BPDA: 90 income-restricted units approved

Residential projects in Mattapan, East Boston, South Boston and Fenway move forward

90 income-restricted units approved, including fully affordable senior housing development in East Boston

Boston – Thursday, January 17, 2019 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors approved residential development projects in Mattapan, East Boston, South Boston and Fenway at their January meeting. In total, the projects will create 559 residential units, including 90 income-restricted units.

The projects moving forward make progress towards Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s goal of increasing affordable housing to support a strong middle-class. Mayor Walsh has updated the City’s housing targets to support the creation of new affordable housing, increase access to homeownership opportunities, and prevent displacement of residents.

Development Projects

Grace Apartments in East Boston to create 42 affordable housing units for seniors

Live: 42 income-restricted senior units, renovation of 17 existing income-restricted residential units
Work: 96 construction jobs
Connect: Adjacent to Maverick Square MBTA station
Size: 38,250 square feet

Developed by the East Boston Community Development Organization (EBCDC), Grace Apartments will be a new 42 unit residential building serving low-income seniors located on 187 Sumner Street. The project will also renovate 17 income-restricted units on the site’s existing building.

The new building will be seven stories tall and 39,067 square feet. The 3,798 square foot first floor will consist of a community room, kitchen, lobby, mail room, office, and mechanical space. The second through seventh floors will have seven units per floor, for a total of 42 units. There will be no changes to the footprint of the existing building. The tenants in the existing building will be given the option to move to a new unit upon completion of the first phase of the project.

775 Morton Street to create 27 transit-oriented residential units in Mattapan

Live: 27 residential units, 4 income-restricted
Work: 50 construction jobs, retail jobs
Connect: 1,500 square feet of retail space
Size: 39,004 square feet

775 Morton Street, located on the corner of Morton Street and Wildwood Street in Mattapan, will consist of 27 residential rental units, including four income-restricted units. The project will include two ground floor retail opportunities. The transit-oriented project is located in proximity to the recently renovated Morton Street Commuter Rail Station. The developer will contribute $10,000 to the City of Boston's Parks and Recreation Department.

60 Kilmarnock to bring 435 residential units to Fenway, support affordable housing with $6M contribution and 37 on-site income-restricted units

Live: 435 residential units, 37 on-site income-restricted units, $6M to support affordable housing
Work: 500 construction jobs, retail and building management jobs once complete
Connect: Creates new space for K Street Clubhouse
Size: 443,912 square feet

The approved project, covering 60, 67-75, 70-80 Kilmarnock Street and 59-75 Queensberry Street, will include 435 residential units in two buildings, totaling 420,800 square feet, along with ground floor retail space facing Kilmarnock Street, and landscaped areas and other amenities and services for residents. Thirty-seven of the units will be income-restricted, and the project will contribute six million dollars to the Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) fund. The project will include 250 below-grade and surface parking spaces.

The site is well-served by public transportation, and is within approximately a half mile of several MBTA Green Line Stations including Kenmore, Fenway, and Longwood, as well as the Yawkey Commuter Rail Station, and is located on the 55 MBTA bus route.

The site is currently home to K Street Clubhouse, a meeting place for people in recovery from various addictions, focusing on LGBTQ communities. During the construction period, K Street will be provided with a temporary space, and will offered a long-term lease upon completion of the project.

In addition to various transportation and public realm improvements, the project will support the following local organizations:

• Friends of Ramler Park, $100,000
• Operation P.E.A.C.E, $20,000
• Fenway Community Center, $10,000

21–35 West Second Street to create 55 residential units, including 7 income-restricted, near Broadway T Station

Live: 55 residential units, including seven income-restricted units
Work: 2,600 square feet of ground floor retail
Connect: Two building-managed car share
Size: 49,928 square feet

21-35 West Second Street will construct a new six-story building with 55 residential rental units, approximately 2,600 square feet of ground-floor retail space, and two on-site parking spaces for car share services. Seven of the residential units will be income-restricted. The project is located in proximity to the Broadway MBTA Station, which provides residents with access to the 9, 11, and 47 bus routes as well as the Red Line. Residents of the building will be ineligible for Resident Permit Parking.

The project will include 1,600 square feet of additional outdoor seating, public space, street lighting, and associated streetscape improvements, and will add sidewalks around the perimeter of the site. The developer will contribute $15,000 for the study, design and implementation of on-street parking improvements.

