Program and identify ways to make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs. The findings will help inform future zoning guidance, financing tools, infrastructure investments and technical assistance. 

In addition to the MHP Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program, HLC launched the ADU Design Challenge to develop publicly available, replicable ADU designs that homeowners and communities can use at no cost. Homeowners can also use the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s ADU Resource Center to look up their property, explore where an ADU could be placed on the lot and review other early planning considerations before starting a feasibility study. The administration has committed $10 million over two years to support MHP’s statewide ADU work, and MassHousing has launched a program offering low-cost ADU construction financing to low- and moderate-income homeowners 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made housing a top priority, starting with the creation of HLC in 2023. Since then, the administration has signed the Affordable Homes Act, the state’s most ambitious housing law in history, advanced the conversion of vacant state-owned land and underused commercial properties into housing, implemented the MBTA Communities Law, created the Momentum Fund, increased housing tax credits and subsidies, expanded homebuyer assistance, established a right to home inspections, banned forced renter-paid broker’s fees and launched the state’s first housing production tracker to track progress toward the state’s goal to build 222,000 homes by 2035. 

波士頓國際音樂節閉幕音樂會 金獎得主等人唱奏名曲

謝幕大合照。（梅芬芳攝）

  (Boston Orange) 華悅音樂主辦，為期八天，包括音樂大賽，參訪藤校及音樂學院，大師課的波士頓國際音樂節，7月18日以一場中西合併的音樂會拉下帷幕，主辦單位開始為9月1日起收件的波士頓國際作曲比賽做準備。

7月18日的這場音樂會，仍然在勒星頓鎮（Lexington）鎮的Cary紀念廳舉行，既展示年輕音樂家的才能，兼慶祝美國建國250週年。

主辦人朱鴻（左一）感謝所有支持者。（周菊子攝）

音樂會在曉梅、貝貝的主持中，由柏克萊 UA 樂團（UA Band of Berklee）以一曲「Armando's Rhumba （阿曼多倫巴）」 拉開序幕。

謝幕大合唱「這片土地是你的土地」。（周菊子攝）

夏菁，胡濱和 Cory Pesaturo三重奏合影。（周菊子攝）

王曉梅和貝貝搭打主持。（周菊子攝）

正式的表演節目包括波士頓國際音樂比賽金獎得主的朱慧晨（Huichen Zhu）鋼琴獨奏弗朗茨·李斯特（Franz Liszt）的「三首音樂會練習曲（S. 144 No. 3）」，Tyrisa Lerttanapaiboon演唱「I Dreamed a Dream（我做了個夢）」，以及女高音Olga Lisovska演唱莎拉布萊曼（Sarah Brightman）版的「Adagio (柔版)」、烏克蘭民歌「Gandzia (漢佳姑娘)」、Cory Pesaturo 以手風琴演奏選自維瓦爾蒂 “四季” 的 「Winter (冬)」，電影組曲「教父」，Hazel P. Hersh演唱英國新銳歌手Sienna Spiro 在2025年底發行的代表作，也是靈魂流行樂的「Die On This Hill (死守到底)」，Sofia Shkidchenko演唱烏克蘭歌手Alyosha著名的歐洲歌唱大賽參賽曲「Sweet People (善良的人們)」，夏菁彈古箏，胡濱奏吉他演出的二重奏「花木蘭」，以及夏菁，胡濱和Cory Pesaturo三重奏「Libertango (自由探戈)」，Sofia Shkidchenko演唱極具代表性，風靡全球的鄉村名曲「She Taught Me Yodel （她教我約德爾唱法）」，柏克萊 UA 樂團演奏「茉莉花」，Sofia Shkidchenko在柏克萊 UA 樂團伴奏中演唱「So Easy to Fall in Love （那麼容易墜入愛河）」，柏克萊 UA 樂團演奏1959年由傳奇薩克斯風大師John coltrane創作及錄製的爵士樂名曲「Giant Steps ( 巨人的步伐)」。

古箏，吉他，手風琴三重奏。（周菊子攝）

音樂會最後在全體大合唱美國音樂史上最著名，也是最普及的民謠與非正式國歌，由美國現代民謠之父Woody Guthrie於1940年創作的「This Land is Your Land （這片土地是你的土地）」這首歌中落幕。

