News and Notes

Boston Receives $1. 4 Million Preparedness Grant

Natural Preparedness month began September 1 with the City of Boston selected to receive a $1.4 million Regional Catastrophic Preparedness grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) part of a $10 million program.

Boston was one of eight cities in the country selected for this grant.

Boston, with this grant funding, plans to build state and local capacity to manage catastrophic incidents.

Natural Preparedness Month provides opportunities for residents to evaluate individual and family plans in the event of an emergency.

Review of ZBA Launched

A comprehensive review of the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and related processes in order to ensure the best practices, including strong internal protocols and best policies, are in place to best serve applicants in a way that is transparent and accountable to the public, has been launched by Mayor Martin Walsh.

“Through this review, I want to make sure that our agencies and staff are best equipped with the knowledge, tools and training they need to do their jobs effectively and to the standards of which they are held,” Mayo Walsh said.

BFD Receives Part of a FEMA Grant

Boston Fire Department (BFD) has received federal funds from FEMA ($750,000) for wellness and fitness activities including a firefighter cancer screening program.

Boston was one of 22 fire departments throughout the state to share and the $3.1 million grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

  Boston Saves for K2 Kindergartners

Boston’s K2 kindergartner students, through Boston Saves, will each receive an account automatically seeded with $50 that can be used to support their future college or career training.

“Throughout its three-year pilot program, Boston Saves has proven to be an essential part of providing families with the tools to save for their children’s post-secondary future,” Mayor Martin Walsh said.

Sen. Boncore endorses Halbert for Boston City Council

State Sen. Joseph Boncore (1st Suffolk and Middlesex) has announced his endorsement of former East Boston resident and community leader David Halbert for Boston City Councilor At-large.

“I am proud to announce my endorsement of David Halbert, candidate for Boston City Council At-Large. David was quick to extend a hand in friendship and partnership after I was elected, and I have enjoyed working with him on behalf of the people of East Boston ever since. He has remained active in civic organizations throughout East Boston, even though he moved to Dorchester, and brings thoughtful leadership and a willingness to work to each one. It is that combination of commitment, hard work, and creativity that we need on the Boston City Council,” said Sen. Boncore.

Mr. Halbert remarked about receiving the Senator’s support, “I am humbled to receive the endorsement of Senator Boncore, a dedicated public servant, tireless advocate for the communities he represents, and someone I am proud to call a friend. I had the pleasure to work alongside him as a community member and activist when I lived in East Boston, and now I look forward to the opportunity to work with him on behalf of his district, and all of Boston’s neighborhoods, as City Councilor At-large.”

David Halbert is a candidate for Boston City Councilor At-large. He has spent over 15 years in public service, most recently with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office where he served as Deputy Director of Community Affairs. A lifelong public servant and civic activist David has been a staff member for former Massachusetts Gov.  Deval Patrick and former Boston City Councilors Sam Yoon and John Tobin. David holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Northeastern University. He serves on the boards of East Boston Main Streets and the Piers Park Advisory Council, and is the former Affirmative Action and Outreach Chair of the Ward One Democratic Committee. David lives in Dorchester with his wife Lauren and their two daughters.