MAYOR WALSH LAUNCHES MASTER PLAN FOR BOSTON COMMON

MAYOR WALSH LAUNCHES MASTER PLAN FOR  BOSTON COMMON

BOSTON - Thursday, January 17, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today launched a Master Plan for the Boston Common in collaboration with the Friends of the Public Garden. Mayor Walsh has committed $28 million from the sale of the City's Winthrop Square garage to augment the current historic levels of investment in Boston Common to fully renovate "America's First Park." A major tourist destination, cultural beacon, and neighborhood park, Boston Common is one of the most treasured green spaces in the world. This investment will ensure future generations will enjoy the park in its full vibrancy.   In preparation for these investments, the Master Plan will provide a vision for the Common, building on existing public and private investment and inform the priorities for expenditures from both the Winthrop Square funds and future City of Boston Capital Plans. The funds will support capital investments as well as investments in the maintenance and activities of the park.   "The sale of the Winthrop Square property has given us an unprecedented opportunity to make substantial improvements to our most famous park, the historic Boston Common," said Mayor Walsh. "In order to maximize our investment, our planning process will guide all aspects of preservation, maintenance, and public use of the park as we move into the future, ensuring the Boston Common is preserved for all to enjoy."   In 15 years, the nation's first park will celebrate its 400th anniversary. Mayor Walsh's investment in the Common will build on a series of improvements at Tremont Street, Boylston Street, and various pathways within the park as well as significant annual investments made by the Friends for care of the park. Revitalization will consider the extraordinary level of use the Common attracts and ensure investment that preserves and celebrates this green center of downtown.   "As an essential partner of the City, the Friends of the Public Garden is very excited to participate in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to work collaboratively with the public to create a bold plan to bring the nation's first public park up to the highest standards for the millions of people who enjoy it every year," said Elizabeth Vizza, Executive Director of the Friends of The Public Garden.   Boston's Weston & Sampson design studio will lead the master planning efforts for the Common. Their award-winning preservation work with the Friends of the Public Garden and thoughtful restorations throughout the Common to date give them unique insight into these beloved parks. Weston & Sampson strategically develops sustainable design strategies and carefully selects materials to support their park/recreation improvement and historical/environmental restoration efforts. The firm's successful master planning work at signature parks throughout the region is a testament to their enthusiasm for and commitment to a robust and engaging public process.   As an integral part of an interdisciplinary firm, Weston & Sampson's landscape architects will work closely with their civil, structural, and infrastructure engineers, environmental site professionals, and stormwater experts. With their collaborative teaming approach, Weston & Sampson will deliver creative, innovative, and technically sound plans that can withstand heavy use, New England weather, and the test of time - a vital goal for this landmark park with its complex infrastructure over garages, tunnels, and supply lines.

LANDMARK AGREEMENT REACHED TO PRESERVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE SOUTH END

LANDMARK AGREEMENT REACHED TO PRESERVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE SOUTH END

More than 170 homes at Concord Houses will be protected for at least the next 40 years

