Baker-Polito Administration Recognizes 34 Municipalities and Public School Districts as Cyber Aware Communities

Baker-Polito Administration Recognizes 34 Municipalities and Public School Districts as Cyber Aware Communities 

Top performing participants in cybersecurity grant program honored for their demonstrated commitment to employee cybersecurity awareness training and end-point security  

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration recognized 34 municipalities and public school districts from across the Commonwealth as Cyber Aware Communities at a virtual event hosted during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) and featuring local and state cybersecurity leaders. Those recognized were the top performing participants in this year’s round of the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program. 

Cyberattacks on municipal government and education systems are on the rise nationwide as cyber threat actors are utilizing common threat actions such as phishing, smishing, hacking, and ransomware attacks to gain access to an organization’s IT networks and sensitive data, and recent high profile ransomware attacks and hacks have disrupted operations in both the public and private sector. Identified by the National Governors Association (NGA) as “the single most effective factor in preventing security breaches and data losses,” employee cybersecurity awareness training is a critical tool for organizations to prepare its workforce to best defend against potential cyber threats.  

“Buy-in and awareness on cybersecurity from an organization’s leadership team is critical to its success,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Congratulations to each of the municipalities and public schools that have earned recognition as a Cyber Aware Community for their leadership in better securing their organization from potential threats.” 

“As former municipal officials, Governor Baker and I are keenly aware of the challenges local governments face in putting scarce resources to work,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Participating in Commonwealth cybersecurity and IT grant programs such as the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program is a vital resource to enhance a local government and community cybersecurity posture.” 

The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program is managed by EOTSS’ Office of Municipal and School Technology (OMST) and is supported by capital funding secured in Governor Baker’s General Governmental Bond Bill, which was signed into law in August 2020 to invest in the Commonwealth’s cybersecurity posture and IT infrastructure modernization initiatives.  

In the first two years of the program, 62,000 municipal and public school employees have enrolled in the program, gaining access to critical end-user training, evaluations, and threat simulations. Participating organizations include large cities, small towns, and school districts from across the Commonwealth. Results have shown that participants receiving the cybersecurity awareness training on average saw a 6-point improvement on the final assessment of the training course. 

“Threats posed by cyber-attacks are so great today that cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as a problem for the IT department alone,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Curt Wood. “The municipalities and public schools being recognized today are stepping up to ensure that every member of there is properly trained to identify and avoid attempts by malicious actors to gain access to critical systems and data.” 

“I want to congratulate all of the municipalities and school districts that have engaged in this year’s Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program and are being recognized as Cyber Aware Communities,” said State Senator Barry Finegold, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet, and Cybersecurity. “Over the past year, cities and towns across the Commonwealth have been impacted by ransomware attacks, and unfortunately this problem is not going to go away. We need to get ahead of the curve and empower our municipalities to strengthen their cyber preparedness and resilience. Initiatives like the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program are crucial first steps, and I look forward to continuing to partner with Secretary Wood and the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security going forward.”  

“The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program helps directly address one of the key cybersecurity challenges presented by the rise of hybrid work and the future of work in our municipalities: end-user education,” said State Representative Linda Dean Campbell, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet, and Cybersecurity. “Public sector leaders and workers at every level of government must now prioritize cybersecurity training for their organizations.  This is the most critical and most cost effective way of mitigating threats which we expect to increase in the near future.“ 

“The City of Worcester is proud to join 33 other organizations in being recognized as a Cyber Aware Community,” said Worcester City Manager Edward A. Augustus, Jr. “The Baker-Polito Administration takes cybersecurity seriously, and our City does as well. Cyber hacks and attacks have increased, and we must be more vigilant than ever. The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program has been an invaluable tool in helping to raise the awareness of our employees to the dangers of cyberattacks, and equipping them to identify and help prevent them.” 

COVID-19 has amplified cybersecurity challenges for all organizations, and as cyber threat actors take advantage of an increasingly remote and hybrid workforce, the number of threats and scams has increased. End-point user training is a key tool in an organization’s ability to combat potential threats to its IT infrastructure, networks, and data. 

“Congratulations to the award winners!  It is wonderful to see so many local leaders recognized for building Massachusetts cyber resiliency,” said Stephanie Helm, Director, MassCyberCenter at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. “The MassCyberCenter looks forward to partnering with you in the future to safeguard our Commonwealth communities.” 

