MAYOR WALSH TO HOST INTERNATIONAL MAYORS CLIMATE SUMMIT IN JUNE

MAYOR WALSH TO HOST INTERNATIONAL MAYORS CLIMATE SUMMIT IN JUNE Secretary John Kerry, Administrator Gina McCarthy to offer remarks BOSTON - Wednesday, May 9, 2018 -Building on Boston's commitment to leading the way on addressing climate change, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced Boston will welcome mayors and leaders from public and private sectors to Boston in June for an International Mayors Climate Summit hosted at Boston University. The one-day program will feature John Kerry, 68th United States Secretary of State, in conversation with Bank of America Vice Chairman, Anne Finucane, and remarks by Gina McCarthy, 13th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The summit will focus on best practices and steps city leaders can take to address climate change globally and in their own communities. "Climate change is not an issue a city can solve by itself -- but Boston's leadership can be far-reaching," said Mayor Walsh. "I look forward to welcoming leaders who share in our commitment to addressing climate change to Boston this summer. Together, we will continue to make our cities and our country stronger as we move forward on this very real issue." The International Mayors Climate Summit will serve as a critical opportunity for some of the most influential mayors and leaders to strategize, collaborate, and learn from one another about approaches to the global crisis on climate change. Mayors will convene on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the acceleration of renewable energy, and how to prepare for the impacts of climate change, including discussions on climate migration. "Whether the topic is resiliency, emergency preparedness, the challenges of concentrated populations, or the carbon footprint of urban industries - the role of cities in addressing climate change is one of the most important discussions of our time and there is no better place to be having that discussion than in Boston," said John Kerry, 68th United States Secretary of State. "I am honored to be joining our host and my own Mayor, Marty Walsh, and his colleagues in this conversation." "Climate change impacts the health, safety and security of our residents, the physical integrity of our neighborhoods and the well being of our natural resources," said Gina McCarthy, 13th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. "Strong Mayors are the change makers we need to face climate change head on." "We are focused on bringing together the entire financial sector to create innovative ways to deploy capital and create partnerships that accelerate progress," said Anne Finucane, Vice Chairman, Bank of America. "The transition to a low-carbon economy will take the public, private and non-profit sectors working together to create change. The International Mayors Climate Summit provides an important forum to further this work." The summit will take place on Thursday, June 7th at Boston University, a summit sponsor. Mayor Walsh is also hosting the U.S. Conference of Mayors 86th Annual Meeting at the Marriott Copley Place June 8th - 11th. "We are pleased to host mayors from around the world to the International Climate Summit at Boston University," said Boston University President Robert Brown. "The action of cities and institutions will be critical to addressing the enormous challenges presented by climate change. Through our Climate Action Plan, Boston University has committed to carbon neutrality by 2040 and is taking the steps needed to become a resilient campus. We welcome the opportunity to participate in the critical conversations that will take place at the Summit." Boston is taking bold action on climate to become a carbon neutral, climate ready city as outlined in its updated Climate Action Plan. The 2014 Climate Action Plan update serves as Boston's roadmap for reaching its goals of reducing carbon emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change. The goals are supported by Imagine Boston 2030, the first citywide plan in 50 years, that helps to ensure that climate plays a role in aspects of city planning. The city's current climate initiatives are laying the groundwork to advance its climate goals and to accelerate progress. Carbon Free Boston is analyzing the options and pathways to achieve deep decarbonization. The initiative is weighing the costs and benefits of technologies and policies across key action areas including electric power, buildings, transportation, and waste. As part of this effort, Zero Waste Boston is exploring pathways to turn Boston into a zero waste city through planning, policy, and community engagement. Additionally, Climate Ready Boston is bolstering Boston's climate change resilience with near- and long-term planning. It is actively advancing Boston's vision of a resilient city through a comprehensive citywide vulnerability study, a community outreach program, and neighborhood-level implementation projects. All of these initiatives will inform the upcoming update of Boston's Climate Action Plan next year. In addition, Mayor Walsh is a co-chair of Climate Mayors (Mayors National Climate Action Agenda or MNCAA), a network of 402 U.S. mayors representing over 69 million Americans -- working together to strengthen local efforts for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting efforts for binding federal and global-level policy making. Climate Mayors recently released a statement in support of the current federal standards on vehicle fuel efficiency in response to the Trump Administration's efforts to roll back this important policy. Mayor Walsh is also North American Vice Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, an international network of the world's major cities addressing climate change.