BOSTON - Thursday, January 17, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh together with LIHC Investment Group, one the nation's largest investors in affordable housing, the Boston Housing Authority, Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants (MAHT), and Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS), today announced HUD approval of a creative plan to keep Concord Houses in the South End affordable for at least the next 40 years, with the support of the building's tenants.   "As we build more affordable housing, it is critical that we do not lose sight of the need to preserve Boston's inventory of income-restricted housing," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "This agreement marks a positive resolution reached to keep these residents in their homes for decades to come. I thank all the residents for their advocacy, and all partners involved who helped ensure the long-term affordability and viability of the Concord Houses."   "This agreement is the culmination of a multi-year effort to establish a new HUD program that will protect current and future residents of Concord Houses while providing funds for repairs and upgrades throughout the property," said Charlie Gendron, Principal, LIHC Investment Group. "We appreciate the support we received from the tenants; Congress, especially the efforts of Sen. Susan Collins; HUD; the City of Boston; BHA; MAHT; and GBLS in our drive to preserve this property for future generations."    Spanning two buildings located at 705-715 Tremont Street in the heart of the South End, Concord Houses has served as an important source of income-restricted housing in the South End for decades. In 2017, the HUD subsidy provisions governing the property expired, putting it at risk of losing its long-term affordability.   Of the 181 households at Concord Houses, 171-or 95 percent of households-chose to sign a waiver to convert their Enhanced Vouchers (EVs) to a new project-based rental assistance (PBRA) contract to make the plan work. The new HUD contract ensures homes at Concord Houses will be reserved for individuals earning no more than 80 percent area median income (AMI) and is renewable for a total of 40 years.   The agreement also guarantees that current and future tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent, which will actually reduce the rent burden for 30 existing households at the property. The remaining ten households will receive rent protections in the form of EVs administered by BHA.   "Preserving units of affordable housing like those at Concord House is a key element of Boston's housing strategy," said Roger Herzog, Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), which works closely with DND on preservation issues and provided technical assistance in this case. "Congratulations to the City of Boston, the project residents, and LIHC Investment Group, and their partners, for thinking creatively to find a way to keep Concord House affordable for individuals and families in the South End."   "It's a dream to secure permanently affordable housing here -- not just for ourselves, but other people who will be here long after we're gone," said Pauline Durant, 85, a 20-year resident of Concord Houses and member of the Concord Houses Tenants Association. "It's been a long journey. When tenants stay together and fight, we win!"   "We're very elated by this victory," added Adella Quinn, 76, a retiree from Fidelity Investments and 24-year resident of Concord Houses. "We're losing too many people in the South End who are assets to the neighborhood due to rising rents. We need to come up with more ways like this to keep our community affordable."   "This is an historic victory," commented Michael Kane, Director of MAHT, which helped the tenants organize. Since 1983, MAHT has saved more than 12,450 homes like Concord Houses as affordable housing, one building at a time, through tenant organizing. "Saving affordable housing in the heart of the South End will help maintain the neighborhood's racial and economic diversity well into the future. The 171 tenants who signed up to preserve their apartments are to be commended for making this possible." Kane also lauded LIHC and the City of Boston for supporting the tenants' preservation plan and working creatively with Congress and HUD to make it work.   Attorneys for GBLS, Susan Hegel and Ann Jochnick, said they are pleased with the creative and collaborative process, which resulted in preserving much-needed affordable housing in the South End. "It's a win for current and future tenants, a win for the city and a win for the owner.  We hope that this may serve as a model for future preservation efforts."   LIHC Investment Group is undertaking a $7 million repair and capital improvement campaign at the property, which includes a new entry system and security cameras; flooring and ceiling replacement; lighting upgrades in the building's common areas; and exterior work ranging from masonry repair to new fencing and landscaping. Under LIHC's ownership, apartments in the building have already received new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops and appliances; upgraded bathroom fixtures, tubs, and tiles; and vinyl plank flooring.   About the City of Boston's Housing Agenda In 2018, Mayor Martin J. Walsh updated his comprehensive housing strategy, Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030 to increase the City's overall housing goal from 53,000 to 69,000 new units by 2030, including 15,820 new income-restricted units, to meet Boston's population growth. In addition, the updated plan also set a goal to preserve 85 percent of Boston's most at-risk privately-owned affordable units, like those at Concord House. Mayor Walsh's recently announced housing security legislative package focuses on expanding upon the work that Boston has done to address the region's affordable housing crisis by proposing new and strengthening current tools to create more ways to leverage Boston's prosperity and create sustainable wealth opportunities that make Boston a more inclusive and equitable city. The housing security bills proposed for the 2019 Legislature seek to help existing tenants like those at Concord House, particularly the elderly, remain in their homes, and creates additional funding for affordable housing.   About LIHC Investment Group Based in Portland, Maine, LIHC Investment Group has been active in the Greater Boston housing market for over two decades. In July 2017, the company donated its ownership stake in the Close Building, a 61-unit affordable housing community in Cambridge, ­to the nonprofit Just-A-Start Corporation, which develops, own and maintains affordable housing; provides housing resources and services; and offers education and workforce training for youth and adults in Boston. In August 2017, LIHC and Weston Associates forged an agreement to keep 380 homes at Shore Plaza Apartments in East Boston affordable and have since completed a major capital repair campaign for the property.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plan to Legalize Wagering on Professional Sports

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plan to Legalize Wagering on Professional Sports

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced plans to file legislation that would permit people in Massachusetts to wager on professional sports. The proposal would utilize the existing regulatory structure for gaming licensing in Massachusetts, including enforcement powers of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), the prohibition on wagering by anyone under 21 years of age and penalties for various violations.