"The 34 communities being honored today are true leaders, and they should be applauded for their hard work, dedication and long-term commitment to building resilient and cyber-secure cities and towns," said Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Geoff Beckwith. "Local leaders know that protecting our public IT infrastructure and sensitive data from sophisticated cyberattacks requires a powerful state-local partnership, and we are deeply grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts Legislature for providing critical support, resources and assets through the Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program, which is a model for the rest of the nation." 

The full list of awardees recognized as a Cyber Aware Community: 

Cyber Aware Community

Town of Acushnet

Barnstable Police

Town of Blandford

Bristol County Agricultural High School

Town of Concord

Town of Dennis

Town of Dover

Town of Dracut

Town of Dudley

Town of East Bridgewater

Town of Edgartown

Town of Foxborough

Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District

City of Gloucester

Maynard Public Schools

Town of Medway

Town of Nantucket

Natick Public Schools

New Bedford Public Schools

Town of Norfolk

Town of Orleans

Town of Provincetown

Rockland Public Schools

Sandwich Public Schools

Town of Scituate

Southwick, Public Safety

South Shore Regional Vocational Technical School District

Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District (STGRSD)

Town of Sutton

Town of Truro

Town of Wareham

Wellesley Public Schools

Town of Wilmington

City of Worcester

The application period for the 2022 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program will open on October 29, 2021. 

Municipalities and public school districts are encouraged to visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-cybersecurity-awareness-grant-program 

For information on additional cybersecurity and IT resources available to municipalities and public schools, visit: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-municipal-and-school-technology 

Lydia Edwards endorsed by Cambridge elected leaders

 Lydia Edwards endorsed by Cambridge elected leaders

Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon,
former Mayors Simmons & McGovern, Councilors Nolan & Carlone 

CAMBRIDGE – Lydia Edwards has been endorsed in the special election to State Senate by members of Cambridge’s elected leadership including: Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon, former Mayor and Councilor Denise Simmons, former Mayor and Councilor Marc McGovern, Councilor Patricia Nolan, and Councilor Dennis Carlone. Primary Election Day is December 14, 2021. General Election Day is January 11, 2022.

“I’ve known Lydia for a while and what I know is: She gets things done,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “Whether it's her work through legal aid as an attorney, or her current work as a Boston City Councilor, I know that she will provide the results to residents and be there for the community. I urge you to support Lydia Edwards on December 14.”

"Anyone who lives in this region knows the daily challenges of transportation, but Lydia Edwards understands that the freedom of mobility is key to a thriving community," said Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon. "Lydia has been a leader advocating for multimodal transportation infrastructure – from protected bike lanes, to ferries, to public transit. I know that Lydia will be a champion in the Senate and I am proud to endorse her today."

“Lydia has a unique understanding of the challenges we face around housing in this region in particular,” said former Mayor and current City Councilor Denise Simmons. “She recognizes that we need a regional approach to create and enact strong policies that will level the playing field and secure housing as a human right. I'm supporting Lydia because her dedication to equity is unmatched, and she is exactly what we need in the State Senate.”

“Lydia Edwards has been a strong partner in municipal government, and I know she will be a strong partner in the legislature,” said former Mayor and current City Councilor, Marc McGovern. “Lydia has a longstanding and proven track record of success getting big things done in practical, grassroots ways. Cambridge will have an advocate in Lydia Edwards – from education funding, to climate resiliency, to transportation infrastructure. I am proud to endorse her for state senate and encourage you to vote for her on December 14.”

“Lydia Edwards is not simply an impressive colleague in government with a record of effective policy changes that make residents' lives better; She is a leader I respect and admire for being able to genuinely connect with people,” said City Councilor Patricia Nolan. “Lydia finds a way to serve as a convener, bringing together diverse opinions and backgrounds to find common ground. That is a sign of true leadership. Lydia brings much needed respect and collaboration into public service time and time again. Lydia is the best choice for the State Senate.”

“I am very enthusiastic about Lydia because of her heart, dedication and drive to help those most in need, and at the same time, act for positive change, both short- and long-term,” said Councilor Dennis Carlone.

