In Brief

BWSC Nails Top Honors

Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) has been given top honors from the Association of Metropolitan Water Management.

The award recognized BWSC for work on water utility management, leadership to achieve a balance of innovative and successful efforts in the areas of economic, social and environmental subjects.

Resources to improve operations, maintaining responsibility, and increased public awareness was also an acknowledgment in the award process.

Last Mile Scholarship        Fund Launched

In partnership with the Frieze Family Foundation, the City of Boston launched the Graduate Ready Achieve Degree (GRAD) Last Mile Fund, and innovative scholarship program designed to provide financial support to students nearing college.    The fund will provide resources to students to realize their dream of graduating from college if financial hardships are a barrier.

“The GRAD Last Mile Fund will enable more Boston students to realize their dream of graduating college,” Mayor Martin J. Walsh said. “Financial hardship should not prevent any student from completing the ‘last mile’ on their journey toward earning a college degree.”

School Committee Nominations

Applications are being accepted by the Citizens Nominating Panel for two open positions on the Boston School Committee, a seven-member body that meets twice per month during the school year beginning January 2019.

Members are appointed by Mayor Martin J. Walsh to serve four-year staggered terms. Candidates are recommended by the 13-member. Deadline for nominations is Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

Commuter Rail                   Fall/Winter schedule

The MBTA fall/winter schedule on the Commuter Rail is currently in place.

The schedule includes minor changes to utilize improved track infrastructure, eliminate freight conflicts and minimize train track that could cause congestions and delays, plus simplified severe weather service level options.

The Fall/Winter Commuter Rail schedules can be viewed by browsing individual lines at www.mbta.com/schedules/commuter-rail.

Fair Work Week Ordinance Filed

An ordinance aimed at strengthening protections for hourly workers that will enforce policies such as employers providing work schedules 14 days in advance and new shifts will be offered to current employees first has been filed by At-Large Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu.

“Every contractor working with the City of Boston should provide its worker with schedules that are predictable, flexible, and that provide enough hours for families to make ends meet,” Counselor Wu said. “We need to take every step in our power to ensure economic mobility and decreased inequality.”

Boston Named Winner in Climate Challenge Effort

Boston’s commitment to protect the City against rising sea levels and climate change was named a winner on the Bloomberg American City’s Climate Challenge as Boston works to strengthen and accelerate its process towards reducing carbon emissions.

The City will receive a support package valued at to $2. 5 million, to increase low-carbon mobility choices and improve energy performance in the building sector.

“We’re serious about building a more climate ready Boston,” Mayor Walsh said. “If we’re to be effective in preparing for rising sea levels and more intense storms, we have to accelerate our actions to reduce carbon emissions.”

Every Neighborhood           Now Has a Park

The City of Boston has reached a major milestone in ensuring that residents have a park within a 10-minute walk of home.

Mayor Martin Walsh and The Trust for Public Land made the announcement in the North End at Christopher Columbus Park as part of the City’s 10-Minute Walk to a park campaign.

“In Boston, we are proud of our world-class park system and the investments that have been made,” Mayor Walsh said.

Youth Encouraged to       Submit Ideas

Boston youth, ages 12-22 are being encouraged to submit ideas for “Youth Lead the Change” the first participatory budgeting process in North America by and for young people.

Youth will have the opportunity to submit capital project ideas for spending $1 million of the City’s capital budget.

Ideas must be submitted by Friday, November 30, 2018 to Boston.gov/youth-lead-change.

“By involving young people in the budget process, we are empowering our future leaders and supporting what really matters to them,” Mayor Martin Walsh said.