“Expanding Massachusetts’ developing gaming industry to include wagering on professional sports is an opportunity for Massachusetts to invest in local aid while remaining competitive with many other states pursuing similar regulations,” said Governor Baker. “Our legislation puts forth a series of commonsense proposals to ensure potential licensees are thoroughly vetted and safeguards are in place to protect against problem gambling and illegal activity. We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to pass this bill into law.”

“Over the last seven years, the Massachusetts gaming industry has grown into an economic driver for thousands of jobs associated with construction, hospitality and tourism,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has developed a comprehensive set of regulations and passing this bill into law will allow the proper oversight of the industry’s next chapter in addition to providing critical support to the Commonwealth’s cities and towns.”

The administration’s proposal would authorize the MGC to issue newly-created sport wagering licenses to the current Category 1 resort casino licensees (MGM-Springfield and Encore-Everett) as well as the Category 2 licensee (Plainridge). A current gaming license would be required to operate an onsite sports wagering lounge.  Such opportunities would be extended to a Category 1 licensee should one be approved for Region C in the future.

Additionally, holders of newly-created gaming licenses would be able to provide sports wagering online, or contract with an entity to provide the service. Online sports pool operators would need to be licensed as a gaming vendor and the agreement would need to be approved by the MGC.

Separate from existing Category 1 and Category 2 licensees, the administration’s proposal also allows for unaffiliated entities to conduct online only sports wagering. Online only operators would need to be fully qualified and licensed by the MGC as a sports wagering licensee under the current process set forth by the Expanded Gaming Statute.

The application fee for an initial license would be set at $100,000 under this proposal with the funds dedicated to supporting the MGC’s administration of the application process. Once approved, an applicant will pay a licensing fee of not less than $500,000 that will need to be renewed every five years. In person sports wagering licensees would pay a tax rate of 10% and online wagering licensees would pay a rate of 12.5%. The revenue generated from renewals, in person and online wagering would exclusively go to the Gaming Local Aid Fund to finance local aid distributions, mirroring the current system for directing revenue from the Category 2 licensee. To level the playing field, a 12.5% tax rate would also be applied to daily fantasy sports contests which are currently untaxed. The administration anticipates this proposal would generate $35 million in revenue in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2020 that will benefit all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth.

The legislation calls on the MGC to promulgate necessary regulations to implement sports wagering, including protections for people placing wagers, a cashless system for sports wagering and a verification system to approve age and identity of potential online users. The MGC will also be asked to include the impact of sports wagering on individuals, businesses and the economy in its annual research report, in addition to annual assessments on non-category 1 or 2 licensees to help support compulsive gambling support programs.

Similar to the Commonwealth’s current regulations governing daily fantasy sports, wagers would not be permitted on high school, collegiate or amateur events. Wagers would also not be permitted on Esports.

加州理工學生成立量子信息協會

轉載AACYF

美知名学府华人学生发起成立高端前沿科技协会 开辟学生社团新领域

http://www.aacyf.org/?p=10571

由三位加州理工学院在读华人博士生发起的加州理工量子信息协会（CalTech Quantum Information Association)日前在洛杉矶宣告成立。博士生罗杰为加州理工量子信息协会创始主席，任恒江为协会创始书记，张雪月为协会创始财务官。加州理工学院知名教授、量子信息理论众多奠基人之一的Prof. John Preskill出任协会咨询委员会主席。

据罗杰介绍，费曼教授于1982年在加州理工提出量子模拟和计算构想，加州理工学院拥有量子信息理论众多奠基人如Prof. John Preskill和Prof. Kitaev。目前，这些重要的理论奠基人依然活跃在校园内，同时加州理工学院拥有量子信息领域知名机构 IQIM，校园内汇聚了众多领域理论以及实验方面的顶级年轻教授和研究人员，他们参与领导新一代量子通讯网和量子计算元件研发，同时加州理工在量子信息领域拥有众多领衔校友。

加州理工量子信息协会已经正式注册，协会的人才资源非常强大，目前会员有教授8位，博士后14位，博士研究生80位。

协会的任务包括：建造信息枢纽，人才培养等两大项。在建造信息枢纽时，将会和量子科技工业, 学界 投资业, 咨询公司, 顶级人才广泛联系，汇集前沿信息。在人才培养方面，将组织业界交流、访问和参加学术大会、组织主办前沿研究、学术研讨会等。

