Boston Has New City Auditor
Boston has a new City Auditor, Maureen Joyce, who has over 20 years of experience, with expertise in financial reporting and management and served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.
“Maureen brings a strong knowledge of fiscal management and we look forward to for leadership,†Mayor Martin Walsh said.
Mortgage Program for First Time Buyers
Details for an enhanced mortgage program for first-time homebuyers has been announced by the City of Boston to create more opportunities for low-income and middle-aged families.
The new ONE + Boston mortgage will utilize $3.8 million in Community Preservation Funds for income-eligible Bostonians buying their first home within the city limits.
“This is a great use of Community Preservation Funds and an investment in Boston’s future that strengthens homeownership and gives residents a chance to buy a home in the neighborhood they love,†Mayor Martin Walsh said.
Mayor Calls for Immediate MBTA Improvements
Reportedly, the City of Boston gives $90 million to the MBTA from a transportation budget and it feels like the MBTA is not currently a functional service for many of its residents.
Mayor Martin Walsh called on the T to provide a better service on a fast timeline and called for an increase on the frequency of service on the Red Line and nearby commuter rail lines.
Governor Files Commercial Driver Safety Bill
A bill promoting commercial driver safety has been filed by Gov. Charlie Baker and has been sent to the Senate and House.
The measure calls for broader needs to strengthen the current laws regulating commercial drivers to ensure that only safe and qualified drivers are authorized to operate the latest vehicles on the road.
The bill will enhance roadway safety by improving tools that the state has to ensure only qualified, responsible and safe drivers are operating commercial vehicles.
Mayor Kicks-Off MLK Scholars Program
Hundreds of teens joined Boston Mayor Martin Walsh to kick off the 12th year of the MLK scholars’ program that provides meaningful employment and opportunities for over 600 Boston youth through summer job assignment workshops.
“The MLK Scholars program does more than provide summer jobs, it puts an emphasis on financial literacy, provides resume workshops and networking opportunities and most importantly, helps students feel confident as they move forward in life,†Mayor Walsh said.
Mayor Issues RFP Housing Round
A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been released by the City of Boston for affordable housing projects seeking financial support.
The $30 million founding round may be the largest in the City’s history going from $16 million to the present $30 million.
“These projects bring our commitment to affordable housing to more than $130 million, with more investments planned in the future,†Mayor Martin Walsh said.
Mayor Testifies in Favor Better Ridesharing
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh recently testified in support of legislation that better aligns transportation network companies such as Uber and Lift within the City’s mobile goals.
Additional revenue generated will be invested in local roads and transit projects that will make City streets better for walking, biking, driving and transiting.
“We have to find ways to make rideshares part of a sustainable and equitable transportation system, and this bill will help us to do that,†the Mayor told the Joint Committee on Financial Services during a hearing at the State House.
Boston Ranked #1 For Energy Efficiency
Boston has retained its first-place ranking for energy efficiency according to the American Council for an Emergency-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) scorecard, the most comprehensive national report that tracks city progress toward climate goals.
Boston has been the only city to ever hold the top spot in the ACEEE city scorecard.
Boston earned the highest score for its building policies and a perfect score for its energy efficient outreach and programs.
Boston has already surpassed its municipal climate goals and reduced admissions by 37 percent.
Overdose Reversal Kits in Municipal Buildings
A $30,000 donation by Aetna will allow the City of Boston to install opioid overdose reversal kits in municipal buildings.
The kits containing the overdose reversal medication naloxone (Narcan), instructions for its use and other medical supplies that can be helpful with an overdose. All interested city employees will be offered on-site voluntary training.
“Increasing access to Naloxone has been a core strategy in the City’s approach to countering the opioid epidemic,†Mayor Martin Walsh said.
Educational and Career Training Program
A $1.2 million investment in alternative education, career exploration and career training programs that will open the doors to economic opportunities for Boston’s young people has been announced by the Mayor’s Office all Workforce Development (OWD).
Funding rules the federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) will support local non-profit operations that serve young people between the ages of 14-24 who have experienced challenges.
“Boston’s young people represent Boston’s talent and future, and creating more opportunities for them is one of the worthwhile investments we can make,†Mayor Martin Walsh said.