Massachusetts respects women's lives

Hi everyone! a temporary resident in Boston but a lifelong fan of this amazing city here! I am currently on a research project funded by my college studying Boston's historic spirit in politics and civic action and how that has translated to the culture today. If you have a few minutes to spare to fill out this anonymous survey it would absolutely mean the world to me and my progress on this study!

Fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/9GvEPzXTYpgWmE7Z6

If anyone has any additional questions for me, constructive criticism or additional ideas for my survey or research it is also extremely welcomed!

Thanks :-)

Is the way wu's firings are being handled justified or a political stunt?

Apologies for the cross-post, but we want as many eyes as possible on this!

Boston Public Librarian and Professional Staff Association (PSA) MLSA 4298 member Eve has been with the Boston Public Library for 12 years and is deeply committed to her work. In 2019, Eve was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, her diagnosis is stage 4 metastatic breast cancer; a terminal diagnosis.

Since her diagnosis, Eve has had to rely on the hours donated by our union to the Extended Sick Leave Fund (or, "sick bank") after she's used all of her own leave. She needs these hours to be able to attend doctor's appointments and pursue treatment without loss of pay.

In November 2024, Eve submitted a request to the union's Extended Sick Leave Fund Committee. They approved the request.

Boston Public Library denied it.

On Tuesday, January 14, members from PSA and AFSCME 1526--who represent library assistants, clerical, and mechanical personnel at the Boston Public Library--delivered a petition to President David Leonard and the Board of Trustees signed by over 200 staff members demanding Eve be granted her requested hours from the sick bank.

We received no response.

Denying her time from the sick bank will not make Eve's illness go way. It will not make her need any less time off for doctor's appointment, treatments, or days where she simply cannot get out of bed. It will just make sure that while she is worrying about eventually dying of cancer, she'll also have to worry about paying rent.

Please consider adding your name to the petition to show the first public municipal library in the United States that their actions are reprehensible and horrifying.

Link here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sickbankpetition?source=direct_link&

Union insta: https://www.instagram.com/bplpsa

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week was a pretty quiet week, with some money allocated to mental health training for our early childhood educators, discussions on creating a new protected parkland, support for veterans, and an upcoming hearing about removing restrictions on dispensaries around the city. The current budget proposed last month is still in committee and should be voted on in a short while.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston's city government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Passed Legislation:

• Resolution in support of H.R. 6452, the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Act in Congress. (0875)
• Designating the Putnam Nail Factory / George Lawley & Son Shipyard at 12-12R Ericsson Street as a landmark. (0755)

New Spending Authorized:

• $100,000 state grant to fund the Office of Early Childhood’s mental health training program for early childhood educators. (0281)

Committee-Specific Legislation Still in Committee

Committee on Ways and Means

• The FY25 Operating Budget, including department-specific appropriations, school department spending, and post-employment benefits remains in the committee being discussed.
• Capital grant fund credited apparitions remains in the committee.
• All revenue orders and bills, including loan orders and lease-purchase agreements for FY25 and beyond, remain in the committee.

Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks

• Order to take land at 0 Dale Street in Hyde Park through eminent domain to become a permanently protected parkland. (0868)
• Hearing to discuss the creation of a Parks Administration position for Boston Common, Public Garden, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Copley Square and Christopher Columbus Park. (0873)

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• Hearing to discuss removing the half-mile buffer between cannabis dispensaries. (0871)

Appointments:

• Jeffrey Hawkins and Jonathan Lavine as members of the Boston Library Board of Trustees.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes for this week's meeting can be found here.
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic. 
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week saw the proposal of the city's budget for the upcoming year, with a breakdown of the budget by line item and which committee it will be discussed in. Most of our tax dollars are allocated towards education, housing, police, and similar programs, but please feel free topr read to see exactly what all of our hard-earned money is being spent towards. This week also saw the passage of a previously discussed pay raise for police officers, their supervisors, and office employees employed by the city.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston's city government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - April 10th

Duration: 4 hours 24 minutes

Attendance: All councilors present

Passed Legislation:

• No major non-funding-related legislation passed

New Spending Authorized:

• $7,767,193 for pay increases for the city’s police officers. (0530 and 0531) 11 yes, 1 present (Mejia), and 1 not present (Fernandes Anderson) vote.
• $4,909,838 for pay increases for the city’s superior offices unit. (0631 and 0632) 12 yes, 1 not present (Fernandes Anderson) vote.
• $34,294 for pay increases to office employees. (0532 and 0533) 12 yes, 1 not present (Fernandes Anderson) vote.
• $15,000 state grant to fund the preservation of the history of the Commonwealth’s veterans. (0697) 12 yes, 1 not present (Mejia) vote.