目前协会的活跃项目包括：周期性学术讨论会，和杰出学者共进晚餐，与工业伙伴Rigetti Computing合作推出云端量子计算接入服务（第一批资金 US$125,000 资助已开始），于微软Teams的网上讨论平台， 访问工业界伙伴，网站构建：www.caltechquantum.com等。

筹备中的项目包括：网站内容生成（视频，文章，论坛）；筹划年度主要活动；人才培养项目和参与推动Caltech量子工程学位建立；为以上活动提供资金支持。

全美中华青年联合会会长任向东表示，加州理工量子信息协会高起点、聚焦高端前沿科技。不仅获得了各界的关注、同时已经从知名企业获得高额资金支持。作为由华人学生发起成立的多族裔的高端专业学术社团，开辟了华人学生社团的新领域。

加州理工量子信息协会创始主席罗杰是加州理工学院第五年应用物理博士研究生，研究方向于硅基集成量子原件包括量子光学晶体，超导量子电路，量子机械波晶体振子。负责理论探索，芯片设计，低温量子实验与控制。 加州理工量子信息协会创始书记任恒江是第五年电子工程博士研究生，研究方向于硅基集成量子原件包括量子光学晶体，超导量子电路，量子机械波晶体振子。负责芯片制造，低温量子实验与控制。加州理工量子信息协会创始财务官张雪月是第二年应用物理博士研究生，研究方向于基于硅的超导量子电路和量子模拟参与理论探索，芯片设计，低温量子实验与控制。

希望直接联系协会，寻求协会帮助或者愿意帮助协会的学生、学者和朋友，可以发信息到协会的邮箱  qubit@caltech.edu（AACYF洛杉矶讯）

AG HEALEY PRIORITIZES OPIOID EPIDEMIC, CLIMATE CHANGE, GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION FUNDING IN INAUGURAL ADDRESS

AG HEALEY PRIORITIZES OPIOID EPIDEMIC, CLIMATE CHANGE, GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION FUNDING IN INAUGURAL ADDRESS

            BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey was sworn in for her second term today and administered the oath of office to hundreds of Assistant Attorneys General. In her inaugural address, AG Healey focused on a few specific priorities for the years ahead, including a continued focus on the opioid epidemic, leadership on clean energy and addressing climate change, gun violence prevention efforts, and support for new funding for education to help all students in Massachusetts succeed.

            At the Emerson Colonial Theatre – after being sworn in by Judge Rya W. Zobel – AG Healey also highlighted some of the office’s accomplishments over the past four years, including work to combat the opioid crisis, defend gun laws, recover millions of dollars for taxpayers, successfully defend state interests in court, and take action on behalf of residents on issues of wage theft, consumer protection, and civil rights.

“Four years ago, I said that the Attorney General’s job is to be the People’s Lawyer. And that’s what I, that’s what we, have tried to be,” AG Healey said. “We were tested by new challenges and confronted some old divisions. Change doesn’t come easily, and sometimes progress is slow. But we know that when we work as one, when we harness our drive and determination, there’s nothing we can’t do.”

            AG Healey said confronting the opioid crisis will continue to be her office’s top priority in the new term. She vowed to expand prevention education in schools, use her Fentanyl Strike Force to take lethal drugs out of communities, break down barriers that stop families from accessing the mental health and substance use treatment they need, and protect the Affordable Care Act. AG Healey also highlighted her ongoing lawsuit against Purdue Pharma.

“I promise you – we’ll hold opioid makers accountable for the role they played in creating this crisis,” said AG Healey, noting that her office was the first state to sue not just Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, but its executives and its owners. “We’ll do whatever it takes to hold this company accountable and get the justice our families deserve.”

On gun violence, AG Healey said her office will continue to and work with survivors of violence and young leaders, including the student organizers of March for Our Lives Boston who were at the ceremony today.

“Over the last four years, we worked and cried with too many parents who’ve had to experience the unimaginable. People who turned their grief into action, and their loss into resolve, to protect those we can still keep safe,” AG Healey said. “In the name of their children, and all those we’ve lost, we say, ‘no more.’”