Prior to entering the City Council, Councilor Edwards worked extensively in the legal field serving as a judicial law clerk with the Massachusetts Superior Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Edwards worked as a public interest attorney with Greater Boston Legal Services focusing on labor issues such as fighting for access to unemployment insurance, back wages, fair treatment for domestic workers and combating human trafficking. She served as the statewide campaign coordinator for the Massachusetts Coalition for Domestic Workers, which advocated for the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. In 2015, she was named Bostonian of the Year by the Boston Globe. 

Lydia Edwards is a candidate for State Senate representing the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, following the departure of Senator Joseph A. Boncore. For a full and up-to-date list of endorsements, visit: LydiaEdwards.org/endorsements.

ESSAIBI GEORGE HIGHLIGHTS VISION AND RECORD OF RESULTS FOR EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD IN FINAL MAYORAL DEBATE

ESSAIBI GEORGE HIGHLIGHTS VISION AND RECORD OF RESULTS FOR EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD IN FINAL MAYORAL DEBATE

Calls on Wu to give specifics on ‘Free the MBTA’ and rent control

Boston, MA — At the final debate of the general election, At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George highlighted her vision, record of results and the bold action she’ll take as Mayor. Essaibi George continued to demand specifics from her opponent, Michelle Wu, on the key tenets of Wu’s campaign, such as ‘Free the T and rent control. 

Throughout the course of her campaign, Wu has not only made promises outside the jurisdiction of the Mayor’s Office, such as making the MBTA free and implementing rent control, but has failed to provide the residents of Boston with a tangible plan for these promises, including funding mechanisms, cost associations, or timeline.  

Over the course of the debate, Essaibi George highlighted:

•  Her plan to offer universal child care and early education to all children in Boston ages 0 to 5, giving an opportunity for women, who are often the primary caregivers, to enter or re-enter the workforce, while also benefiting family members that work non-traditional work hours. 

• Her experiences as a former Boston Public Schools teacher and how that experience allows her to transform our schools through a big vision, such as ensuring every school is a high quality one, and the nitty gritty that is often overlooked, such as early literacy programs, standardized curriculum and baseline resources. 

• Her firsthand experiences with climate injustice as a coach at East Boston High School and practicing softball directly under flight paths, and her plan to lead on climate action with a community-based approach.

• How she will close the racial wealth gap by advancing her Equity, Inclusion and Justice Agenda to make investments in down payment programs for first-time and first-generation, workforce training programs with pathways to good jobs, and vocational technical education programs in Boston Public Schools.

Essaibi George also highlighted her action plan for Mass & Cass, which was informed by her years of leadership on the Boston City Council on the issues of homelessness, mental health, and substance disorder. She founded the Committee on Homelessness, Mental Health and Recovery in 2016 with the goal of spotlighting these three specific issues, and has continued her advocacy in this space.

Essaibi George turned this advocacy into action, sponsoring the first ever Needle Take Back Day in the City of Boston, passing an ordinance to create 100 additional sites for safe needle disposal, securing funding to increase the number of B.E.S.T clinicians that support residents during a mental health crisis, and creating the first Special Commission to End Family Homelessness in the City of Boston through her ordinance which was unanimously passed by the Boston City Council.

Lydia Edwards announces trio of new labor union endorsements

 Lydia Edwards announces trio of new labor union endorsements

North Atlantic States Council of Carpenters,
Pile Drivers #56, and UFCW Local 1445

 

BOSTON – Lydia Edwards has been endorsed in the special election to the State Senate by: the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC) and member union Pile Drivers Local 56; and United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 1445. Primary Election Day is December 14, 2021. General Election Day is January 11, 2022.

 

"We are pleased to support Lydia Edwards for State Senate because she shares our values and has worked to provide opportunity and fairness for all workers. As a Boston City Councilor, she has been an advocate for responsible development that provides family-sustaining wages and benefits, promotes apprenticeship and ensures worker safety,” said Joe Byrne, NASRCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer. “While union members in Boston enjoy these benefits, there are still many workers who do not have the opportunities and protections they deserve. Wage theft and tax fraud are far too prevalent and not enough employers participate in comprehensive skills training programs that turn a good job into a great career. We believe Lydia Edwards will bring knowledge, experience and hard work to fight for these issues at the State House and will make an excellent State Senator.”

 

“Pile Drivers Local 56 appreciates Lydia Edwards' strong commitment to creating work opportunities with livable wages and good benefits for working families in Boston,” said Business Manager David Borrus. “Lydia has a solid record of legal action on behalf of workers, and supporting meaningful labor legislation especially for transportation infrastructure. Lydia has been a strong voice for labor as a City Councilor, and we are proud to support her campaign for Massachusetts Senate.”