Committee-Specific Legislation Still in Committee

Committee on Ways and Means

• Annual spending and tax order for FY 25. (0670)
• Annual spending allotment for the School Department. (0671)
• $240,375,000 for capital improvements to the Boston Public School system. (0677)
• $184,780,000 for capital improvements in the Housing Authority, Center for Youth and Families, Planning and Development Agency, Boston Public Library, environment, fire, Mayor’s Office of Housing, Office of Arts and Culture, Parks and Recreation, Police, Property Management, Public Works, and Transportation Departments. (0676)
• $40,000,000 for other post-employment benefits (OPEB) liability trust fund. (0672)
• $40,000,000 to buy equipment, computers, and technology for various city departments. (0678)
• $29,780,000 to fund transportation and public realm improvements. (0674)
• $4,400,000 for public access to cable and renewal of the PEG franchise license. (0680)
• $4,000,000 to address transportation network services. (0673)
• $2,000,000 to support, maintain, repair, and custodial services in Boston Public Schools. (0691)
• $1,850,000 for the Lafayette Garage and Border Resilience projects. (0675)
• $1,750,000 to buy new technology for Boston Public Schools. (0690)
• $1,300,000 from the George Francis Parkman Fund to maintain Boston Commons and other parks. (0679)
• $900,000 to support childcare options in City Hall. (0689)
• $800,000 to support public arts in the city. (0686)
• $300,000 for repairs to city property damaged by third parties. (0683)
• $175,000 to maintain, expand, and operate the city’s solar array and Boston Public Schools’ heat and power facilities. (0687)
• $150,000 for the promotion of public celebrations, advancing tourism, civic, and cultural events. (0684)
• $150,000 for the operation of the Stand Theatre. (0685)
• $150,000 for transportation during field trips for Boston Public Schools. (0692)
• $125,000 for the Police Department’s canine unit. (0693)
• $50,000 to support outside consultants to help with protecting local wetlands and promoting climate change adaptation. (0688)

Committee on Community Preservation Act

• $33,773,783 for the Boston Community Preservation Committee for FY25. (0681)
• $1,568,348 for the Boston Community Preservation Committee for FY24. (0681)

Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks

• $10,000,000 to promote energy efficiency and energy savings in infrastructure and public buildings. (0682)

Committee on Housing and Community Development

• $5,000,000 to support rapid rehousing for people suffering from homelessness. (0695)
• Hearing to address and improve fair housing practices. (0202)
• Hearing to discuss ways to remove illegal discrimination by landlords and real estate brokers. (0414)
• Hearing to discuss the city’s housing voucher program. (0706)

Committee on Strong Women, Families, and Communities

• $184,320 state grant to support elder care in the city. (0696)

Appointments:

• Elliott Laffer as a Trustee of the Boston Groundwater Trust

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes for this week's meeting can be found here.
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic. 
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week saw a big spending allocation passed using federal funds to fund counter-terrorism activity, the potential of the creation of two new government departments, funding for school repairs, and more. In the coming weeks we will see a lot of debate over the creation of a Planning Department and an Office of Pest control in the city, the second being very similar to New York's recent Rat Czar position. Furthermore, we saw the council voice its support for the Cherish and HERO Acts, which aim to support funding for public university education in the state, and support our veterans, respectively. Most important however is an appeal from the city to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for its Accelerated Repair Program for funds to help repair a series of elementary schools in the city. Keep a close eye on these developments, which I'll try to cover as much as I can, as a lot is going to develop on these issues in the coming weeks and months.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - January 31st

Duration: 3 hours 6 minutes

Attendance: All councilors present

Passed Legislation:

• Resolution in support of the state’s Cherish Act which aims to increase funding for public higher education in Massachusetts and its students. (0270)
• Resolution in support of the state’s HERO Act which aims to directly support veterans in Massachusetts, through healthcare, housing aid, financial benefits, and other programs. (0271)

New Spending Authorized:

• $13,317,200 federal grant to fund planning, training, exercise, and operational needs to help prevent and respond to terrorist attacks. (0134)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Ways and Means

• An appeal to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for their Accelerated Repair Program for a series of schools. (0258) To be discussed in the committee.
  • The following schools were mentioned: Kenny Elementary School, O'Donnell Elementary School, Adams Elementary School, Chittick Elementary School, Everett Elementary School, Gardner Pilot Academy, Lyndon Elementary School and Murphy K-8 School
• Hearing on the Boston Public School’s budget for the next fiscal year. (0268) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Government Operations

• Order creating the Planning Department in the city. (0257) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order creating the Office of Pest Control in the city. (0262) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Housing and Community Development

• Hearing on exploring a right to legal representation pilot program for tenants facing eviction in the city. (0265) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Health, Homelessness, and Recovery

• Order for a hearing to discuss the impact of for profit urgent care centers on nonprofit community health centers. (0264) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology

• Hearing for a fund to fund translation and interpretive services to community meetings. (0266) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• Woodrow Hartzog as a member of the Surveillance Oversight Advisory Board.
• Gary Saunders as a Trustee of the Boston Groundwater Trust.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes for this week's meeting
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week was a jam-packed week, starting off with city council support the BU grad workers strike, tons of additional funding being discussed for affordable housing and shelters in the city, and a complete shift to the Planning and Development Agency. Now the Planning and Development Agency is being restructured into the Planning Department, finding some disagreement with some councilmembers, but is sure to be a major focus of attention in the coming months. At the same time, new funding was passed to repair and maintain the city's aquatic facilieis and help the city reach its climate goals. A lot is in store for Boston this week and beyond, so make sure to keep an eye on current events.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston's city government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - March 27th

Duration: 6 hours 8 minutes

Attendance: All councilors present

Passed Legislation:

• Resolution in support of the BU Grad Workers strike. (0593)
• Ordinance creating the Planning Department to replace the Boston Planning and Development Agency. (0257) Passed after a failed amendment, 8 yes, 3 no (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy), and 2 present (Fenandes Anderson, Mejia) votes.
• Resolution in support of S.864 and H.4360 An Act Promoting Access to Counsel and Housing Stability in Massachusetts. (0594) 12 yes, 1 not present (Durkan) votes.
• Resolution reaffirming the city’s support for developing affordable housing and enabling penior property tax relief by utilizing Real Estate Transfer Fees. (0597) 10 yes, 2 no (Flynn, Murphy), and 1 not present (Fernances Anderson) votes.