波士頓市長將赴愛爾蘭領"城市自由"獎

MAYOR WALSH TO RECEIVE CEREMONIAL "FREEDOM OF THE CITY" AWARD ON HIS SECOND INTERNATIONAL TRIP TO IRELAND

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 9, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that he will be visiting Ireland from Thursday, May 10 to Monday, May 14, 2018. On his trip, he will meet with Irish officials and address the public on Boston's important economical and cultural ties to Ireland, receive several ceremonial awards, and participate in the unveiling of Kilkerrin Rock.    "Ireland and the Irish culture hold a special place in my heart, and are a large part of Boston's overall identity as well," said Mayor Walsh. "Our economic and cultural ties to Ireland are undeniable, and it's beneficial for Boston to continue to embrace, support and learn from other countries and cities. I'm honored that our work in Boston is being acknowledged overseas." While in Ireland, the Mayor will spend time highlighting the importance of cultural richness, acceptance of immigrants, and economic partnerships as well as take time to honor tradition and help start new customs. During his trip, he will attend the following events: Mayor Walsh Receives the "Freedom Of The City" Award - May 11, 2018 The "Freedom of the City" is a ceremonial award, given by a local government to those who have served in an exceptional capacity, or upon any whom the City wishes to bestow an honor. Mayor Walsh will be accepting this award and joining past recipients such as John F. Kennedy, Pope John Paul II, John Hume, Hillary Clinton, Richard Daley, Nelson Mandela, Ms. Garry Hynes, President Michael D. Higgins and Senator Billy Lawless. Mayor Walsh Visits the Emigrant Commemorative Centre - May 12, 2018 Four years after Mayor Walsh helped unveil a stone marker at the site of a planned Emigrant Commemorative Centre in Carna, Co. Galway, the new emigrant center is completed, and the Mayor will be returning to cut the ceremonial ribbon. The Emigrant Commemorative Centre will serve as a monument and a symbolic gathering place for the community and their descendants. The Centre educate visitors on the changing face of the rural Gaeltacht area and Galway's rich immigrant history. Mayor Walsh Joins Local Officials for Kilkerrin Rock Dedication and Unveiling - May 13, 2018 Mayor Walsh will join local dignitaries in the presentation and dedication of the Kilkerrin Rock in his honor. The rock has been inscribed with the words, "To all of our brothers and sisters who had to leave their families and homes, some never to return, in search of a better life abroad," along with the Mayor Walsh's name, the date, and the Irish and US flags intertwined. Mayor Walsh to be Named the First Freeman of Galway County - May 14, 2018 Mayor Walsh is being recognized for his achievements and will be named the first ever Freeman of County Galway, proposed by Connemara area Councillor Sean O' Tuairisg. The title of Freeman is a prestigious honor, ceremonial in name. It is typically bestowed upon visiting dignitaries, celebrities and valued members of the community.

Councilors Edwards, Wu Announce Support for Revised Short-Term Rental Regulation

Councilors Edwards, Wu Announce Support
for Revised Short-Term Rental Regulation

Balanced proposal will enable homeowners to earn supplemental income
while ending de-facto corporate hotels

City Councilors Lydia Edwards and Michelle Wu are backing a revised ordinance filed today by the Walsh administration to regulate the short-term rental industry.

“I fully support the city’s efforts to regulate short-term rentals while providing an opportunity for homeowners to earn supplemental income,” said City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development. “This legislation will prevent speculative activity that has taken rental units off the market, displaced tenants and hindered the city’s efforts to provide stability for all of Boston’s residents.”

“This ordinance offers reasonable regulations of short-term rentals to close corporate loopholes, protect our housing stock, and stabilize neighborhoods,” said City Councilor Michelle Wu. “I’m proud to support this legislation as the Mayor and City Council work together to stem Boston’s housing crisis.”