 

In their endorsement of Lydia, UFCW 1445 wrote:  

 

"We are excited and proud to support our sister, Lydia Edwards, in her campaign for State Senate. Lydia's efforts on behalf of working families are unmatched and they extend far beyond her own union membership. For her entire career, she has stood up for the people who need it the most. She has never backed down from a fight for good, and we know that she will take that same spirit to the State House. Lydia is the clear choice for the First Suffolk & Middlesex District."

 

Lydia Edwards is a fierce advocate for workers’ rights. In the Senate, she’ll continue her strong record of passing legislation and delivering resources and results for working people. As a member of the United Auto Workers, Lydia knows the power of a union, but she also knows that every worker, organized or not, deserves dignity, fair compensation and freedom from harassment in the workplace. Lydia Edwards has stood with workers in the hospitality industry, service workers at Logan Airport, student workers in our higher education system, teachers, Brazilian immigrant workers and many others.

 

Lydia Edwards is a candidate for State Senate representing the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, following the departure of Senator Joseph A. Boncore. For a full and up-to-date list of endorsements, visit: LydiaEdwards.org/endorsements.

 

Councilor Lydia Edwards is a career advocate, activist, and voice on behalf of society's most vulnerable. She is currently the Chair of the Committee on Government Operations and the Committee on Housing and Community Development in the Boston City Council. Learn more at LydiaEdwards.org/meet-lydia. 

波士頓市長候選人論壇 - WCVB

https://www.wcvb.com/article/final-debate-michelle-wu-annissa-essaibi-george-boston-mayoral-election-october-25-2021/38050069

確保學童在校享有免費餐食 查理貝克簽學生營養法

Governor Baker Signs Student Nutrition Act Ensuring More Students Access Free Meals at School

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Secretary of Education James Peyser joined lawmakers to participate in a ceremonial bill signing for An Act Promoting Student Nutrition (H 3999) which increases students’ access to free school meals and prohibits schools from using any punitive measures against students with meal debt. The legislation requires any school or district to implement universal free breakfast and lunch for all students if a majority of its the students meet low-income criteria.

“This legislation is another way we can ensure all children in the Commonwealth have access to healthy meals when they are in school,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are thankful to our partners in the Legislature for their leadership on this important issue so that no child goes hungry and can focus on their learning and education.”  

“This bill will end the undue burden on students whose families have school meal debt by preventing children from being involved,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “No child should be involved in debt collection or made to feel uncomfortable when they go to eat lunch at school.”

“As a state, we simply cannot accept hungry students as part of our reality. Students who don’t get enough to eat every single day face very real disadvantages as compared to their peers,” said Senate President Karen Spilka. “This legislation ensures that students across the Commonwealth have equitable access to nutrition to ensure that they start every day ready to learn. I’d like to thank Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem for her leadership on this bill, and to the Legislature and Governor Baker for acknowledging that supporting our students through accessible meals, rather than shaming families for their inability to pay, is the best path towards success for all of our students.”

"Addressing food insecurity, especially among our state's most vulnerable students so they are able to learn and succeed in school, is a top priority for the Massachusetts House of Representatives," said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano. “I would like to thank Chair Alice Peisch and Representative Andy Vargas for their leadership and hard work in extending access to meals and working to end hunger in our schools.”

“School meals are critical to students’ health and well-being,” said Secretary of Education James Peyser. “This new law will expand access to free school meals to ensure thousands of additional students have access to healthy meals every day so they can learn and grow to their full potential.”

The legislation also requires school districts that participate in the national school lunch program to take steps to maximize federal revenue resources and savings for families and directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to assist districts in improving direct certification for its students. It also allows school districts to certify children for free or reduced-priced meals for up to four consecutive school years.

In addition, school districts will be required to determine whether a student with unpaid meal debt is eligible for free or reduced-priced meals within 30 days of notification of the debt. During that 30-day window, students can still access meals until it is determined whether the family is eligible for free or reduced meals. School employees are now prohibited in any way from publicly identifying a student with meal debt; denying a student a meal; disposing of a student’s meal; or serving a student an alternative meal because of debt.