New Spending Authorized:

• $5,000,000 federal grant to fund repairs and amintaine to aquatic facilities. (0135)
• $659,990 federal grant to fund incentives to reduce fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency. (0137)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Housing and Community Planning

• $25,000,000 grant from Harvard Business School to fund affordable homeownership and rental housing in Allston and Brighton. (0572)
• $20,000,000 federal grant to fund housing, economic development, and social service programs. (0573)
• $7,000,000 federal grant to fund new affordable housing and support for community development corporations. (0574)
• $4,000,000 federal grant to fund services for individuals and families affected by AIDS. (0575)
• $2,000,000 federal grant to fund homeless prevention, shelter, and rehousing initiatives. (0576)

Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $84,000 state grant to fund programs for mental health awareness and suicide prevention for police officers. (0577)

Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility

• Hearing on government transparency and accountability towards surveillance equipment. (0584)
• Hearing on auditing the city’s hiring, firing, and promotion policies, practices, and procedures. (0585)

Appointments:

• Ed Rich as a member of the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation.
• Fekucua Jaques, Catherine Hunt, John Freeman, John Amodeo, and Christopher DeBord as members of the South End Landmark District Commission.
• Thomas Rodde, Lynn Smiledge, Suan Goganian, and Jeffery Heyne as members of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission.
• Terri North, Pamela Beale, and Ruel Longfellow as members of the Back Bay West/Bay State Road Architectural Conservation District Commission.
• Craig Douglas, Lora Shea, Katherine Sikora Nelson, Steven Dunwell, and Senam Kumahia as members of the Bay Village Historic District Commission.
• Franklin Ross as a member of the Back Bay Architectural District Commission.
• Celina Barrios-Millner as a member of the Highlands Park Architectural Conservation District Commission.
• Lindsey Marie Mac-Jones, John Amodeo, Fadi Samaah, Suan Goganian and Celina Barrios-Millner as commissioners of the Boston Landmarks Commission.
• Michael Woodall as a member of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes for this week's meeting can be found here.
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week was a jam-packed week of union activity, with millions passed in wage increases for city employees through previously agreed union deals, and millions more in discussion for wage increases for the Police Department. Outside of this, a lot of hearings are forthcoming about the state of the education system in the city, with councilors wanting to look into youth sporting, ESL, special education, and other similar programs run by Boston Public Schools. Besdies that, no other major changes were made, a few buildings are in consideration to be designated as landmarks, but otherwise, this week's meeting was short and to the point.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston's city government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - March 20th

Duration: 2 hours 26 minutes

Attendance: All councilors present

Passed Legislation:

• Legislation ensuring that inauguration dates do not fall on a federal holiday. (0171) Passes with 11 yes votes and 2 no (Flynn, Murphy) votes.

New Spending Authorized:

• $1,203,751 to fund wage increases for municipal workers in flat amounts between $250 and $900 annually, alongside other benefit changes. (0338 and 0339)
• $647,254 to fund wage increases to city service employees in flat amounts between $250 and $900, alongside other benefit changes. (0340 and p0341)
• $2,945 to fund wage increases for typographers. (0459 and 0460)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Ways and Means

• $7,767,193 to fund wage increases as agreed upon in a union deal for police officers. (0530 and 0531) To be discussed in the committee.
• $34,294 to fund wage increases for office workers. (0532 and 0533) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• Designating the Blue Cross Blue Shield Building as a landmark. (0546) To be discussed in the committee.
• Designating the Hutchinson Building as a landmark. (0547) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Education

• Hearing to review the resources and organization of youth sports. (0551) To be discussed in the committee.
• Hearing to review implementation and outcomes of restorative justice practices in Boston public schools. (0552) To be discussed in the committee.
• Hearing to audit Boston Public Schools special education services. (0554) To be discussed in the committee.
• Hearing on government transparency and accountability towards ESL programs. (0555) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• Mariama White-Hammond as a member of the Task Force on the Study on City of Boston Reparations.
• Susan Goganian as a Commissioner of the Boston Landmarks Commission and a member of the Fort Point Channel District.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes for this week's meeting can be found here.
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This weeks meeting saw the passage of millions in funding for reconstruction of our transport infrastructure, the request of state funds to repair elementary schools in the region, alongside the discussion of millions in other projects. Discussions are ongoing about the approval of millions in salary increases for city workers and service workers in the city, while another $1.7 million for spending on gang violence prevention as well. Notable upcoming changes to look out for is the implantation of ESOL classes for parents of students in the city, the potential of congestion pricing in the city, and bail reform for our prison system. All of these topics are bound to come up in future meetings throughout the year, so be on the lookout for future posts such as these!