Sofia Shkidchenko演唱。（周菊子攝）

華悅音樂創辦人朱鴻表示，感謝社區大眾與各界熱心人士的支持，從7月11日的波士頓國際音樂大賽(BIMC)決賽，7月12日的BIMC獲獎音樂會，7月13-14日的藤校及頂級音樂學院訪問，7月15-17日的評委著名音樂家大師課，到7月18日的閉幕音樂會，順利完成為期八天的活動，期待將來繼續以豐富的項目，為社區服務。（訂正錯字版）

Olga Lisovska演唱。

柏克萊 UA 樂團（UA Band of Berklee）。

夏菁、胡濱二重奏。

Cory Pesaturo用手風琴演奏。

出席觀眾在海報前留影。

Coolidge Corner 戲院 8/4~26 推出「仲夏搶案」影展放映11部片

         (Boston Orange編譯)麻州布魯克蘭鎮（Brookline）的庫里奇角戲院（Coolidge Corner Theatre）訂8月4日至26日推出夏日特別影展「仲夏搶案（Midsummer Stick-ups!）」，共放映11部經典槍匪片，為民眾紓壓。

        這「仲夏搶案」影展由庫里奇角戲院精心策劃，請插畫家卡甘·麥克勞德（Kagan McLeod）做視覺設計，挑選了多部橫跨不同年代與風格的經典作品，從幽默詼諧的木偶喜劇、法式警匪經典，到重磅好萊塢犯罪大片，非常多元。為使觀眾有最道地體驗，影院還將採用35毫米底片（35mm）與數位膠卷（DCP）兩種格式來放映。

        庫里奇角戲院希望透過呈現精密的犯罪計畫與反叛體制的銀幕形象，讓觀眾在娛樂之餘，也能對社會現實產生共鳴與省思。

        在8月4日至8月26日之間，共計11場的影片為：

8月4日：《瓶中火箭》（Bottle Rocket，30週年紀念放映，35mm）
8月5日：《紅圈》（Le Cercle Rouge，DCP）
8月9日：《大青蛙布偶電影》（The Great Muppet Caper，DCP）
8月11日：《殺手》（The Killing，DCP）
8月12日：《地鐵劫案》（The Taking of Pelham One Two Three，35mm）
8月13日：《邪童魔女》（Danger: Diabolik，DCP）
8月18日：《盜火線》（Heat，DCP）
8月19日：《捉賊記》（To Catch a Thief，DCP）
8月23日：《龍鳳鬥智》（The Thomas Crown Affair，35mm）
8月25日：《性感野獸》（Sexy Beast，35mm）
8月26日：《刺殺傑西》（The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford，DCP）

        查詢詳情可上網coolidge.org。

支持槍枝管制團體稱聯邦眾議員Clark已表態支持 11月大選時請民眾投「YES」

 （Boston Orange編譯）支持槍枝管制團體「投贊成票支持安全麻州（Vote Yes for a Safe Massachusetts）」宣佈，聯邦眾議員凱瑟琳·克拉克（Katherine Clark）已背書支持該團體，籲請民眾11月大選時，投下贊成票，支持保留麻州已於2024年通過的槍枝安全法案。

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）在2024年簽署生效「槍枝法現代化法案（An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws）」，旨在堵塞監管漏洞，強制要求自製且無法追蹤的「幽靈槍（ghost guns）」必須標示序列號並登記，擴大預防自殺與槍擊的「紅旗法（ERPOs）」適用範圍，並全面禁止槍枝全自動改裝套件。

槍枝權益團體與美國步槍協會（NRA）麻州分會為反擊，發起連署行動，已成功的把「全面廢除該法」落實為11月的麻州大選選票問題。

支持槍枝管制人士因此成立「投贊成票支持安全麻州（Vote Yes for a Safe Massachusetts）」的草根聯盟，全力爭取政界與選民支持。

由於選票問題是"Do you approve of a law enacted by the General Court known as Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws?" (「您是否同意/認可州議會所通過之 2024 年第 135 號法案，即《槍枝法律現代化法案》？」)，選民在投票時必須投「YES」，才能達到保留2024年法案的目的，支持槍枝管制人士因此特地強調投票時的選項是要投「YES」。

代表麻州第5選區（MA-05）的聯邦眾議員Katherine Clark表示，「現代化槍枝法」是保障社區安全的基石，呼籲選民在11月大選時投下「贊成票（YES）」保留法案。

Katherine Clark過去在國會推動槍管政策不遺餘力，曾參與奧蘭多夜店槍擊案後的國會靜坐抗議，並促成通過2022年的聯邦「跨黨派更安全社區法案（Safer Communities Act）」。麻州是全美槍管最嚴格的州之一，這場由槍支安全法保衛戰將成為全美槍管政策的重要風向球。

Congresswoman Katherine Clark Endorses Vote Yes For a Safe Massachusetts

Tuesday, July 21, Boston – Today, Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05) endorsed Vote Yes for a Safe Massachusetts, the campaign working to defend the Commonwealth's 2024 gun safety law and reject efforts to roll back critical protections against gun violence.