查理貝克政府撥款6650萬元給50各社區的MassWorks項目

 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $66 Million in MassWorks Funding

Administration Highlights First-Year Success of One Stop for Growth Program

 

LOWELL – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy were joined by state and local officials from Lowell to announce $66.5 million in 2021 MassWorks awards to 50 communities. The Administration also kicked off the first series of grant awards made through the Community One Stop for Growth program, which total a combined $88 million for projects in 122 communities across the Commonwealth, including MassWorks awards.  First launched in January 2021, the Community One Stop for Growth replaced multiple application processes for separate grant programs that support local economic development initiatives with a single application portal that includes a streamlined, collaborative review process. The Administration also announced $1 million for 16 communities through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Planning Grant Program, one of the many programs available through One Stop.

 

In One Stop’s inaugural round, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development received 267 Expressions of Interest from 178 communities through the new, simplified process.  For this year’s awards, 196 grant applications received a total of $88.7 million for projects in 122 communities.  Of the 196 projects awarded, nearly one-third were located in a rural or small town, half were located in a Housing Choice Community; and one-third were located in a Gateway City. Learn more about the programs that are part of the Community One Stop for Growth application process.

 

“MassWorks and the programs accessed through One Stop support local infrastructure projects that spur housing, workforce development and private investment,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “We appreciate the partnership with the Legislature and local leaders to make these investments possible and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

 

“One Stop has transformed the Commonwealth’s role from simply a patchwork of funding sources into a true partnership that puts the economic and community development goals for more cities and towns within reach,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “By enhancing access to key programs like MassWorks, One Stop allows us to bring a heightened sense of urgency to our efforts to rebuild the economy.”  

 

“In addition to a single application portal, the One Stop’s collaborative review process involves multiple agencies and direct referrals to programs across a number of agencies, all in an effort to get more communities closer to their economic development goals, faster,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.  “As well, cities and towns can now submit Expressions of Interest, which opens up a dialog allowing communities to work with members of our team to refine and improve upon their ideas.”

 

“Locally driven planning efforts are critical for communities to take charge of their growth and meet the needs of diverse cities and towns,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “We are thrilled to be part of the One-Stop program, which better coordinates our expansive programming to support community development, affordable and market-rate housing development, and resilient neighborhoods.”

 

MassWorks, a competitive program that offers cities and towns flexible capital funding to support and accelerate housing production and job growth, is the largest program among the One Stop portfolio. This year, the Administration is awarding 56 grants from the infrastructure program – the largest number of awards in a single year in six years – totaling $66.5 million to 50 communities.

 

Among this year’s MassWorks’ projects, 29 are reactivating underutilized sites, 27 are supporting transit-oriented developments, 29 have a mixed-use component. Additionally, 14 communities are receiving their first ever MassWorks award.

 

Including this year’s round, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded 326 MassWorks grants to 181 communities, investing over $608 million in public infrastructure projects throughout the state. These grants have directly supported the creation of 21,000 new housing units, tens of thousands of construction and new permanent jobs, while also leveraging over $13 billion in private investment. 

 

At today’s event, Administration officials announced that Lowell, which applied for several grants through One Stop, is receiving a $1.72 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to support the design and construction of sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping that will improve vehicular and pedestrian travel in the area adjacent to a private development known as Acre Crossing.

 

Lowell’s MassWorks award will support Acre Crossing, which is a mixed-use development, consisting of over 34,000 square feet of office and retail space, and parking.  The project also includes 32 condominiums for sale to first-time homebuyers with household incomes ranging from 70 to 100 percent of the Area Median Income.  The project is a result of a $27 million private investment, supporting approximately 200 jobs throughout construction, and 40 full-time jobs once fully built out.

 

“The Merrimack Street corridor between City Hall and University Crossing is the major link connecting the UMass campus to the Lowell Central Business District. As such, it presents many opportunities for economic development and rejuvenation such as the Acre Crossing Project,” said State Senator Ed Kennedy. “The Governor's announcement of the Mass Grants award today will help provide a big step in that direction.”

 

“The MassWorks grant for the Acre Crossing development and the Community Planning grant to support Lowell’s new TOD Overlay District are both vital to the expansion of affordable housing and job creation in Lowell,” said State Rep. Rady Mom.  “I would like to thank Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for their continued efforts to improve our city and the Commonwealth.”

