Featured Government Health & Environment

Hundreds Gather in Front of State House to Demand Reopening the Economy

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Massachusetts State House on Monday afternoon to protest Governor Charlie Baker’s extension of the state’s shutdown to non-essential businesses until May 18th. The leader of the rally was the same who organized Boston’s Straight Pride Parade back in September. Photos from the event can be found below. Read More…

Featured Health & Environment

Masks Mandatory in Public Starting May 6th As Cases Continue to Surge [COVID-19 Weekly Report]

There has been a 37% increase in COVID-19 cases among Boston residents from the previous week, according to the most recent data published by the city health officials. (Approximately 300 new cases reflect data from an earlier period due to lab reporting delays.) The number of positive coronavirus test results for the week ending in Read More…

Event Notices Government

Working During COVID-19: Virtual Coffee Hour with Councilor Lydia Edwards

Join District One City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Chair of the Housing & Community Development Committee and Government Operations Committee, for a virtual coffee hour to discuss and answer questions regarding unemployment, workers’ rights, and safety during COVID-19. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 starting at 10 a.m. and will be streamed on Read More…

Business Featured Food & Drink

City Council Discusses Relief for Restaurants: Liquor Licenses, Reducing Delivery Commission Fees

Restaurants and bars are among those businesses most severely impacted by the government’s COVID-19 shutdown restrictions. Due to physical distancing directives and stay-at-home advisories, restaurants have been forced to transition to pick-up and delivery services only, putting many in jeopardy of never being able to open again. As these businesses are integral to Boston’s neighborhoods Read More…

Featured Government Health & Environment Transportation

Reduced Traffic During Pandemic Prompts Discussion on Creating Safer Streets in Boston

While Boston’s streets have significantly emptied during the current public health crisis, City Councilors Michelle Wu (At-Large) and Liz Breadon (District 9) discussed options for using the reduction in traffic to reallocate street space to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. Many cities across the country have started expanding crowded sidewalks and increased Read More…

Featured Health & Environment

Massachusetts Ramps Up Testing as Cases Rise [COVID-19 Weekly Report]

According to their recent report, the Boston Public Health Commission showed a 46% increase in COVID-19 cases among Boston’s residents from the previous week. The number of positive coronavirus test results in the city for the week ending with April 24th stand at 6,958 with 232 deaths. There were 110 new deaths this week, representing Read More…

Featured Government Health & Environment

Councilor Edwards Addresses Housing During COVID-19: Boston’s Existing Crisis, Tenant/Landlord Rights, Relief Resources

City Councilor Lydia Edwards (District 1) held a virtual “coffee hour” Saturday morning via Facebook Live to discuss housing concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was joined by Joey Michalakes, an attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services, to discuss housing resources and tenant/landlord rights as well as answer questions from residents online. Councilor Edwards, who Read More…

Featured Government Health & Environment

Racial Health Inequities Addressed by City Council in Regard to Ventilator Distribution & ICU Beds

As Boston enters a period of surging COVID-19 cases, the City Council turned their attention toward the allocation of ventilators and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds in the event of limited medical resources. Councilor Ricardo Arroyo (District 5) proposed a hearing to discuss the pre-existing racial health inequities suffered by Boston’s communities of color and Read More…

Featured Food & Drink Government Health & Environment

City Council Discusses Expanding SNAP Benefits for Online & Delivery Services

For Boston residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), gaining access to food has proven even more difficult as stay-at-home advisories and limited transportation options continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. More Bostonians are opting to remain at home during the City’s coronavirus surge, resulting in grocery delivery services no longer having available Read More…

Featured Government Health & Environment

Councilor Campbell Addresses Need for Mental Health Fund During COVID-19 Pandemic

As Bostonians continue to practice physical distancing and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, rising concern around mental health issues being exacerbated by the current situation have been noted by many experts. During their weekly City Council meeting, Councilor Andrea Campbell (District 4) addressed the need to prioritize mental health in the public health response Read More…

Featured Government Real Estate

City Council Explores Rent Relief Options for Tenants in City-Owned & BPDA-Owned Properties

As the coronavirus continues to impact the daily lives of Boston residents, thousands are left experiencing a complete loss or severe reduction of income. The City Council tackled this financial uncertainty during their weekly meeting by hosting a conversation about how the City can offer relief to those suffering during this unprecedented public health crisis. Read More…

Featured Government Health & Environment

Food Insecurity Increases During Coronavirus Pandemic

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to impact the City of Boston, an increase of hoarding food supplies have wiped grocery store shelves clean and left vulnerable residents worried about feeding their families. During their weekly meeting, the City Council addressed the increase in food insecurity among residents and discussed possible solutions. While parts of Eastern Read More…