This year, the AG’s Office will work with Sandy Hook Promise to expand school-based violence prevention and suicide training and mental health training to nearly train 140,000 young people.

AG Healey also highlighted the need for Massachusetts to “lead the clean energy revolution that will protect and power the world” and protect the investments made toward a clean and sustainable future.

“Our shoreline is eroding, our fishing communities are watching ecosystems collapse, residents from Plum Island to South Boston to the Cape are facing costs in the billions, and our federal government calls it a hoax,” AG Healey said. “In this critical moment, let us act.”

She called for the need to set new goal – meeting the state’s electric power needs with renewable energy by 2050, and half or more by 2030, with a comprehensive statewide plan for electric vehicles. AG Healey also endorsed the plan for a regional cap-and-invest system to address emissions in the transportation sector, modeled on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

            And lastly on education, AG Healey said her office will support efforts on Beacon Hill and stand with community leaders to secure new funding for education.

“I’ve visited a lot of classrooms over the past four years. I’ve learned we have incredible teachers and administrators, and the best students in the world. But the way schools are funded in our state doesn’t work,” AG Healey said. “Your zip code shouldn’t determine the quality of your education. Let’s make the changes we need to give every student the same chance to succeed.”

AG Healey’s address centered around teamwork and working together as a state to build a better future.

 “From my basketball days, I know what makes a great team. The best team isn’t the one with the fastest players or the tallest players. It’s the team that is willing to go above and beyond – that isn’t intimidated by long odds,” AG Healey said. “That knows we are truly at our best when we work together and make the people around us better. That’s the kind of team we have here in this state. That’s why, no matter what happens in Washington, we’ll continue to lead. We’ll take care of each other and lift each other up.”

Today’s swearing-in ceremony was also attended by state and local officials, members of the judiciary, former Attorneys General Martha Coakley, Tom Reilly and Jim Shannon, partners in law enforcement and first responders, along with family, friends and colleagues. Some of the special guests include Cory Palazzi of Cory’s Cause, Mark Barden of Sandy Hook Promise, Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police Association President Brian Kyes, Joanne Peterson of Learn to Cope, Greg Gibson and Anne Marie Crotty, whose son was killed in a school shooting in Massachusetts in 1992, Gladys Vega of the Chelsea Collaborative, the Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, and Patricia and Manuel Oliver whose son was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Nicole Talbot, a student at the Landmark School in Beverly, sang the national anthem.

            To read AG Healey’s entire inaugural address, click here.