 

“The City of Lowell is thrilled to receive a $1,720,000 MassWorks Infrastructure Program Grant for Acre Crossing,” said State Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr.  “This generous funding will allow us to make the area around the new development easier to navigate for both pedestrians and vehicles and will also help us to make the area safer and more beautiful with the addition of lighting, landscaping and a small park.  The city of Lowell is also grateful to receive a $75,000 Community Planning Grant, which will allow the city to increase opportunities for new housing near the Gallagher Terminal.”

 

“Thank you, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito, for your invaluable assistance in securing these vital funds to support the continued economic development for the City of Lowell and throughout our Commonwealth,” said State Rep. Vanna Howard. “The MassWorks Infrastructure funding will help support our commitment to job creation, which will benefit the entire community for years to come. I am proud to support this economic development bill for the future good of our Commonwealth.”

 

“The investments that the Baker-Polito Administration continues to make through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program enabled cities and town across the Commonwealth to overcome financial hurdles standing in the way of development,” said City Manager Eileen Donoghue. “We are confident that the Acre Crossing project will mark a continuation of the high-quality development that has been supported in Lowell through MassWorks.”

 

“Acre Crossing represents a transformative project that will expand Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s presence in The Acre, create new jobs, provide adequate parking, and offer homeownership to those that may not otherwise be able to fulfill that dream,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.  “We are honored to be chosen as a recipient of the MassWorks Grant to help support our efforts.”

 

The full list of this year’s MassWorks grant recipients can be found here.

 

In addition to MassWorks funding, today the City of Lowell was also awarded two additional grants through the One Stop process.

 

As a designated Housing Choice community, Lowell was awarded a $250,000 grant to update its 2012 Master Plan to address housing affordability issues in the City and assess how new policies can be aligned with the sustainable growth of the City.

 

In addition to receiving MassWorks and Housing Choice awards, Lowell was one of 16 communities that were awarded a combined total of $1 million through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Planning Grant Program.  This program, also new this year, is one of the multiple programs in One Stop and provides technical assistance for activities related to land use, including: assisting communities in the development of a Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, Zoning Review and Updates, Urban Renewal Plan, Land Use Plan, Downtown Plan, Parking Management Plan, Feasibility Study, or Other Strategic Plan. 

 

Lowell’s $75,000 grant through the Community Planning Grant Program will assist in the creation of a new transit-oriented development district for the area surrounding the Gallagher Terminal which serves as Lowell’s central transportation hub with connections to MBTA commuter rail service to and from Boston, and bus service through 19 local and regional bus routes. The City’s goal is to further the recommendations of the Lowell Gallagher Terminal TOD Study by modifying the zoning code to increase opportunities for new housing near the Gallagher Terminal.

 

The full list of Community Planning Grant Program awards can be viewed here.

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joining

 Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, Lowell Mayor John Leahy, Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue and other state and local officials to announce the first rounds of the 2021 MassWorks and Community Planning Grant program awards

ESSAIBI GEORGE ANNOUNCES ‘CITY KIDS WIN’ INITIATIVE ALONGSIDE KIDS, COACHES, AND WILLIE MCGINEST

 ESSAIBI GEORGE ANNOUNCES ‘CITY KIDS WIN’ INITIATIVE ALONGSIDE KIDS, COACHES, AND WILLIE MCGINEST

Patriots Hall of Famer highlights Essaibi George’s efforts to increase access to youth programming and good parks

Boston, MA — Alongside kids and coaches at White Stadium, At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George today announced her ‘City Kids Win’ initiative to ensure all of Boston’s kids have equitable access to the programming, athletic opportunities and parks to thrive on the field, in the classroom, at home, and in their communities. She was joined by special guest, Patriots Hall of Famer, Willie McGinest.

The initiative’s main objectives include creating an Office of Youth Engagement, establishing a City Kids Win fund, investing in Boston Public Schools athletics, improving parks and facilities particularly in our communities of color, and ensuring equal access to Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) and City programming across the city.

“When I was kid, sports taught me about what it means to be a part of a team, to build community and work together to achieve our goals,” said Patriots Hall of Famer Willie McGinest. “City kids deserve the programs, equipment, quality parks and community to get them thriving on the field, in the classroom and at home. As a coach, a teacher and a member of our team for a long time, Annissa understands that when city kids win, Boston wins.”