The legislation creates a framework for homeowners to earn supplemental income by listing a bedroom in their unit year-round, the entire unit in which they reside, or a single adjacent unit in their owner-occupied, two-family or three-family home. Investor units, which have plagued neighborhoods like the North End, Chinatown and East Boston, would be prohibited under the legislation.

The Boston City Council has been working in partnership with the Walsh administration and state officials to regulate the short-term rental industry. In March, Councilors Wu and Edwards offered revisions to an initial proposal by the Walsh administration, many of which are reflected in the new ordinance.

MAYOR WALSH FILES AMENDED ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH FILES AMENDED ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN BOSTON

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 9, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that he has filed an amended citywide ordinance establishing guidelines and regulations to better track and regulate short-term rentals in the City of Boston. The updated ordinance is the result of collaboration with the Boston City Council and conversations among residents, advocates, and public and private stakeholders that reflect the shared goal of providing economic opportunities for residents and temporary accommodation for visitors, while preserving Boston's housing stock. The regulations put forth modify Mayor Walsh's original ordinance filed in January, and further aim to capture the growth of Boston's growing home-share industry, while including deterrents to prevent operators from monopolizing Boston's housing market with short-term rentals. In addition, the regulations provide a standardized framework for regulating these units that both meet the needs of the evolving industry, provide protections for occupants and minimize the impact on surrounding neighbors of these units. "Thoughtful regulation of short-term rentals that balance our efforts to preserve housing affordability with the growing demand for short-term rentals is key to keeping our communities stable,"said Mayor Walsh. "Boston is a great place to live and visit, and we look forward to responsibly incorporating the growth of the home-share industry into our work to create affordable housing options for all." The ordinance allows for greater flexibility for property owners looking to list their primary residence as a short-term rental, as well as for owners of multi-unit properties. The ordinance takes a three-tiered approach to classifying short-term rental units: Limited Share Unit: consists of a private bedroom or shared space in the owner-operator's primary residence, in which the operator is present during the rental. The fee associated with this classification is $25 per year. Home Share Unit: consists of a whole unit available for a short-term rental at the primary residence of the owner-operator (unit in which operator resides for at least nine months out of a 12 month period). The fee associated with this classification is $200 per year. Owner-Adjacent Unit: consists of an owner-occupied two- or three-family building, in which the owner lists a secondary unit as a short-term rental for up to 120 nights per year. In addition, the owner is able to list their primary residence for an unlimited number of nights-per-year. The fee associated with this classification is $200 per year. "This ordinance offers reasonable regulations of short-term rentals to close corporate loopholes, protect our housing stock, and stabilize neighborhoods," said Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu. "I'm proud to support this legislation as the Mayor and City Council work together to stem Boston's housing crisis." The regulations also provide protections for the occupants of the short-term rental unit by prohibiting any property with outstanding housing, sanitary, building, fire or zoning-code violations from being listed. In addition, the operator is required to provide notice to abutters of a short-term rental unit within 30 days of approved registration. The regulations require the unit to register with the City of Boston each year to verify compliance with the provisions of the ordinance, and pay an annual license fee. Penalties will be incurred to any person who offers an ineligible unit as a short-term rental, fails to register, or fails to comply with a notice of violation. To assist with the enforcement of regulations, booking platforms will be required to provide the City with monthly data and information relative to the short-term rental listings that detail the location and occupancy numbers. In January, the City released a Request for Information (RFI) to identify software solutions that will enable operators to register and renew short-term rental units online, and facilitate the enforcement of the conditions of allowable short-term rental use. The City is currently reviewing responses to the RFI. Today's announcement builds on Mayor Walsh's commitment to addressing the housing demands in Boston. To date, the Walsh Administration has committed more than $100 million in funding to the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Today's announcement builds on the City's preservation and anti-displacement goals, outlined in Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030, Mayor Walsh's housing plan, and the housing goals laid out in Imagine Boston 2030, Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years. As part of both plans, Boston has prioritized increasing the overall housing supply, with a focus on creating and preserving affordable housing. Since the launch of the housing plan, 24,454 new units have been permitted. When complete, these developments will be enough to house 48,600 new residents, and begin to relieve pressure on rents in existing housing.  Of these, 4,649 new income-restricted units have been permitted, of which 2,234 are targeted to low income households. There are an additional 4,240 deed-restricted units in the City's development pipeline. Data shows that the availability of short-term rental units has a direct correlation to housing costs. A 2016 study by UMass Boston found a 0.4% increase in rent prices due to increases in AirBNB listings, and a nationwide UCLA student also found a 0.42% increase. In addition to rent increases, the commercialization of short-term rentals in residential dwellings and residential neighborhoods has the potential to reduce availability of long-term housing for owners and tenants alike, and is contrary to the Administration's goal of adding 53,000 units of housing across a variety of income levels by 2030. In addition to creating new housing, the Walsh Administration is focused on protecting the tenancies of Boston's residents, launching the nation's first Office of Housing Stability in 2016.  In addition, Mayor Walsh has strengthened tenants' access to information by creating the city's first online guide to the eviction process.