City of Boston funding updates

The Funding Update

ARTS Multi-Arts Production Fund, 2/15/2019 Funding focus: original live performance projects that embody a spirit of deep inquiry, particularly works created by artists who question, disrupt, complicate, and challenge inherited notions of social and cultural hierarchy. Grants range from $10,000 to $45,000. POPULATIONS Seventh Generation Fund, 2/1/2019 This Indigenous identity-based organization is dedicated to the self-determination of Native Peoples and the sovereignty of distinct Nations. It mobilizes financial, technical, and informational resources directly to Native communities to empower action. Funding categories: a) Thriving Women; b) Land Defender and Water Protector; c) Community Empowerment and Cultural Vitality; d) Traveling Song Initiative; e) Mini Grants. Grants range from $250 to $50,000. Massachusetts Census Equity Fund, 3/1/2019 MCEF seeks to increase participation in the 2020 Census in communities that are at significant risk of being undercounted. The grant program will support community based organizations to educate, organize and empower residents in hard-to-count communities. Grants will range from $5,000 to $20,000; some grants in higher amounts may be awarded. Click here to Subscribe to The Funding Update HEALTH Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, 2/8/2019 The Trauma-Informed Care for Young Children Grant Program is geared specifically toward funding training and other efforts to improve the capacity of early education and care providers to address the needs of children experiencing trauma. A total of $355,000 is available. Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts, 2/15/2019 Special Initiatives grants provide one-time support for innovative projects that expand access to healthcare for low-income consumers. Funding priorities: protecting the availability of coverage and care for the most vulnerable people in the state; supporting linkages between social services in housing and food security and healthcare. Maximum grant: $50,000 Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2/20/2019 Funding focus: gun violence among youth living in high-crime communities. Funding goals: 1) Address disparities/inequities in exposure to gun violence; 2) Promote/enhance effective services to reduce violence; 3) Support behavioral health programming. Grants range from $250,000-$600,000. HOUSING Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development has posted a Request for Information relative to the Emergency Assistance Program to inform an upcoming Request for Responses. Homes For Families offers a thoughtful analysis of how this process is intended to work. PUBLIC INTEREST The Boston Foundation, 1/25/2019 Seeking Equality Fund proposals that address unmet or under-met needs, issues or problems facing LGBTQ+ populations in Massachusetts. Maximum grant: $20,000 United Way, 1/25/2019 Intent to Apply Funding priorities: housing, jobs, financial well-being, school readiness, college/career success. The Venture Fund is a catalyst for getting promising new ideas for driving population-level change into practice. A competitive, juried selection process will result in up to 4 awards of up to $75,000 each to nonprofits that have the experience, community presence, and relationships to approach a big problem in a new way, but need funding and a thought partner to bring that idea to life. Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation, 2/7/2019 Small Capital Grants support one-time expenses that directly enhance a nonprofit’s ability to serve its clients and achieve its mission. Grants may be used for facility improvements, vehicles, equipment purchases, and other non-expendable assets. Grants range from $10,000-$50,000. Bigglesworth Family Foundation, 2/14/2019 Multiple CYSTEM funding opportunities to increase diversity in the Interactive Software industry: a) I & R Grants target projects that allow sector leaders to test new models that have the potential to help their individual organizations and when replicated, to help their peer organizations.  b) Recruitment and Retention Grants focus on the recruitment and retention of individuals from underrepresented communities.  c) Advocacy Grants fund efforts to support the diversification of the Industry.  d) Organizational Development Access Grants seek to strengthen an organization's ability to efficiently deliver services to clients. NBCUniversal Foundation, 2/15/2019 Funding Ctegories: Community Engagement, Culture of Inclusion, Next Generation Storytellersand Youth Education. World of Children Award, 3/31/2019 The program was created to recognize individuals who make a difference in the lives of children in the United States and across the globe, regardless of political, religious, or geographical boundaries.The Awards honor individuals in categories that include Protection, Education, Humanitarian, Health, and Youth. Awards range from $25,000 to $50,000 FELLOWSHIPS NEA Foundation, 2/4/2019 The Global Learning Fellowship provides global education professional development opportunities for K-12 public school educators. Also availablefrom NEA: Student Achievement Grants for classroom resources - deadline 2/1/2019. Grants range from $2000 to $5000. Kuehn Charitable Foundation, 2/11/2019 The 2019-2021 Kuehn Fellowship offers a two-year placement with a Greater Boston housing non-profit. FEDERAL GRANTS - Subject to Availability of Funds Office on Violence Against Women, 2/13/2019 Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations support direct services and capacity-building. Grants range from $400,000 to $450,000. Environmental Protection Agency, 2/15/2019 Environmental Justice Small Grants support and empower communities working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues. Maximum grant: $30,000              CONNECT WITH US Visit the Intergovernmental Relations Resource Page for a wide variety of research, nonprofit guidance, blogs, foundation tips and more. You can also subscribe to, and access back issues of, The Funding Update there.

MAYOR WALSH CHALLENGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S CHANGES TO TITLE IX

MAYOR WALSH CHALLENGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S CHANGES TO TITLE IX

Mayor Walsh and representatives from Boston colleges speak out against proposed changes to Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational settings