“City Kids Win is about more than just sports. It’s about making sure kids have a place where they are supported, mentored, and feel like they belong. It gives our kids hope, guidance and inspiration,” said Mick Brunache, coach of the Mattapan Patriots and Founder of Nxt Era Panthers Youth Program. “Annissa gets that it’s not just about physical athletics, but all the benefits that come with being a part of a team—that sense of family and community.”

“I’m proud to announce my City Kids Win Initiative with specific action items to ensure all of Boston’s kids have equitable access to the programming, athletic opportunities and parks to thrive on the field, in the classroom, at home, and in their communities,” said Essaibi George. “This issue is really personal to me. I saw it firsthand as a coach in East Boston. Athletics and being a part of a team means the world to our children and builds up our communities.”

 

City Kids Win Initiative

As an East Boston High School softball coach and a mother of four teenage athletes, Annissa recognizes the positive impact youth athletics and good parks have on kids, families, and communities. 

Participation in athletics and organized sports improves physical and mental health, builds social and leadership skills, and provides the friendships and community every Boston kid needs and deserves. 

But not all kids in every neighborhood have the same access to these programs, parks and open spaces, equipment and community and team-building opportunities.  

For example, in our communities of color, our parks and open spaces are not utilized or underutilized due to safety issues or disrepair. Further, for people with disabilities, parks are not welcoming places. In fact, only 5 of the City's 100+ parks have inclusive play equipment designed for kids with disabilities. 

The City Kids Win Initiative will ensure all of Boston’s kids have equitable access to the programming, athletic opportunities and parks to thrive on the field, in the classroom, at home, and in their communities.

 

1. Create an Office of Youth Engagement

1. Coordinate youth programming across BCYF, Parks & Recreation, BPS and Private Partners to ensure that programs are provided and accessible in every neighborhood.
2. Provide technical assistance for all leagues with permitting and other requirements.
3. Improve partnership with DCR and colleges and universities to ensure that Boston’s kids have access to every athletic field in Boston.

2.              Establish City Kids Win Fund of $20 million

a.              Work with foundations, colleges and universities, and major sports organizations to match the city’s commitment and create a sustainable long term funding model.

b.              Leverage funds to improve and expand programming in communities of color and for girls and women.

c.              Funds will be used to cover participation costs for youth, provide equipment, uniforms, provide stipends for coaches, and improve facilities so that every kid in Boston has access to youth recreation and athletics regardless of their means.

d.              Hold twice annual City Kids Win events where parents and kids can come and learn about all of the city’s athletic programs and offerings.

3.              Invest in BPS athletics

a.              Increase budget from just over $3 million to $7 million to ensure that every BPS school is providing an athletics program.

b.              Hire diverse coaches and athletic trainers with a focus on adding more diversity to reflect the student population of BPS, including gender, sexual orientation, and race. Many teams are under staffed, with a student-athlete to coach ratio as high as 20:1. We need to add quality coaches to increase the level of instruction that our student-athletes receive and give our kids more positive mentors on and off the field. 

c.              Ensure the City is supporting gender equity in athletics by expanding sports available to our young girls, especially at the earlier ages. Not only will sport options be expanded across all of our schools, Annissa will ensure that these opportunities also include gender affirming and inclusive participation. 

4.              Improve our Public Parks and Athletic Facilities

a.              Ensure that our parks and fields are well maintained and clean to guarantee that our kids have a safe environment in every neighborhood. This means no needles in the ground, suitable lighting, sufficient trash cans, and functioning water fountains. 

b.              Increase the City of Boston “field staff” who are responsible for maintaining all City fields and athletic facilities.

c.              Make intentional investments towards upgrading our facilities, including lockers, fields, and equipment. 

d.              Fully renovate and elevate the White Stadium to become the hub of activity for BPS Athletic programming, community youth sports, festivals and concerts.

5.              Create Equal Access to BCYF Community Centers and Programs across the City

a.              Engage alum teenagers and young adults of the youth sports organization to participate in the BCYF School Year Jobs Program as coaches and mentors.

b.              Conduct an audit of community center programming to ensure equitable distribution of funding and staff resources and access to programming and organized sports for youth and teens that is gender equitable. 

c.              Build a BCYF center in Grove Hall. 

d.              Ensure that when the Jackson Mann School and Community Center closes there is a plan to replace the BCYF Center in Allston and Brighton.