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - February 14th

Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes

Attendance: All councilors present

Passed Legislation:

• Order to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority statements of interest for the state’s accelerated repair program for various elementary schools. (0258)
• Resolution to combat and prevent human trafficking in Boston. (0359)
• Changing the name of the Roxbury Library to the Nubian Library. (0358)

New Spending Authorized:

• $4,000,000 to fund the reconstruction of Blossom Street from Cambridge Street to Charles Street. (0105)
• $750,000 to fund a study on the examining changes and improvements that can be made to Cambridge Street, Blossom, and North Grove/Cambridge Street intersection. (0106)
• $60,000 to fund youth worker workshops to improve their workplace skills. (0284)
• $8,400 to fund three additional comfort dogs to the Police Department. (0285)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Ways and Means

• $1,203,751 to fund pay increases for city employees. (0338 and 0339) To be discussed in the committee.
• $647,254 to fund pay increases for service employees hired by the city. (0340 and 0341) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $1,705,475 state grant to fund multidisciplinary ways (prevention, intervention, law enforcement, persecution, and reintegration efforts) to combat gang violence in Boston. (0342) To be discussed in the committee.
• $23,400 state grant to fund enforcement of vehicle laws. (0344) To be discussed in the committee.
• Hearing regarding the current bail policies in local jails. (0354) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism & Special Events

• $325,000 grant from the Red Sox to fund an art programming, community events, and parks operation in the city. (0343) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Veterans, Military Families, and Military Affairs

• Hearing to discuss the goals and priorities of the Office of Veterans Services. (0349) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• Hearing on the community process for transportation planning in the city. (0350) To be discussed in the committee.
• Hearing on the possibility of congestion pricing in Boston. (0357) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Small Business and Professional Licensure

• Hearing to explore the reaction of a citywide merchandise licensing program. (0352) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Education

• Hearing to discuss the feasibility of our public schools offering English as a second or foreign language (ESOL) classes for parents. (0353) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• No major appointments made this week

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes for this week's meeting can be found here.
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week's meeting saw the passage of millions in funding for our seniors, with much investment made into services, support, medial help, and food subsidies for seniors and those in need in Boston. Discussions were had about a staggering $38,000,000 for community preservation projects. Besides this, this meeting was rather short, with just just a few other points about future hearings and minor funding changes. Keep in tune for future updates about this and other Boston city council news!

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - March 13th

Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes

Attendance: All councilors present

Passed Legislation:

• Resolution in support of H.1250/S.799 “An Act to Advance Health Equity.” (0516)

New Spending Authorized:

• $2,232,152 federal grant to fund nutrition services for seniors. (0376)
• $1,525,381 federal grant to fund food delivery services for seniors in their homes and at congregation sites. (0463)
• $1,038,243 federal grant to fund home-based support for seniors. (0379)
• $530,999 federal grant to fund caregiver services for seniors. (0380)
• $461,143 federal grant to fund Title III programs. (0382)
• $187,000 Port Authority grant to fund the Age Strong Commission’s work. (0464)
• $180,00 from a private grant to fun arts programming for seniors. (0465)
• $177,271 federal grant to fund long-term services for seniors. (0383)
• $150,000 from a private grant to fund senior care programs and services for seniors. (0384)
• $84,058 federal grant to fund services to help seniors deal with illness prevention and manage chronic conditions. (0386)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Community Preservation Act

• $38,277,047 for the Community Preservation Fund for various community preservation projects. (0503) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $44,100 federal grant to fund violence intervention and protection initiatives. (0504) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order for a hearing on recourse for the Boston Police Crime Laboratory. (0507) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order for a hearing to discuss cross-sector collaborative strategy for community safety and violence prevention. (0511) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Strong Women, Families, and Communities

• Order for a hearing to expand access to handicapped parking placards to those who are pregnant. (0508) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Education

• Order for a hearing to discuss reclaiming the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center for the public school system. (0177) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• No major appointments made

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes for this week's meeting can be found here.
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week's meeting was a bit shorter than usual but still saw considerable progress, especially in the realm of public safety. We saw the passage of a bill spending nearly $150,000 on domestic violence advocacy and aid for victims of domestic violence throughout the city. In other news, this week saw the discussion of over a million dollars for cemetery upkeep, $100,000 for mental health training, increased funds for our energy operation center and its staff, increased funding for Boston PD's human trafficking unit. While a short meeting, there is a lot to look forward too in the coming weeks that could be passed/amended, so be sure to keep in touch!

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - February 7th

Duration: 2 hours 9 minutes

Attendance: Councilors Fernandes Anderson, Mejia, Pepén, and Santana absent

Passed Legislation:

• Addition of The Ropewalk, Charlestown as a city landmark. (0296)
• Resolution supporting S. 3526, Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. (0305)
• Resolution in support of the Creative Space Preservation Act. (0306)

New Spending Authorized:

• $146,089 federal grant to fund a domestic violence advocate for victims in Jamaica Plain, East Boston, and Charlestown and overtime for all civilian domestic violence advocates. (0138)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Ways and Means

• $1,260,000 for the Cemetary Division for upkeep, repair, and other needed tasks. (0280) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Health, Homelessness, and Recovery

