BOSTON MA

Honoring History, Celebrating Pride

The Boston City Council designated June 2025 as Pride Month, honoring the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while calling for greater equity and inclusion. The resolution emphasizes ongoing struggles and encourages all sectors to support policies that protect LGBTQIA+ individuals.

National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week

The Boston City Council passed resolutions recognizing National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week, highlighting the contributions of teachers and nurses. National Teacher Appreciation Week will be observed from May 5-9, 2025, while National Nurses Week is set for May 6-12, 2025, acknowledging the dedication of over 64,000 nurses in Greater Boston.

Council Declares May as Small Business Month

Boston's City Council declared May as Small Business Month, celebrating over 44,000 small businesses that contribute to the city's economy and cultural identity. The Council's resolution, led by Councilor Worrell, addresses challenges faced by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and emphasizes ongoing support for equitable access to city resources.

More Than a Game Latino Baseball League Wellness Day

The Boston City Council designated May 7, 2025, as Latino Baseball League Wellness Day, recognizing the leagues’ role in promoting community health and unity. Local leagues like Liga Las Caribeñas and Liga Los Compa foster physical activity and social connections among residents. The resolution also honors Yupesi Báez, a key figure in Boston's Latino baseball community.

From Clean Air to Senior Care Boston Reaffirms Public Health Commitments

Boston's City Council passed resolutions supporting World Asthma Day and Adult Day Health programs, addressing health equity issues. The asthma resolution highlights Boston's high rates of respiratory disease, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods, while the ADH resolution opposes proposed funding cuts threatening critical care services.

City of Boston to Host Youth Jobs Resource Fair on May 10

Boston will host a Youth Jobs and Resource Fair on May 10, designed for young people aged 14 to 24 to connect with employers and access career resources. The event, featuring over 150 partners, aims to support youth employment, with more than 2,200 attendees already registered. Mayor Michelle Wu emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities for professional development and community engagement.

A Letter from the Chair of Ways and Means

The Boston City Council is reviewing the Mayor's proposed FY26 budget, highlighting strong city revenues in FY25. The Equity and Inclusion cabinet reported over 20 policy recommendations totaling $34 million, while the Economic Opportunity and Inclusion cabinet discussed initiatives to support minority- and women-owned businesses.

A LONG AND PAINFUL ILLNESS Stories from Dorchester North Burying Ground

Charles F. Snell, a Civil War veteran, died in 1881 after suffering from a long illness contracted in Andersonville Prison. His gravestone in Dorchester North Burying Ground provides detailed insights into his life and experiences, including his imprisonment and the harsh conditions faced by soldiers. The article highlights Snell’s remarkable legacy and the broader historical context of the Civil War.

Celebrating Culture

The Boston City Council celebrated various cultural observances, including AAPI Heritage Month and Polish Constitution Day, this week. Council President Louijeune announced a flag-raising ceremony for Montserrat on May 2, 2025, while Councilor Flynn recognized the contributions of Asian Americans over the past 150 years. The Council aims to honor the resilience and narratives of these communities.

Council Supports Strengthening Health Care Protections

Councilor Mejia introduced a resolution supporting Bill SD.2808 to enhance health care protections in Massachusetts. The legislation aims to expand privacy safeguards for patients seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care, ensuring Massachusetts remains a safe haven amid restrictive laws in other states.

Council Backs Bill to Improve Sickle Cell Care

The Council endorsed House Bill H.1347, aimed at enhancing care for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). This legislation, introduced by Representative Bud L. Williams, seeks to improve education, establish partnerships, and secure funding for SCD programs. The bill addresses significant health disparities, as over 90% of those affected in the U.S. are Black or Latino.

Council Approves Grants Supporting Resiliency, Public Safety, and Youth Employment

The Council approved a $1,987,500 Hazard Mitigation Grant to enhance flood resilience in East Boston, unlocking an additional $15 million for construction. It also accepted a $58,000 FEMA grant for fire prevention initiatives and a $4,149,200 grant to support the YouthWorks Program, providing employment opportunities for over 1,000 at-risk youth.

Mayor Michelle Wu Proclaims May as Historic Preservation Month at City Hall Event Celebrating Landmark Designation

Mayor Michelle Wu officially designated Boston City Hall as a Boston Landmark and proclaimed May as Historic Preservation Month. The event highlighted the building's architectural significance and its role in Boston's civic identity, featuring performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Council Recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The Boston City Council recognized National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week during an event on May 8, 2025. This acknowledgment highlights the vital role of telecommunicators in maintaining public safety and emergency response.

NEWSMay 7

Mayor Wu Announces 2025 Open Streets and Open Newbury Events

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the 2025 Open Streets and Open Newbury events, set to begin on May 7, 2025. These initiatives aim to enhance urban spaces and promote community engagement. The events are part of a broader effort to encourage tactical urbanism in the city.

NEWSMay 7

Mayor Michelle Wu Celebrates Small Business Month

Mayor Michelle Wu will celebrate Small Business Month in an event scheduled for May 7, 2025, in Street, Somerset. The gathering aims to support local entrepreneurs and foster community engagement. Wu's administration focuses on promoting development aid and small business initiatives.

NEWSMay 6

Mayor Wu Announces Return of UnCommon Corner and Beer Garden on Boston Common

Mayor Michelle Wu announced the reopening of the UnCommon Corner and beer garden on Boston Common for its third year, featuring daily live performances and local food vendors. The initiative aims to enhance community engagement and support local businesses while providing a vibrant space for residents and visitors.

Mayor Wu, Community Celebrate Groundbreaking of 30.9 Million New Fields Corner Branch

Mayor Michelle Wu announced the start of construction for the $30.9 million Fields Corner Branch Library in Boston, set to open in 2026. The two-story facility will enhance community space, improve accessibility, and prioritize sustainability with an all-electric design targeting LEED Gold Certification.

City Of Boston Sues Trump Administration To Defend Critical Housing And Homelessness Funding

Boston joins a nationwide lawsuit against the Trump Administration to protect $48 million in housing and homelessness prevention funding. Mayor Michelle Wu asserts that the federal government is unlawfully withholding grants unless the city complies with unconstitutional Executive Orders. The lawsuit aims to defend local laws and support systems critical for homeless residents.

Spring 2025 Boston Labor Market Report

Boston's labor force shrank between October 2024 and January 2025, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.2%. Job postings in healthcare industries increased by over 15% during the same period, while postings for computer occupations hit a 10-year low in December 2023.