中華專業人員協會青年學者講座談電腦科技(圖片)

紐英崙中華專業人員協會講座系列，邀得Ultron創辦人楊子逸
博士(右起)，台科大助理教授張以全，刻在哈佛訪學的交大副教授
陳柏安分享。專協會長彭淑敏(左三)，講座主持人Stonehill學院
教授蘇信豪(左二)，專協理事康麗雪等人會後合影。(周菊子攝)

波士頓慈濟人文學校慶母親節 學生獻花奉茶

駐波士頓臺北經文處處長徐佑典致詞。

         (Boston Orange)波士頓慈濟人文學校5月6日慶祝母親節，全校100餘名學生獻康乃馨，奉茶點，感謝媽媽的照顧，會場洋溢溫暖，歡愉氣氛。

波士頓慈濟人文學校齊君明表示，該校每年都慶祝母親節，安排學生奉茶獻花，青年志工帶唱手語歌，藉以提點學生，要以實際行動發揚孝道，傳承中國的人文精神。

徐處長的子女也向母親杜麗雲獻康乃馨，表達謝意。

駐波士頓臺北經文處新到任處長徐佑典，這天一家四口聯袂出席，和波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉一起支持波士頓慈濟的孝親活動。

在會場活動中，徐處長的一子一女，也加入慈濟學生的”感恩母親”行列，向母親杜麗雲獻花，奉茶，表達心意。

慈濟人文學校學生奉茶，向媽媽表達感謝心意。

致詞時，徐佑典表示，以前他在華府駐美國代表處服務時，會送孩子到駐美代表處的中文學校上課，以期子女不忘本，保留讀說寫中文能力，慈濟人文學校做得更進一步，不但教中文，還強調人文精神，要求學生體味中華傳統文化，發揚孝道，實在很難能可貴。他代表中華民國政府向慈濟及所有的母親們獻上敬意與謝意。

慈濟青年志工帶唱手語歌，增進親子感情，場面溫馨熱絡。

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉一向很支持慈濟的活動。這天他致詞時，週到的感謝了波士頓慈濟負責人吳建發，以及所有的慈濟師兄姐，人文學校教職員，指出是他們的辛勞與付出，學生們對才能對我國傳統孝親價值有更深刻的實踐與體認。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供_

波士頓旗袍會三週年慶 展現知性與文化之美

駐波士頓臺北經文處處長徐佑典(中)、波士頓僑教

中心主任歐宏偉(右)與波士頓旗袍會會長馮愛卿

(左)合影

 (波士頓僑教中心訊)世界旗袍聯合會波士頓分會於5月6日舉辦成立三週年慶餐會，安排會員穿著傳統旗袍表演「花好月圓」、「歡樂地跳」等民俗舞蹈，並由京派旗袍表演團以「古裝美人潮」的古裝宮廷走秀相互輝映，展現旗袍特有的知性與文化之美；另，該會邀請多位中外藝文界人士表演歌唱、拉丁舞、「夜深沈」及「洛神」獨舞、二胡與吉他合奏「賽馬」、呼啦圈激光秀、街舞、西班牙弗朗明哥歌舞等節目助陣，並展現正體中文書法及插花藝術，深獲全場300餘位僑社及各界佳賓的好評。