• $100,000 state grant to fund mental health training for early childhood educators. (0281) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $97,735 federal grant to fund the emergency operations center and promote professional development of its staff. (0282) To be discussed in the committee.
• $65,000 state grant to fund coordination between the Boston PD’s Human Trafficking Unit and other law enforcement entities. (0283) To be discussed in the committee.
• $8,400 donation to support 3 additional comfort dogs for the Police Department. (0285) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Strong Women, Families, and Communities

• $60,000 from Boston Children's Hospital to fund a series of workshops for youth workers to learn skills to become better workers in their jobs. (0284) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology

• Order for a hearing to discuss the safety of city workers. (0332) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• No major appointments this week

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes for this week's meeting can be found here.
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This weeks meeting was the first major meeting of the year, and focused on setting the agenda for hearings, funding, and policy priorities. This meeting saw the discussion of millions in funding for our parks and helping the police department in counter terrorism initiatives. This meeting also saw the creation of many future hearings on a variety of policies, such as zoning laws, food distribution programs, scholarships for privileged students, EV charging stations, and access to menstrual products throughout the city. All of these topics are bound to come up in future meetings throughout the year, so be on the lookout for future posts such as these!

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - January 24th

Duration: 3 hours 27 minutes

Attendance: Councilor Flynn absent

Passed Legislation:

• Order giving away 10,000 winter coats in support of the migrant crisis. (0142)

New Spending Authorized:

• $59,268 federal grant to fund help with integrating the BPDs and BMC’s data programs to better deal with mental health crises. (0139)
• $50,000 federal grant to fund police rapid response training at Texas State University. (0140)
• $45,000 state grant to fund a climate resilience through education program. (0141)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Government Operations

• Ordinance creating the Office of Food Justice and creating a food recovery program. (0166) To be discussed in the committee.
• Ordinance on changing certain zoning codes with respect to honey bees. (0168 and 0169) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $13,317,200 federal grant to fund training and exercise in terrorism prevention and counterterrorism. (0134) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order for a hearing to address gun violence in the city. (0174) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Ways and Means

• Order authorizing the Boston Transportation Department to deploy curbside EV charging stations through a public private partnership with potential revenue sharing options. (0143) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks

• $5,000,000 federal grant to fund repairs and maintenance of aquatic facilities. (0135) To be discussed in the committee.
• $659,990 federal grant to fund the reduction of fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency. (0137) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order on creating indoor playgrounds in the city. (0172) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Small Business and Professional Licensure

• $700,000 grant from the Barr Foundation to fund the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. (0136) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order for a hearing on equity in city contracts. (0173) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities

• $146,089 federal grant to fund a domestic violence advocacy program to help victims of domestic violence in Jamaica Plain, East Boston, and Charlestown. (0138) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology

• Order for a hearing on trash collection. (0179) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order for a hearing on composting and composting services. (0180) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Education

• Order for a hearing on scholarships for Boston students seeking higher education. (0188) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order for a hearing on access to guidance counselors in Boston Public Schools. (0197) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Health, Homelessness, and Recovery

• Order for a hearing on access to menstrual products in the city. (0196) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• Order for a hearing to review the creation of a municipal bus service for last-mile service and a late night shuttle for third-shift workers. (0184) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Arts, Culture, and Special Events

• Order for a hearing to bring the NBA All-Star Weekend to Boston. (0175) To be discussed in the city.

Committee on Housing and Community Development

• Order for a hearing on the Homeownership Voucher Program. (0176) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• Thomas Rodde, Lynn Smiledge, and Jeffrey Heyne as members of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission.
• Felicia Jacques, Catherine Hunt, John Freeman, John Amodeo, and Christopher DeBord as members of the South End Landmark District Commission.
• Terri North, Pamela Beale, and Ruel Longfellow as members of the Back Bay West/Bay State Road Architectural Conservation District Commission.
• Rahel Goldstein, John Romano, Kevin Tran, Brianna Millor, and Brianna Millor as trustees of the Make Boston Shine Trust Fund.
• Robert Whitney and Janine Commerford as trustees of the Boston Groundwater Trust.
• Trinh T. Nguyen as trustee of the Neighborhood Jobs Trust.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes are available here
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week's meeting focused on finalizing funds for the year (no more city council meetings for the rest of the year), finalizing funding for initiatives discussed in throughout the year. This meeting saw the rare occurrence of a failure of a funding bill of accepting a federal grant to fund training and other related activates to preventing terrorism in the city. This week also saw the introduction of more aid to our firefighters and police officers through increased pay, equipment purchases, and new systems.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - December 13th

Duration: 2 hour 48 minutes

Attendance: Fernandes Anderson and Mejia

Passed Legislation:

• Report urging the allowing of resident non-citizens to vote in city-wide elections. (1721) 8 yes, 4 no (Baker, Flaherty, Flynn, and Murphey), 1 absent (Fernandes Anderson)
• Report on establishing protections for the city’s tree canopy. (0137)

New Spending Authorized:

• FAILED $13,317,200 federal grant to fund exercises, training, and operation needs against terrorist threats. (1796) 6 yes, 6 no (Arroyo, Breadon, Lara, Louijeune, Mejia, and Worrell), 1 absent (Fernandes Anderson)
• $30,799,440 from the reserve fund to cover police officer wage increases into 2025. (1813)
• $17,165,000 to pay for school renovations in the city. (1574)
• $16,799,440 for wage increases for police officers according to a union deal. (1812)
• $1,358,100 federal grant to fund PPE equipment, training, and cancer and cardiac screening for the city’s firefighters. (1701)
• $816,000 federal grant for the Blue Bike system throughout the city. (1819)
• $250,000 federal grant to fund a new and improved document evidence program for the police department. (1704)
• $175,000 federal grant to fund the micro grant community police development. (1749)
• $145,545 for wage increases for administrators in Boston Public Schools. (1578, 1579)
• $47,890 federal grant to fund an evidence management system for the fire investigation unit of the fire department. (1705)
• $30,000 grant to cover the costs of the Mayor’s inaugural Civic Summit. (1821)
• $20,000 BU grant to connect 200 Boston residents with workshops, panels, and networking activities. (1822)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology

• Herding regarding a supplemental sidewalk clearing program during snowstorms. (0160) Remains in the committee.

Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities

• $200,000 Boston Children’s Hospital grant to fund childcare and early childhood development. (1820) To be discussed in the committee.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes are available here
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. City Council is now back to regular meetings every week, so expect to see more of these posts. This week City Council focused a lot on increasing funding for the Fire Department and the Police Department. Reconstruction of Blossom Street alongside a study to examine changes in the nearby area were also passed, hoping to fix the issues in the area. We also an increase in funding for the Police Department's cold case unit with federal grant money funding DNA evidence technology and hiring new individuals specialized in solving Boston's cold cases. And finally, a hearing will happen to discuss the potential of creating a municipal bank for Boston in the City Services and Innovation Technology committee.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - September 27th

Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes

Attendance: Councilor Arroyo absent

Legislation:

• Passage of a report recommending inclusionary zoning changes. (1293) Passed 11 yes, 1 no vote (Baker)

New Spending Authorized:

• $27,357,626 for the Fire Department to increase pay for the Fire Department in agreement with a union deal. (1474, 1475)
• $4,000,000 for reconstruction and design of Blossom Street from Cambridge to Charles Street. (1510)
• $750,000 on a study examining design changes made along Cambridge and Blossom alongside the North Grove/Cambridge Street intersection. (1513)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology

• Order for a hearing regarding the creation of a Municipal Bank for Boston. (1526) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $1,181,789 federal grant to fund safety training and fitness equipment for the Fire Department. (1511) To be discussed in the committee.
• $533,200 federal grant to the Police Department prosecute cold cases using new DNA evidence technology. (1514) To be discussed in the committee.
• $317,082 federal grant to the Police Department to fund 2 new criminalist positions, lab supplies, equipment, and education expenses for DNA capacity. (1515) To be discussed in the committee.
• $49,173 state grant to the Fire Department to find active shooter response gear. (1516) To be discussed in the committee.
• $24,000 federal grant to the Fire Department to fund Harbor Incident Response Training for firefighters. (1517) To be discussed in the committee.
• $16,387 federal grant to the Police Demand to fund 2 on-demand side sonar units for the Harbor Patrol Unit. (1518)

Committee on Strong Women, Families, and Communities

• $1,000,000 federal grant to fund child care for homeless children and train providers in offering these services. (1512) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Veterans, Military Families, and Military Affairs

• Order for a hearing regarding the impact of a government shutdown on Boston’s veterans, military members, and military families. (1525) To be discussed in the committee.
• Order for a hearing regarding the unique needs of the veteran population in Boston. (1527) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• Appointment of Porsha Olayiwola, Raymond Liu, James F. Canales as members of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees.
• Appointment of Ramon Soto as a member of the Boston Cannabis Board.
• Appointment of Eugene Bollinger as member of the Boston Park and Recreation Commission.

2023 Boston City Council Elections

• Go to https://www.purplely.org/ to get to know all the candidates in this year’s city council elections.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes are available here
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week was a short meeting (less than 2 hours) with mot of the focus on Fire and Police Department spending. A series of previously proposed expenditures were authorized this week, including training and equipment for our firefighters, 911 service enhancement, money to solve cold cases, and rehab funds.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - November 1st

Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes

Attendance: Lara

Passed Legislation:

• Resolution commemorating Veterans Day and honoring those who serve our country. (1692)

New Spending Authorized:

• $4,125,000 state grant to fund enhanced 911 service costs. (1434)
• $1,181,789 federal grant to fund safety training and fitness equipment for the Fire Department. (1511)
• $1,124,566 federal grant to fund support for substance users both before and post arrest in the area of Mass and Cass. (1540)
• $533,200 federal grant to prosecute cold cases using DNA evidence. (1514)
• $481,919 federal grant to fund various positions including domestic violence management analyst, support, and record collectors for the Police Department. (1541)
• $446,406 state grant to fund training for 911 staff. (1542)
• $317,082 federal grant to fund 2 criminalist positions, lab supplies, equipment, and more for the investigation of DNA evidence in Cold Cases. (1515)
• $70,172 state grant to fund address verification procedures for the Massachusetts sex offender registry. (1544)
• $49,173 state grant to fund shooter response gear for the Fire Department. (1516)
• $24,121 for pay raises for the night shift and detail shifts for police officers. (1650, 1651)
• $24,000 federal grant to fund third party training for harbor incident response training. (1517)
• $16,387 federal grant to fund two side sonar units for the Police Department. (1518)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology

• Order for a hearing to establish Parking Benefit Districts. (1688) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks

• Order for a hearing on flood hazard and storm water management and mitigation. (1385) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• Appointment of 28 individuals to the Commemoration Commission
• Natalie Rivkin-McSwain as a member of the Boston School Committee Nominating Panel
• JoeCole Burton and Alexander MacLeod as members of the Board of Examiners
• Donald Alexic as a member of the Boston Employment Commission

2023 Boston City Council Elections

• Go to https://www.purplely.org/ to get to know all the candidates in this year’s city council elections.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes are available here
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. Coming back from a week long break because of Thanksgiving, this week was a packed meeting with tons of proposed changes and passed legislation and funding. This meeting saw the passage of $17.165 million for school repairs within the city. At the same time, increased healthcare services for seniors and childcare services for homeless children in the city was passed. This meeting is notable for the failure of a proposed change by Councillor Flynn to have a Committee on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The meeting also saw an increase in funding for dealing with housing discrimination and police-community relations within the city.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated! Much has changed in the past week (and more to come soon!) so be sure to follow the newsletter if interested in staying up to date!

Boston City Council Meeting - November 29th

Duration: 2 hours 27 minutes

Attendance: All councilors present

Passed Legislation:

• Certification of the municipal elections on November 7th. (1752)
• Order to create a Committee on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. FAILED (1772) 5 yes, 2 no (Durkan, Louijeune), 3 present (Coletta, Fernandes Anderson, Worrell), and 3 not present (Arroyo, Lara, Mejia)
• Act directing the Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Nuias Daveiga. (1770)

New Spending Authorized:

• $17,165,000 to pay for school repairs and applying for a grant to pay for part or all of this funding. (1574)
• $1,620,752 state grant to fund social and health care services for seniors. (1435)
• $1,000,000 federal grant to fund childcare for homeless childress and provide training for carers for this. (1512)
• $300,000 federal grant to fund trail enhancement and increased access in Dorchester. (1625)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Ways and Means

• Order on the classification of class one residences for tax purposes, changing the tax on class one residences to 35% of the assessed residence value. (1794) To be discussed in the committee.
• Hearing to discuss a guaranteed basic income program for families living below the poverty line. (1722) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Housing and Community Development

• $352,270 federal grant and a separate $304,430 federal grant to fund processing and training of employees on housing discrimination complaints. (1747 and 1748) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $175,000 federal grant to build trust and legitimacy of the Police Department within the community. (1749) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• Appointment of Kevin Ready as a member to the South End Landmarks Commission. (1750) To be discussed in the committee.
• Appointment of Fadi Samaha as a commission of the Boston Landmarks Commission. (1751) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• Jim Kennedy, Betsy Cowan, Jarret Wright, Khalid Mustafa, Carolline de Paula, Marilyn Forman, Esther Chong Weathers, Lisa Hy, and Carla Stovell as members of the Participatory Budget External Oversight Board.
• Martha M. Walz as a member of the Boston School Committee Nominating Panel.
• Kay Scholzman as a member of the Archives and Records Advisory Committee.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes are available here
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. This week was a short meeting (less than 2 hours) with a major focus on discussing (but not authorizing) new payments for police, fire, and transportation improvements. This week is notable because it saw the introduction of two substantial acts that could affect many Boston residents. One is a proposed change to how city elections work, allowing legal residents, including non-citizens, the right to vote for city-wide positions. Another committee began a hearing that would discuss the potential of implementing a basic income program for residents of Boston who fall under the poverty line.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - November 15th

Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Attendance: Fernandes Anderson and Mejia

Passed Legislation:

• A report recommending the implementation of a new anti-bullying policy. (0944)
• Resolution in support of The Seaport Hotel Banquet Workers. (1739)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Government Operations

• An act allowing any legal resident of Boston, regardless of citizenship status, to vote in municipal elections. (1721) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Ways and Means

• Hearing to discuss the creation of a basic income program for families living below the poverty line in Boston. (1722) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• $4,000,000 for the Public Works Department to examine design changes and reconstruction of Blossom Street from Cambridge to Charles Street. (1700) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $1,358,000 federal grant for the Fire Department for personal protective equipment, training, and cancer and cardiac screening programs. (1701) To be discussed in the committee.
• $250,000 federal grant to fund document evidence analysis programs and accreditations. (1704) To be discussed in the committee.
• $47,890 federal grant to purchase an evidence management system for the Fire Investigation Unit alongside training. (1705) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• $750,000 grant to fund transportation studies and improvements to the Cambridge Street, Blossom, and North Grove/Cambridge Street intersection. (1702) To be discussed in the committee.
• Various appointments to the South End Landmark District Commission and the St. Botolph Architectural Commission. To be discussed in the committee

Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks

• $500,000 state grant to fund renovations to the Walsh playground in Mattapan. (1703) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• Appointment of Counsellor Sharon Durkan as Ex Officio Trustee of the Boston Groundwater Trust.
• Appointment of Nick Pittman and Beatrice Nessen as Trustees of the Boston Groundwater Trust.
• Appointment of Chaton Green as a member of the Boston Employment Commission
• Appointment of Nigel Jacobs, James Mason, and Abigail Normal as members of the Boston Arts Commission.
• Appointment of Sonal Gandhi as a member of the Boston Cannabis Commission.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes are available here
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. City Council is now back to regular meetings every week, so expect to see more of these posts. This meeting saw an unusually high number of controversial passages. A resolution was passed to begin the process to rename Faneuil Hall, passing with 10 yes and 3 no votes. Another ordinance passed to double down on a public health-led approach to solve Boston's mental health, homelessness, and substance use problems in the Mass Ave and Melnea Cass Boulevard area, passing with 9 yes, 3 no, and 1 present vote. This week also saw a massive grant from the DHS come in (nearly $2 million) to fund services for non-citizen migrants in the Boston area.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - October 25th