“I’m proud that Massachusetts is a national leader when it comes to gun violence prevention,” said Representative Clark. “Preserving that leadership – and building on it – requires us to protect the effective policies that are already in place. The Commonwealth’s 2024 gun safety law established critical protections against ghost guns, assault weapons, and more – policies that make all of our communities safer. Now, it’s up to all of us to keep this law in place and continue the work of ensuring every resident of Massachusetts can live free from the fear of gun violence.” 

“An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws,” passed overwhelmingly and signed into law by Governor Healey in 2024, required ghost guns – untraceable firearms that can be constructed at home – to be serialized and registered; expanded Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) to increase protections against suicides and mass shootings; banned conversion kits that turn semi-automatic weapons into fully-automatic ones; and more. Shortly after the law was passed, gun extremists, supported by the gun lobby and the Massachusetts chapter of the NRA, filed a referendum petition to repeal the law in its entirety. The question will appear on the November ballot in Massachusetts.

"During her time in the State House and now in Congress, Representative Clark has been an ally and a champion for strong gun violence prevention policies,” said Ruth Zakarin, Chair of the Vote Yes For a Safe Massachusetts campaign. "Her leadership in Congress has helped advance policies that are saving lives in Massachusetts, and we are incredibly grateful for her support as we work to defend our nation-leading gun safety laws right here in the Commonwealth."

In Congress, Representative Clark helped organize a historic sit-in on the House floor to demand action on gun safety legislation in the weeks following the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. Her leadership helped steward the Safer Communities Act, a landmark federal law to reduce gun violence, enhance school safety, and expand mental health resources, which passed Congress and was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, and she has secured Federal funding to research the causes and impacts of gun violence. 

For Massachusetts voters in November, a YES vote will preserve An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws and ensure that critical protections and comprehensive gun violence prevention efforts remain in place.

波士頓市訂 8/1 舉辦「公民高峰會」 慶祝美國250週年名額擴增至300

     (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）7月20日宣佈，8月1日將在波士頓大學舉辦「2026年公民高峰會」。為慶祝美國建國250週年，本次峰會名額擴增至300人，以深化社區參與並推動多元包容。

    本屆高峰會主題為「我們人民（We the People）」，旨在重塑美國歷史經典名言，納入過往被忽略的多元社群聲音。活動內容包括吳弭市長的爐邊談話、社區領袖論壇，以及由波士頓大學（BU）學者主持的分組研討。

    會議將邀請口語詩人阿曼達·雪亞（Amanda Shea）主持，並由媒體人達特·亞當斯（Dart Adams）主持和平集會歷史專題討論。

    這峰會由波士頓市社區參與長Brianna Millor推動，市長辦公室公民組織部門（Mayor's Office of Civic Organizing）主辦，一連三年都是主要合作夥伴的波士頓大學將提供交流平台；非營利組織「城市前進」（Cities Forward）執行長約瑟夫·阿羅約（Joseph Arroyo）與在地企劃公司 PurpleFox Events 創辦人阿蒂亞·查理（Atiya Charley）亦參與協辦。

    「2026年公民高峰會」將於8月1日（週六）在波士頓大學奎斯特羅姆商學院（Questrom School of Business）舉行。首屆峰會200個名額在12小時內即告售罄，今年因而調高容量至300人。活動完全免費，即日起於官方網站（boston.gov/civic-summit）開放報名，參加者可獲免費簡餐、城市紀念帆布袋及社區資源手冊。

    作為波士頓紀念美國建國250週年系列活動之一，高峰會強調公民參與隨時代演進的歷程。波士頓大學自首屆起即為核心夥伴，而「城市前進」組織則自2025年起加入合作，共同打造基層聲音能實質影響城市施政方針的參與管道。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES 2026 CIVIC SUMMIT

“We The People” Theme Celebrates Boston’s Communities and the Power of Civic Action in the Nation’s 250th Year

 

BOSTON - Monday, July 20, 2026 -  Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the 2026 Civic Summit, a full day event focused on uniting neighbors, civic leaders, and non-profit advocates to strengthen community and civic engagement in Boston. As Boston commemorates the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, this year’s Civic Summit theme, “We the People,” reflects the City’s continued focus on community-driven progress and making Boston a home for everyone. 