波士頓旗袍會會員穿著旗袍表演「歡樂地跳」舞蹈。

波士頓旗袍會會員穿著旗袍表演「花好月圓」舞蹈。

這場活動由世界旗袍聯合會美國總會副會長曹品慈策劃，他也是波士頓分會會長馮愛卿女士的夫婿，特別感謝駐波士頓臺北經文處新任處長徐佑典、波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉、波士頓市議員愛德華．費連等人撥冗與會，也感謝紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊、全美臺灣同鄉聯誼會會長馬滌凡及波士頓安良工商會、洪門致公堂等個人與僑團的贊助，希望波士頓分會在馮會長的帶領下，積極發展會務，為弘揚中華傳統文化繼續努力奮鬥。

駐波士頓經文處徐處長、僑教中心歐主任分別致詞祝賀該會成立三週年，期許會務蒸蒸日上，也分別代表中華民國政府及僑委會吳新興委員長，向海外僑胞鄉親問候致意，並提前祝福在場女士們母親節快樂；波士頓市議員愛德華．費連也由阮氏公所主席阮鴻燦陪同出席這場餐會，並致詞及頒贈賀函。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供)

中華書法現場揮毫。

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR PUBLIC ART AT DUDLEY BRANCH OF THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR PUBLIC ART AT DUDLEY BRANCH OF THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOSTON - Tuesday, May 8, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Boston Art Commission and Boston Public Library, today announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a public art project to complement the renovation of the Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library. The RFP is for the first of two Percent for Art projects that the City of Boston is commissioning as part of the renovation of the library. The Percent for Art program sets aside one percent of the City's annual capital borrowing budget for the commission of public art. "I'm very excited to see how these public art installations will enhance the design of the renovated branch," said Mayor Walsh. "The Dudley Library has been a pillar in the Roxbury neighborhood for years, and this artwork will only make it more welcoming and reflective of the vibrant community that surrounds it." The Dudley Branch is currently undergoing a $17.2 million renovation included as part of Mayor Walsh's Imagine Boston 2030 Capital Plan, scheduled to reopen in 2020, that will fully modernize the facility. The renovation includes a new welcome area overlooking a redesigned plaza, improved visibility and openness, dedicated space for children, teens, and adults, a nutrition lab and learning lab, refreshed collections, and more. The project has a budget of $250,000 and is for a site-specific, impactful, focal design feature; with a second RFP being issued this summer for graphics and images that will be reproduced and fabricated by the design team to animate interior spaces within the library. The City is accepting questions about the project until Friday, May 18, 2018 by 5 p.m. EST and the deadline to submit proposals is Friday, June 8, 2018 by 12 p.m. EST. "We are thrilled to see the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture incorporate public art into the redesign project for the Dudley Branch, which I hope will add another dynamic visual element and help ensure the new library space is welcoming, inspiring, and of the community," said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. Potential locations for the artwork include a large concrete wall that is visible from many areas of the library, as well as from Warren Street. "The Dudley Branch Library is a valuable 'third space' in the Roxbury Cultural District where our community gathers to learn, convene, have fun and share our stories," said Kelley Chunn, President & Chair of the Roxbury Cultural District. "Cultural representation matters, and so we are glad that community based artists will have a voice in the reimagining of this precious public resource." The RFP is open to all professional artists, artisans, architects, landscape architects, or teams with experience in public art, site responsive design, project management, and construction administration. Professionals from Roxbury are encouraged to apply. "This project will allow us to continue working toward a major goal outlined in the Boston Creates cultural plan, which is to integrate arts, culture, and creativity into the public realm and urban environment," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture. "I look forward to seeing the public's response to the art, and the impact it has on visitors to the space." An Artist Selection Committee comprising representatives from the Boston Art Commission and local arts professionals representing the neighborhood of Roxbury will review the submissions. A contract is expected to be awarded in July 2018. Artists can submit proposals here.