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The Boston City Council approved a resolution to implement a district-wide “bell-to-bell” policy for mobile phone use in Boston Public Schools. The policy aims to reduce distractions and improve academic performance by limiting personal device usage during school hours. Council members cited evidence linking excessive phone use to negative mental health outcomes among students.
The City of Boston plans to request federal funds to develop 24 affordable housing units at 112 Queensberry Street. The project will consist of a six-story building with units set aside for formerly homeless individuals and families. Public comments on the environmental review are invited until September 30, 2025.
Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened Boston with prosecution and funding cuts unless it repeals its sanctuary policies. Mayor Wu and the City Council affirmed their commitment to protecting immigrant residents and upholding local laws.
Boston's Council approved $602,919 in grants this week to enhance workforce development and youth empowerment initiatives. The funding includes three grants from the Department of Labor for job training services and four from city partners aimed at youth development programs.
Boston will implement parking restrictions and street closures for several events this September. The Newbury Street pedestrian series will run every Sunday from July 13 to September 21, 2025, while the Hare Krishna Procession and Chinatown festivals will also require temporary parking measures.
The Boston City Council passed a resolution designating September 15th to October 15th as Latino Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of Latino communities. This observance honors the diverse histories and cultures that shape Boston, where over 135,000 Latino residents constitute 20% of the population.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the 2025-2026 SPARK Boston Council, a 38-member group aimed at connecting young adults with local government. The council will advise on policies impacting 20- to 35-year-olds and foster civic engagement through various programming. This year, over 450 individuals applied to join the council, reflecting a strong interest in enhancing community involvement.
Boston officials celebrated the opening of Burbank Terrace Apartments, which introduced 27 new income-restricted apartments in the East Fens neighborhood. The project, supported by various public and private partners, transformed a dilapidated parking lot into a seven-story building featuring affordable homes for families earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income.
National Trust President Carol Quillen visited Boston to discuss preservation policies and housing conversions. She emphasized the importance of historic preservation in addressing urban challenges and enhancing community engagement. Quillen advocated for flexible federal tax credits to support housing development in downtown areas.
Boston's historic districts face climate change challenges, including rising sea levels and flooding. The City is implementing measures like dry and wet floodproofing to protect these buildings, with the Bay Village and Fort Point Channel districts leading the way in flood mitigation strategies. The second annual Deployables Day aims to enhance citywide preparedness for storm events.