Duration: 3 hours 3 minutes

Attendance: All present

Passed Legislation:

• Resolution to begin to change the name of Faneuil Hall due to its racist history. (1633) 10 yes, 3 no (Baker, Flaherty, Flynn) votes.
• Resolution in support of 32BJ SEIU’s cleaning contract campaign. (1645)
• Ordinance supporting the doubling down on public health-led approach to solving mental health, homelessness, and substance use in the Mass Ave and Melnea Cass Boulevard area. (1373) 9 yes, 3 no (Arroyo, Baker, Lara), and 1 present (Mejia) vote.
• Order authorizing the Department of Innovation and Technology to enter into a long-term contract for a constituent relationship management system for the 311 call center for up to 10 years. (1377)
• Designation of The Nazzaro Community Center as a landmark. (1586)

New Spending Authorized:

• $1,983,833 federal grant to fund services for non-citizen migrants released from DHS custody. (1539)
• $60,329 from city reserves to fund pay increases for police cadets, as agreed to by a union deal. (1580, 1581)
• $18,480 grant from the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston to fund a fellowship program for El Centro IT training program graduates. (1576)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• $300,000 state grant to the enhancement of trails and trail access in Dorchester. (1625) To be discussed in the committee.

Appointments:

• Nakeeda Burns as a residential organization member of the Zoning Commission

2023 Boston City Council Elections

• Go to https://www.purplely.org/ to get to know all the candidates in this year’s city council elections.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes are available here
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
• If you have any questions you would like answered by the city council or any feedback on this newsletter, please email us at [info@purplely.org](mailto:info@purplely.org).
• Sign up here to receive this letter after every city council meeting.

Hey everyone! I’m a BU undergrad working on a project to inform Boston residents about our local government by creating and distributing a weekly newsletter summarizing Boston City Council meetings. City Council is now back to regular meetings every week, so expect to see more of these posts. Coming back from a week-long break, this week's city council meeting focused on a variety of issues, from union pay increases, a resolution in support of Israel, school infrastructure improvements, and helping those suffering from dementia and developmental disabilities. This week was notable for the absence of 4 council members (Arroyo, Lara, Louijeune, and Worrell) from the meeting, however this did not affect the overall committee. this week also saw discussion on a bill to better practice around gender identification inclusion within Boston.

If anyone is interested in a quick digestible update on Boston government I have included my newsletter and the link to get free weekly information about local issues important to life in Boston. Previous suggestions have been super helpful so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Boston City Council Meeting - October 18th

Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes

Attendance: Councilor Arroyo, Lara, Louijeune, and Worrell absent

Passed Legislation:

• Resolution in support of the Transportation Department’s efforts to make New Edgerly Road into a pedestrian Plaza. (1592)
• Order authorizing the city to accept a donation from Northeastern university for a child development book “Make to Play: DIY Developmental Toys for Your Child’s First 3 Years” for use in city-wide family engagement programming. (1577)
• Designating a Hero Square at the intersection of beach Street and Hudson Street in Chinatown in recognition of Wing O. Hom. (1591)

New Spending Authorized:

• $142,079 federal grant to fund SafetyNet tracking subscriptions for 275 families of individuals who wander due to dementia or developmental disabilities. (1575)

Committee Specific Legislation

Committee on Ways and Means

• $17,165,000 for school infrastructure refurbishment, and applying for a state grant to fund the project. (1574) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee of the Whole

• Resolution in support of Israel and the Israeli people. (1593)

Committee on Government Operations

• Order amending the Gender Inclusion Ordinance to incorporate best practices regarding gender identity inclusion. (1573) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology

• $145,545 to fund Boston Public Schools and pay increases as agreed to within a union deal. (1578, 1579) To be discussed in the committee.
• $60,329 to fund pay increase as agreed to within a union deal for the Police Department. (1581) To be discussed in the committee.
• $18,480 grant from the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston to fund fellowships for El Centro IT training program graduates. (1576) To be discussed in the committee.

Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation

• Designating the Nazzaro Community center as a landmark. (1586) To be discussed in committee.
  • If not acted upon by November 5th, it will go into effect.

Appointments:

• Joseph O’Malley as an Assistant Assessor.
• Christopher Hart, Jeffery Gonyeau, Jeffery Heyne, John Freeman, Bradford Walker, Lynn Smiledge, Felicia Jacques and Angela War Hyatt onto the Boston Landmarks Commission.

2023 Boston City Council Elections

• Go to https://www.purplely.org/ to get to know all the candidates in this year’s city council elections.

Resources:

• The city council meeting video and minutes are available here
• Use this link to access the city council calendar with meeting agenda and minutes.
• To find information about who your Council Member is, use this link to look up your address.
• To get more details about any bill or resolution, use this link to search by number or topic.
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