BOSTON - Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced he will submit public comment to the U.S. Department of Education, challenging the proposed changes to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational settings receiving federal funding. Mayor Walsh was joined by Lee Pelton, President of Emerson College, Marisa Kelly, President of Suffolk University, Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College, Debra Robbin, Executive Director of Jane Doe Inc., and Katie Mitrano, Student Body President, UMass Boston and Boston Regional Outreach Lead, Every Voice. The proposed rule changes would affect how educational institutions define sexual misconduct, when schools become obligated to address sexual misconduct, and the process for determining whether someone has committed sexual harassment. Specifically, the proposed changes would narrow the definition of sexual harassment in educational settings, establish a filing and hearing process that places burden on the survivor, restrict the evidentiary standard rule, and reduce ability for schools to properly address sexual harassment and assault. "Boston is home to 200,000 students, and these rule changes would have a devastating impact on students who deserve to be safe, supported, and treated with respect," said Mayor Walsh. "Nothing should stand in the way of students being able to receive a great education. I want to make sure Secretary DeVos and Donald Trump hear it loud and clear: We believe survivors. We believe women. And we believe they deserve more support, respect, and compassion -- not less." Sexual harassment is currently defined by the Department of Education as "any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature" and the proposed regulations would change the definition to conduct that is "severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive." Additionally, the proposed changes would shift the threshold that officials use to determine if an assault claim requires a response from school officials from the "preponderance of evidence" standard set under the Obama administration to a "clear and convincing evidence" standard. These changes narrow the definition of what is considered sexual harassment, and raise the standard of evidence for proving sexual assault occurred. "The proposed changes to Title IX roll back every best practice we recognize in handling sexual discrimination, harassment and assault," said District Attorney Rachael Rollins. "We should be encouraging survivors to come forward, not limiting their reporting options. We should be supporting survivors, not narrowing their protections. Title IX is a critically important legal protection for people subjected to discrimination and harassment based on gender and sexual assault. The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office stands ready to accept reports from, and support, anyone who believes they have been subjected to any type of violence, including all forms of sexual assault." National data indicate that 27 percent of college women have experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact, nearly half of grade 7-12 studentsexperienced sexual harassment in the past academic year, and nearly two thirds of college students report experiencing sexual harassment. The Department of Education announced the proposed changes in November, though they have not yet gone into effect. The public may comment on these changes until January 28, 2018. Over 53,000 comments have already been submitted. The Department of Education is required by law to review the comments and address them before publishing the final rules. The proposed standards would require schools' Title IX grievance processes to allow for a live hearing, which includes cross-examination. During cross-examination, the respondents "advisor" would be permitted to publicly question the survivor's experience, memory, and sexual behavior so long as the questions about sexual behavior are "to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged." Additionally, educational institutions would be required to address an incident of sexual assault or harassment only if it is reported directly to "an official...who has authority to institute corrective measures." In K-12 settings, a teacher is considered such an official, but this is not the case in collegiate settings. Additionally, the proposed regulations limit the purview of Title IX complaints to "conduct that occurs within its education program or activity" which does not include any  off-campus areas used by students, including housing. Boston Public Schools remains committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct and their policies will not change. The administration will continue to respond immediately and thoroughly when students come forward and Boston Public Schools will continue to build a healthy culture where students feel safe. "Betsy DeVos's reform to Title IX is dangerous and does not adequately protect survivors of sexual assault or sexual harassment," said City Councilor At-Large, Annissa Essaibi-George. "Our colleges and universities should serve as a beacon of safety for survivors. One of the most dangerous aspects of the reform would guarantee the accused the right to cross-examine the accuser. Schools would have limited responsibility to investigate incidents that take place off campus. In Boston, we know that a majority of our college students don't live in university housing. These new changes would, without a doubt, affect our Boston students." "The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) commends Mayor Walsh and his administration for its leadership on such an important issue," said Richard Doherty, President of AICUM. "AICUM stands with Mayor Walsh in communicating to Secretary DeVos that our number one goal is ensuring the continued well-being of students, faculty, and staff on college campuses throughout Boston and all of Massachusetts. Our member institutions are dedicated to providing a learning and working environment which is free from discrimination and harassment, including on the basis of sex." "Some of the proposed changes to Title IX are not only concerning for survivors and allies but would have the effect of converting college campuses into criminal courtrooms that prioritize cross examination and re-victimization," said Gretchen Manning, Acting Executive Officer and Deputy Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Community Colleges Executive Office. "We applaud Mayor Walsh for his leadership and attention to this issue and look forward to partnering with him to protect victims." "Title IX is an important tool for getting schools to respond to sexual violence and to put systems in place that make sexual harassment and assault less likely to happen," said Gina Scaramella, Executive Director of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. "Changes to the regulations proposed by the Trump Administration attempt to undo vital progress that has been made over the past several decades. These changes will make it more difficult for survivors of sexual assault and harassment to come forward and get the support they deserve from their schools and universities. We join together with survivors, the Mayor's Office, and organizations and advocates throughout Greater Boston in opposing these changes and recommending alternatives grounded in best practice." Mayor Walsh encourages anyone who would like to weigh in on this issue to submit their own public comment at regulations.gov before the January 28 deadline. Comments should be concise, and express the author's views using specific and well-reasoned examples, including how the proposed rules might impact the author personally.