The summit will be held on Saturday, August 1, at Boston University Questrom School of Business featuring a fireside chat with Mayor Michelle Wu, a panel discussion with community leaders, and breakout sessions led by subject matter experts, including faculty from Boston University. Registration and a full agenda are available on boston.gov/civic-summit. 

“Boston has always been a leader among cities because of the strong civic leaders in our neighborhoods and communities. Each year, our Boston Civic Summit convenes residents who know our city best to share resources and strengthen connections to ensure Boston is a home for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thankful for Boston’s strong civic leaders who shape our neighborhoods everyday and look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s summit.”

This year, the Civic Summit invites participants to reflect on the evolving meaning of democracy, their role in civic engagement in Boston, and how our city is a home of belonging for all. While "We The People" is one of the most recognizable phrases in American history, its original interpretation did not include many of the communities that make up Boston today.  

The Civic Summit aims to broaden that definition by highlighting the voices, experiences, and contributions of all residents. Through conversation and collaboration, attendees will explore how civic engagement has evolved over time and how each of us can help build a more inclusive and civically engaged Boston.

"Now more than ever, every voice deserves to be heard and every resident should feel seen and know that they are a part of shaping our city's future,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of the Community Engagement Cabinet. “The Civic Summit is the Mayor's Office of Civic Organizing's opportunity to invest in Boston's civic leaders, neighbors who look out for one another, and the volunteers whose dedication strengthens our communities every day. Whether you're a longtime community advocate or looking to get involved for the first time, we hope you'll join us as we learn from one another, build new connections, and continue creating a Boston where everyone belongs."

The Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing is proud to work with PurpleFox Events LLC, an event planning company based in Mattapan led by Atiya Charley. Award-winning spoken word artist and community leader Amanda Shea will serve as the host of the Civic Summit. Boston-based journalist, researcher, lecturer, and podcast host Dart Adams will lead the panel discussion "Public Assembly and Civic Action: The History and Evolution of Peaceful Assembly," exploring how the right to gather, organize, and advocate for change has evolved over time.

“I am excited to partner with the Mayor’s Office Civic Organizing to plan this year’s Civic Summit,” said Atiya Charley, Founder of PurpleFox Events. “Our team looks forward to helping create a memorable community centered event for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and inspire meaningful action in neighborhoods in Boston.”

The City of Boston is grateful for the continued support of its community partners, whose collaboration makes the Civic Summit possible. For the third consecutive year, Boston University serves as the Summit’s lead partner. Since 2025, Cities Forward has also played a key role, helping advance civic engagement and strengthening connections between residents and local government.

“Boston University is proud to partner with the City of Boston for the third consecutive year on the Civic Summit and to welcome this year’s gathering back to the Questrom School of Business,” said Dr. Melissa Gilliam, President of Boston University. “The Civic Summit creates an important space for residents and civic leaders to come together, exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen the relationships that help Boston thrive. We are grateful to Mayor Wu for her leadership and honored to support an event that celebrates the power of civic engagement, public dialogue, and shared responsibility in shaping the future of our city.”

“Cities Forward is committed to supporting cities across the country that are working to make civic engagement a natural and enduring part of how local government serves and engages residents.” said Joseph Arroyo, Executive Director of Cities Forward. “The Office of Civic Organizing and the Civic Summit are examples of the important role local governments can play in bringing together residents, nonprofit leaders, civic leaders, and public servants to strengthen social connection while equipping communities with the knowledge, relationships, and skills needed to build a city that works for everyone.”

In its inaugural year, the Summit reached its 200-person capacity in fewer than 12 hours. In response to overwhelming interest, the City continues to expand this year's event to welcome up to 300 participants. The Civic Summit is free and open to the public with advance registration. Attendees will receive a light lunch, a tote bag featuring City merchandise, and resources to help them stay engaged in their communities long after the Summit. For more information and to register visit boston.gov/civicsummit.  

The Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing is committed to collaborative partnerships and programs that encourage proactive community engagement, awareness, and service in our neighborhoods. Follow the Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing on social media at @bostoncivicorg and visit boston.gov/civic-summit to learn more about the Civic Summit and to register starting Monday, July 20.